Two Pangasinan educators recognized
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan: Two educators from Alaminos City were recognized as 2023 Presidential Lingkod Bayan awardees by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for their remarkable achievements and contributions in the field of education.
In two separate resolutions, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Pangasinan commended Dr. Raquel Rivera and Kris Christopher de la Cruz, both master teachers at Alaminos City National High School, for the award bestowed on them by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently.
“It is fit for SP to give due recognition and commendation to Rivera and de la Cruz for their remarkable achievements through their unwavering dedication, exemplary service, and extraordinary contributions to the field of education,” stated in Resolutions 2115 and 2116, series of 2024 authored by SP members Apolonia Bacay, Arthur Celeste and Napoleon Fontelera Jr.
Rivera and de la Cruz are two of the five educators from various areas of the country who were honored in Malacañang on Feb. 14, 2024.
Rivera was recognized for her innovativeness in teaching information-communication technologies and media arts and establishing film clubs that produce short films and won eight major awards in seven international festivals.
De la Cruz, on the other hand, was cited for promoting science research and robotics through the establishment of Science and
Robotics Club that resulted in student-initiated inventions related to agriculture, intelligent aquaponics and hydroponics that won in local and national competition.
Rivera and de la Cruz received a gold medallion, a presidential plaque, and a cash incentive amounting to P200,000. They were also promoted to the next higher position in their respective schools.
In a social media post, Rivera shared the award she received with her students since 2008.
“I have grown with you and I have learned more lessons from you, as a teacher and as an individual. I was also shaped by the times I was given the opportunity to share in your studies,” Rivera said.
“Being a government worker and teacher requires so much love and sacrifices not just to perform the duties well but doing it in the most selfless and excellent service that elevates the status of the community and the future of this country.”
The Honor Awards Program under the CSC grants the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award to those who have made exceptional contributions through innovative ideas or impactful actions of national significance, particularly in the areas of public interest, security, and patrimony.
Through the program, the CSC conducts a yearly nationwide search for exceptional government workers to honor officials and staff who have demonstrated exceptional work performance and ethical behavior.