SPECIAL ISSUE
PLUS Acrostic p.7
Testimonies p.11
The Hero in Him p.13
Accomplishments
A Charioteer of Change
p.14
Awards and Recognitions p.16
PAGE 18
Do and Be Better Each Day with a Sense of Urgency
Exclusive Interview
In Retrospect PAGE 5 FAT HE R
TEACHER
Lunch Date with Superman PAGE 8 S DS
ARD
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VALERIA FIDES G. CORTEZA Editor-In-Chief VICTORIA D. MANGASER CHRISTINE Y. GUINACARAN Associate Editors-In-Chief
JOVIE R. CRUZ Journalism Focal Person-Secondary/Layout Artist CHRISTOPHER C. KINGCO Journalism Focal Person-Elementary GILBERT B. ZAMORA Editorial Cartoonist COLLIN C. CASAS ELEANOR L. JALONFRANCISCO RALPH BRIAN D. RODRIGUEZ MARY ANN G. AMAGAN JASON V. CHAVEZ BENMER F. MOHAMMAD ALJANNA S. SARAL ROGELYN S. USIN SHERYL C. LIBRERO LINA D. BASTASA JESSIBEL R. GARCIA KHIEMNICK A. BIALEN DHARLEANNE JANE S. SINGCO JASON P. MARCIAL REBECCA F. FAUSTO Writers/Contributors CONSULTANT MILDRED D. DAYAO, Ph. D. (Chief, CID)
PEDRO MELCHOR. M. NATIVIDAD, CSEE Assistant Schools Division Superintendent OIC, Schools Division Superintendent B u s i n e s s M a g a z i n e | A p r i l 2 0 11
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CO N T E N T S THE UPDATER 4 In Retrospect Do and Be Better Each Day with a Sense of Urgency
7 Acrostic PEDRO MELCHOR, forever inspiring and a name beyond compare!
8 Exclusive Interview Lunch Date with Superman
11 Testimonies An Affirmation of Pedro’s dedication in the field of Educatiom
13 The Hero in Him SDS during the Zamboanga Siege
14 Accomplishments Changes in the Department of Educatiom, Zamboanga City Division
16 Awards In recognition of his invaluable contribution in Education
18 Digging Deeper PM: A Charioteer of Change
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DO AND BE BETTER EACH DAY WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY: IN RETROSPECT - Ralph Brian D. Rodriguez
The walls were mural paintings. The corridors were little gardens. The entire room was filled with cork boards and drawings, letter cutouts of famous lines and sayings, of dwarfs hiding beneath mushrooms and artificial marigold and sunflowers placed atop chocolate-colored cabinets. These were just a few of the things my eyes rested upon, as far as my mind can remember, during my first day as a public school teacher. My eyes continued to scan the new territory. Eager to play the spot-thenot game, I stumbled upon a profound statement, something I never read before, in paper cut-out of layered blue and lemon cartolina,
stretching across the newly-painted classroom wall. It was a statement full of meaning and substance which changed my views and perspective towards the only thing I think I know doing---teaching. “Do and Be Better Each Day with a Sense of Urgency”. This 9-word statement was the exact statement I read four years ago. The words which have been my guide. The words which have become the pushing force of every teacher in the division of Zamboanga City. The words of Pedro Melchor A. Natividad, Schools Division Superintendent, for everyone. Looking into the surface, one can say that for a teacher, to be
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called such, simply means just going to school everyday to teach, nothing more, nothing less. But going to school to teach with the desire to be better every day is another thing. Then again, in a deeper sense, going to school to teach with a desire to be better every day and doing it all with a sense of urgency is one big thing. Doing everything, with a sense of urgency, yields better results. It opens doors for concrete improvements and tangible progresses. It completely changes the landscape and paints a more meaningful portrait of a teacher’s sense of purpose in his workplace. In a world of Herculean tasks, beat-the-deadline conundrums and in a system of never-ending pressure and stress from superiors, co-workers and students, happy and fulfilled are those who work with tenacity in their hearts to accomplish tasks head-on because they see the need for a
certain thing to be done. It is in doing things with urgency that the system of mediocrity changes into something excellent and topnotch. Needless to say, it is with urgency too, that the blemished name of the department for its dark sides of laziness and bigotry, will be transformed into a sector known for its people who work hand-in-hand to attain a specific vision for everyone. It is with urgency that a task is realized in full and that dreams come true. There have been many days crafted for us to change how we see and do things but still opted to not respond to the demands of time and standards. As we tread another day in our respective posts, we are encouraged to live by the words “Do Better Each Day with a Sense of Urgency”-- a perfect reminder that all great things happen when one chooses to work with that ‘extra drive and
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push’ in their hearts and minds. A clear shout-out for every teacher who dreams of a better tomorrow not only for his students but for the country they live in. The walls are still mural paintings, except that the colors are now subdued and pale. The gardens are still gardens, except for some wilted plants which need to be replaced. Everything had changed but one thing did not. That profound statement I once read years ago is still on the wall, now in layers of periwinkle and blue, still echoing the division’s call to always choose to be better every day and to do things with a sense of urgency, no matter what happens, no matter what the circumstances may be. I watched from the window of my room. A new teacher is in sight.
