Retirement Principle: Off the Service, In the Service

To retire then what? That is the question what I have to answer. What should be my plan? It hurts to say goodbye to those persons whom I have served for several years which our companionship and camaraderie are well established. We're just brothers and sisters that we belong to one family. Sooner or later, I could adjust to a private life. No one to serve but my family, my children, my wife, and of course the Lord.

There is an adopted saying and I quote, "Once a teacher is always a teacher". How I wish I could personally relate this oft-quoted saying. I officially retired last October 14, out of diligent and faithful 25-year service to the Department of Education (DepEd) as a classroom teacher  in 2 schools, and a school principal of 6 schools.

I am deeply honored to work with the DepEd for 25 years. I was elated for the tribute which my teachers in my last school assignment given me. In short video presentation they've created, it defines me of who I am. It certainly describes me - "a loving husband, a caring father, a good friend, a determined leader."

My wife and I had maintained a faithful married life for 44 years. I hadn't failed my sons and daughters of rearing them up to the "nurture and admonition of the Lord." I am a person who keeps a friend and loyal to them. For 25 years, God knows how I worked and dealt my teachers who were under me, and how I discharged my duties and responsibilities as educational leader.

To God Be the Glory

I am proud that we did well in Balabag Elementary School as far as school performance is concered. The school received the seal of excellence as for two consecutive years. Also the parents had brought the school to limelight for garnering the championship award on the Mothers' Nutri Quiz for two consecutive years.

Former DepEd Undersecretary Rey Laguda issued a certificate of recognition for my invaluable service to LIS and to be involved in the formulation of Electronic Class Record (ECR).

He further expressed gratefulness of a small job I have contributed to the DepEd for a short time that we've keeping in touch with each other. This is what he writes:

Thank you for the unwavering dedication to education service to those in need! From the short time I have had the chance to see your work and posts, I am impressed by your enthusiasm to embrace change and learn new things. May you continue to inspire others to be more, do more for others.

The admins in LIS Helpdesk led by Sir Jonathan Diche had also expressed their gratefulness for my active involvement in LIS. He posted an informatic to DepEd ICT Coordinators FB page (text written in Pilipino [Tagalog].

Likewise, Mam Eda Fabale Ponsaran, Admin of TAGA DEPED AKO REGION VI (Western Visayas) Facebook Page has something to say about me in Filipino:

The Making of a School Head

I am emotionally touched for leaving my last school, Balabag Elementary School though I was serving there for more than 2 years. My wife assured me that I have still a time if I want to visit the school anytime. I was a bit relieved for she's right. My wife was very supportive of me especially when it regards to my school work.

Cainaman Elementary school was my first school as a teacher. Then former Schools Division Superintender Quiton transferred me to the central school, La Carlota City South Elementary School I (LCSES I) and tapped my writing expertise as the Division Information Officer (DIO).

Several years later, SDS Norma Dorone called me up to go back to Cainaman Elementary School as a School Head for my former School Head Vicente Mental had retired. I assumed the office of the SH for nearly four years until I was promoted to School Principal.

My second school assignment and my first school to be assigned as a school principal was Salamanca Elementary School. Then I was transferred to my second school, YUbo Elementary School, a big school with 18 teachers to supervise and more than 500 pupils to administer.

Nagasi Elementary School was my third school assignment as a school principal. I may consider it as a big school too with 17 teachers to manage. Then three years later, I was transferred to Cubay Elementary School as my fourth school with 13 teachers. And Balabag Elementary School with another 14 teachers with more than 300 pupils to take care, was my 6th school of assignment and even my last school to supervise as a school principal.

My Determination: Off the Service, Still in Service

Some members of the DepEd ICT Coordinators FB page which I created to address the issues and problems on Learner Information System (LIS) of the teachers and school administrators have expressed regret that I would be retiring from the service and they've assumed that I wouldn't take care anymore the DICT Coordinators FB Page. I told them that I wouldn't leave the page. I would still be available. They could still have my service.

This is the same message I have relayed to the Balabag Elementary School teachers. I am no longer in the service, but in case they need my help. I would still be around. It is not easy to forget them right away especially that we're like friends. We have worked together for the pupils, for the school, and for the community.

I am still here for I was once a teacher, I would always be a teacher. I was once a school principal; I would always be a school principal.

"Goodbye Tension. Hello Pension" goes the retirement slogan. Mine is different. Hello family and we could always together be! We believe that family can be together forever. So be it!