Outstanding teachers in Negros Occidental were recognized during the Department of Education’s Seal of Excellence awards.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and DepEd-Western Visayas director Gemma Ledesma led the rites today, December 28.
In his speech, Lacson said that the most part of 2020 was overwhelming, and at some point, vicious and consuming.
“It tested mankind in ways that were never known before. However, if there is any comforting prospect brought about by this crisis, is the fact that it was able to show the kind of fortitude humanity is capable of,” he said.
He recalled that in April this year, face to face classes were suspended in the country, and that the educational system was thrust into an unknown and complex situation. “The old challenges were further aggravated by the new difficulties brought about by the pandemic,” he said.
He stressed that online and modular learning came to fore out of necessity.
“The educational system had no choice but to step up regardless of the readiness, both of the learners and the schools. Education must continue one way or another, and children must be protected from COVID-19 at all costs,” he said.
He added, “given these, it was our school’s teaching and non-teaching personnel who took the cudgels to ensure that education continues and that learning shall not stop for the millions of students. In our case, for the hundreds of thousands of Negrense students.”
He lauded all the teaching and non-teaching personnel of DepEd Negros Occidental, and the awardees for their service.
“I know that you are fully cognizant of the vital importance of quality education, particularly for those who have less and the underprivileged. Please know that I am aware of the struggles and difficulties you have to go through to make our modular and online learning work,” he told the teachers.
He said the recognition to the teachers “will give the support and encouragement needed especially in this difficult time, they deserve this accolade.”
The province will always be ready to support the endeavors of the Division, he added.*