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- Sheryl C. Librero
#PEDROMELCHOR O – OUTSTANDING Pete is conspicuously excellent and exceptional. He effortlessly shimmers and consistently achieves greater heights in this fast-perplexing world.
P – POWERFUL Pete possesses the strength and qualities to achieve a desired result. He puts forth a lot of influence over the teachers, administrators and supervisors for the welfare of Zamboanga City Division.
M - MELODIOUS With Pete’s harmonious voice…all of us are mesmerized. He sings like professional singer. And whenever you hear him sing you will get a feeling of hallucination.
E – ENTHUSIASTIC Pete shows passionate interest or eagerness in everything he does. His energy continuously C – CLEVER sparks inspite of tremendous Pete demonstrates high challenges. mental agility and creativity in a showy or superficial way. Being a L – LIKABLE good-natured is a consistent perE – EFFECTIVE Pete is pleasant and friendly sonality trait. Pete produces favorable and therefore easy to be liked not impression on people. He believes only by his families and friends but H –HANDSOME that the greatest legacy he could also strangers and even enemies. Pete is attractive… who give is giving his heart and soul to could deny? With his good-lookevery deed he undertakes. ing facial features anyone will be easily magnetized with his charm. D – DEVOTED Pete is a loving and committed O – ORIGINAL father. He ensures good future for Pete is a creative person. With his children and treasures almost his innovative ideas, he standeveryone like his own family and out as Zamboanga City Division’s sees beyond their imperfections. inventive thinker. R – RECEPTIVE Pete is willing to accept opinions of others. He involves his people in every decision he does.
R – RESOURCEFUL Pete is ingenious and inventive. He is full of initiative and good at problem-solving especially in difficult situations. Soaring high is his business. Updater B u s i n e s s M a g a zThe ine | A pSpecial r i l 2Issue 0 11
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LU N C H D AT E W I T H SPIDER MAN INTERVIEW - Collin Casas
Apprehensions distressed my mind before I sat down face to face with the Man of the Hour – SUPERMAN. Several questions embattled my mind like: Am I ready to have this interview? What if I messed up my questions and just become tongue-tied? Would he just be “cool” enough with the out-of-this-world, naughty queries I would ask him?...
I want to be rememb e r e d more as a person of Organizational, Cultural change, a Visionary, Inspirational Leader … a forerunner of weeding out indolence, passivity, and mediocrity in the system we live in.
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SECTION NAME My mind nudged me to call off from assuming the task for this beat. Good thing, I did not give in to my fears. Instead, I mustered some nerves to have a sit-down interview over lunch with Sir Pedro “Pete” Melchor M. Natividad (of course with the Updater Staff and two of the beautiful women (with a heart) - in the Deped Division office – Dr. Valeria Fides B. Corteza and Dr. Vicky Dagalea Mangaser.) I was overjoyed that I had the courage to finally meet and have tete-a-tete with the famous personality in the Department of Education – Division of Zamboanga City… Talking with Pedro Melchor “Pete” Natividad was one exceptional experience I had in my 19 years of teaching. I am greatly elated with the fact that I had that one chance of my life to directly feel his seemingly – overpowering presence – not confined in the corners of his respected office, but in a place where the glittering stretch of alluring pink sands of Las Islas de Sta Cruz, which became the witness of that fun and carefree chitchats. His warm, caring, funny and bubbly personality filled the breezy air. Everyone around was in awe – it seemed like words left us – oh not… in fact, it was his presence that struck us dumbfounded… everyone around me and Sir Pete just stood there – so QUIET waiting who gets to break the ice, first... Okay then… CAUTION for the Readers. This article is not meant to show you the usual and typical persona of our beloved Sir Pete. Rather, this is all about showing you the Other Facade of Pedro Melchor M. Natividad. Hence, there might be some facts which would probably surprise, if not shock, you. :-D *** Updater: Hi, Sir. Better morning. I am Collin Casas. I am doing this interview for the Special Issue of The Updater. Hence, this issue would then be one of your memorabilia to us – to the world of Education., specifically your ZC Division DepEd Family. Sir Pete: Better morning, too. Updater: Sir, how do you want to be remembered? as an ordinary person? as a leader? Sir Pete: I want people to remember me as that jolly, joker, down-to-earth person. But I want to be remembered more as a person of Organizational, Cultural change, a
Visionary, Inspirational Leader … a forerunner of weeding out indolence, passivity, and mediocrity in the system we live in. I want to see men and women of action, those who are passionate about their job, about their mission in molding young minds to become better individuals someday. I want to see people who have greater visions for one’s selves and for the young minds. In fact, I want to see good relationships exist among teachers, as well as between teachers and school heads. In turn, a teacher-friendly and student-friendly school exists in every institution of learning. Topping it all, Empowerment is the key. Empowerment of human resources, human resources transformation – and that is an intangible, enduring, more lasting Change. Updater: Where would you want to be when you retire from office? Sir Pete: I see myself spending more time with family, at the same time, establish a foundation, an educational institution. Updater: Paint us a picture of your life as a retiree. Sir Pete: I am enjoying my retirement in a rainforest farm – an 8 hectares farm, that cool and quiet abode of my farm. When the facilities of the rest house are finally done, I shall invite you there. Updater: Juice or Water Sir Pete: Water. I love drinking water. It quenches thirst better than juice. Updater: What do you usually wear at home, sir? Sir Pete: Boxers. I feel most comfortable in my boxers. Updater: That Worst thing about being Pedro Melchor Natividad is..? Sir Pete: Temperamental Updater: Hashtag of your life now… Sir Pete: #love .. I love my life. I love what happens in my life now. My life is so much filled with Love. Updater: Sex or Chocolates Sir Pete: SEX…Ask me, How often? Three Times a day. SEX for me stands for: Spiritual fitness – you have to have a personal relationship with God – go to church and have a prayer life. To be spiritually fit, we need to pray. That is the only way to breathe out our cares for
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the day, after a long, tiring day. At the end of the day, Prayer is one way to recharge my self. Eat proper, balanced diet – Health is Wealth. eXercise daily – One has to be Holistically fit in life. To achieve this, I engage my self in regular Physical, Mental and Emotional exercises. These matter much for one to be really fit. Updater: Best time for quiet moments Sir Pete: 10 to 12pm. This is the best moments to reflect the day’s undertakings. Updater: favorite main course dish Sir Pete: SeEfood. I eat any food I see. Updater: If you were an SUV car, what would you be? Sir Pete: Land Cruiser ( on and off the road) Just as the Land Cruiser is powerful, dependable and capable of going anywhere – on and off the road – and so I see my self : I can always adapt to any situation and conditions I am faced with. Updater: One thing u fear most Sir Pete: I only fear God. I fear nothing, even Death. Updater: One thing you always bring with you. Sir Pete: Lord of Pardon (got it from his wallet and showed everyone his constant Companion). This is the most precious thing I always carry with me. Having this with me gives me that renewed strength every single day I am faced with, because I know I have Him always near me. Updater: What one Place would you love to visit with your loved ones? Sir Pete: Rome. I would love to see for myself the influential arts, architecture, the ancient ruins and explore Rome’s culture. Of course, I would love to experience how it feels to be in the physical and spiritual seat of the Roman Catholic Church.
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TESTIMONIES AN AFFIRMATION MILDRED D. DAYAO, ED.D The journey of a thousand days of labor and seemingly insurmountable tasks is made easier when someone is willing to help and guide---when someone is there to accompany to weather the storms and walk through the rainbows. Being at the Division Office has taught me a number of values which have molded the person I am today and these values, I have personally learned and seen from Sir Pete. To the ‘brains and brawns’ of the Division of Zamboanga City, no words will ever equal how grateful I am to have been given the chance to work with you. This journey has instilled in me that everything becomes easy when you’re with people who bring out the best in you.
ROSALIO B. CONTURNO JR., PHD Sir Pete has taught me that we have to work hard for the things we aspire and dream about---that we have to work to the best of what we are given, not to boast of what we know but to do what is entrusted of us. He has become an inspiration to everyone and has taught that a life of success is never measured with degrees or achievements nor with the number of times one has been catapulted to the top; instead, it is measured by the number of times we have touched and changed the lives of people around us. Thank you sir Pete for everything.
VALERIA FIDES G. CORTEZA, PHD No words will ever be enough to express how much I am thankful to Mr.SDS for all the countless opportunities for learning and growth. He is always inspiring people to be great and be better versions of them, treating people with charm and wit, expressing his thoughts with just the right amount right amount of tenacity and humor. All these I learned from him. He will always be someone I will look up to. In a world full of pretentions and mediocrity, someone like sir Pete will come to you and tell you that ‘you’re better than that’. B u s i n e s s M a g a z i nThe e |Updater A p r iSpecial l 2 0 1Issue 1
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THE HERO IN HIM
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- Aljanna Saral
THE UPDATER Sporadic firing… Fear... Hope… When we were deciding as to who will write the article about the unforgettable event of September 9, 2013, I never hesitated to volunteer. Who could better recount what transpired on those days but from the victim herself? Yes, I was one of the victims of the Zamboanga Seige. It was in my childhood place where the conflict started, where houses were burned down or if not covered with bullet holes, where fears crippled our peaceful hearts and dreams started to dim. But this article is neither about me nor what happened from the first day of the siege until the end. This is about the man who unselfishly cared for us, who extended his help in all possible ways he could to ensure that we teachers were never forgotten amidst the conflict. A day after the siege started, OIC-SDS ordered the suspension of all classes and that all schools would remain close to ensure the safety of teachers and students. BSP Wood Badge holders and some BSP troop leaders of Zamboanga City Council assisted in the distribution of relief goods to the evacuees and provide additional manpower in public schools used as evacuation centers. It was when the setting-up of operation at DepEd Putik District Office when I had the chance to personally talk with the man who generously and unselfishly helped us. “Ta
llama yo kun Perdausia (my sister) na cp, hinde le ta contesta. Ta pensa yo kun Sir Roy, nuevo lang kel ya quema el casa, ara yan gera pa”, was his first line. It was that line that made me realize that indeed, he truly cares for his fellowmen. He then instructed me to pick clothes that my family can use. The OIC-SDS met with the 266 teachers at ZCHS Main to talk about the Teachers’ Role in Crisis Management and Recovery Plan. He defined the critical areas and areas to be used as evacuation centers. He also led the flag raising ceremony at the Division Office with the banner hanged with the words “Huwag po kaming idamay sa anumang kaguluhan” translated into different dia-
lects. Teachers who were victims of the conflict were given monetary assistance, school supplies, household things and free uniform cloths. Trauma healing was conducted for teachers and pupils. Thank you will never be enough for the man who we lookup as our Superman.
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I N I T I AT I V E S A S S D S Anchored on the Department of Education’s thrust to deliver quality education, several initiatives have been implemented in Zamboanga City Schools Division. These are schemes done focused on developing and sustaining the necessary skills needed by the learners and their teachers to obtain our goal.
These are various initiatives implemented in the division.
CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION DIVISION
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SCHOOL GOVERNANCE DIVISION
FIRST EVER IN DIVISION
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City-Wide Simultaneous Institutional District Camp
Mas Alegre na Escuela
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P M : A C H A R I OT E E R
OF CHANGE
- Chris Kingco
WORK PLACE
His words are powerful. His actions are supernatural. He may not be perfect, but he assures everything is perfect. He frequently speaks; he is an eloquent speaker and even a persuader. Pedro Melchor M. Natividad, “Sir Pete” as called by many, a sailor of transformation, a mirror of hope.
learn and to grow. Lucky we are cause we got a chance to talk to the most prominent person in our division, the living proof of what we have defined ‘struggle’ and ‘success’. “It was not that easy to be where I am now. Getting here was a bumpy ride. I faced different challenges in the different situations. I experienced to fight alone with what I stand. I sometimes ended myself defending without people behind supporting. It’s tough! But I believe for what I believe is right especially when I think it is beneficial for many,” an inspiring statement from Sir Pete himself that filled our hearts with admiration to his determination.
Just like anyone, before we have reached the peak of triumph, someone must overcome the series of obstacles and pile some weapons of experiences to deal life in an unexpected battle. Yes, sometimes, we won the fight and lost the combat. But no matter what happens, the important thing is… we blow our bows, we never surrender and we conquer our fear. That makes sense of dealing life to its purpose – to
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We have known Sir Pete for being a diplomat of education in our division and we can all attest to that. But how did he start his career as catalyst in molding young minds? Natividad, who is a native of Isabela City, liked to see himself as a lawyer but due to some problems in the pocket, he ended up pleasing his father to take agriculture in college. “… but I learn to love my course and agriculture itself,” uttered Sir Pete as he explained how he used what he had learned from his bachelor’s degree. Thinking of how he wants to share the learning that he gained, Sir Pete woke up one day with a realization that he wants to try his luck in the arena of teaching, he considered the idea of taking Profession Education Curriculum (PEC) at Western Mindanao State University and laid his excellence in the class. This career move opens a wide door for him to be in the world of education. A ‘calling’ he describes and a ‘vocation’ he defines. After the completion of the professional course, PM went back to his hometown to get some experience in teaching and plans
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The best way to success is when you continue pushing your boat forward without congesting yourself at your limits. went well as he was offered a sub- Year 2011 marks another history… stitute item in one of the schools another pace of challenges and in the city. opportunities… another door to open and embrace… PM Years after, he decided to was assigned to be the Officergo back to Zamboanga for another In-Charge of Zamboanga City career race where he grabbed an Division which brought exciteopportunity to edify students as ment to the hearts of many for college professor at the Institute another supremacy, management of Physical Education, Sports and and ‘change’. Change for the best! Cultural Affairs or (IPESCA) at Change for upgrading the system! WMSU for several years. Here, he showed his enthusiasm and ver- Building with the motto satility in teaching recreation and “Do and Be Better Each Day sports. PM believes in the impor- with a Sense of Urgency” gave a tance good health and engaging clear picture on his advocacy in in sports is the best way to main- the division, to be always better tain a healthy mind. He served his today than of yesterday in any alma mater for a number of years aspects and in any situations. sealed with zest and dedication. He turned every public school into a more child-friendly insti The best way to success is tution for delivering quality eduwhen you continue pushing your cation to the learners dubbed as boat forward without congest- ‘Mas Alegre na Eskwela’. Teachers ing yourself at your limits. This and Administrators’ recognition motivates him to accept another matters to him ‘cause he believes offer to cross the threshold of that giving them importance the Department of Education as is like rendering a salute to the one of the competent supervi- heroes of this nation, leading to sors in Zamboanga City Division. the first Division Teachers’ Month Due to his persistence, his leader- celebration and first GALA Awards ship was known and requested to Night. But these are few of the take higher position as Assistant Schools Division Superintendent in the Division of Pagadian City. Without hesitation, he applied and accepted the opportunity to expand his horizon not just teaching but this time in administration and leadership. Eventually, he seated as ASDS to some of the divisions in Region IX.
‘firsts’ he did for the division. Many programs, projects and plans came to realize because of hard work and initiative of the man we usually called ‘Sir Pete’, a fellow with vision and passion to his work. With his dedication, teachers in the field keep motivated to do better and be better, which leaves trust and confidence amongst us, that we have a man who stands behind us. Yes, he is not as strong as superhero but his words are indeed powerful, enough to move mountains and convince everyone to achieve beyond the perimeter of success. He is a constant reminder to peal the change and pack the zeal for the division to have a sincerity of worth and seriousness of purpose. Truly, he is indeed a CHARIOTEER of what we call ‘CHANGE’.
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M E S S A G E S ????
