By Mikee Natinga Norico

Awardees pose for a memorable group photo after receiving their plaques of recognition during the Biennial Honoring Excellence in Teaching and Service Ceremony at the CPU Knowledge for Development Center (KDC), celebrating their dedication, exemplary teaching, and faithful service in nurturing young learners.

Central Philippine University Kindergarten (CPUK) honored its faculty and staff during the Biennial Honoring Excellence in Teaching and Service Ceremony on December 19, 2025, at the CPU Knowledge for Development Center (KDC).

The ceremony served as a celebration of resilience and commitment, particularly in the years following the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic. Despite these difficulties, CPU Kindergarten teachers and staff continued to demonstrate creativity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to nurturing young learners and advancing the university’s mission.

The recognition program aimed to honor faculty and staff who consistently go beyond their teaching and work responsibilities, acknowledge pioneering efforts in syllabus development, inclusive education, and the transformation of learning spaces, and affirm their vital contributions to non-academic functions such as accreditation processes and ISO audits. Awardees were selected through a duly approved scoring matrix to ensure fairness and objectivity, emphasizing faithful service and exemplary performance rather than competition.

Awardees pose for a group photo with university administrators, unit heads, and faculty after receiving their plaques of recognition during the Biennial Honoring Excellence in Teaching and Service Ceremony at the CPU Knowledge for Development Center (KDC), celebrating their dedication and excellence in teaching and service.

The program opened with a prayer led by Praise E. Glory, MED, followed by a devotional message from Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the CPU Office of Communications. Rev. Dr. Jalando-on emphasized that the ceremony was not merely about giving awards but about remembering CPU’s identity as a faith-centered academic community. He underscored that kindergarten education lays the foundation for character and faith formation, drawing inspiration from Scripture and the visions of key CPU leaders such as Rev. Dr. William O. Valentine, Rev. Dr. Francis H. Rose, missionary Anna V. Johnson, and former CPU President Dr. Juanito M. Acanto. He concluded by defining excellence as faithfulness, service, and love, reminding the community that all work is ultimately done for the Lord.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Vice President for Academic Affairs, expressed her joy in celebrating the dedication of kindergarten teachers and staff whose efforts are often taken for granted. She highlighted that excellence in early childhood education is rooted in passion, patience, creativity, and commitment, as teachers help shape both learning and character at an early age. Dr. Junsay encouraged educators to pursue lifelong learning and professional growth, affirming that teaching done for the Lord is never in vain.

The highlight of the event was the awarding ceremony, during which honorees received plaques and certificates as their citations were read. Awards were conferred by Dr. Junsay and April Anne B. Dela Gente, PTGAF President.

The award recipients were:

• Angel Le P. Carcillar-Pagtanac, LPT, recipient of the Faithful Service in Inclusive Education Award, for upholding inclusive, Christ-centered education through equity, compassion, and thoughtful differentiation.
• Krisel Anne F. Fabila, LPT, recipient of the Excellence in Creative and Developmentally Appropriate Instruction Award, for fostering engaging, innovative, and meaningful learning experiences.
• Rhea E. Abalayan, LPT, MMEd, recipient of the Research-Based Syllabus Excellence Award, for enhancing instructional quality through research-based and evidence-informed practices.
• Sunsen L. Guirjem-Casiple, LPT, recipient of the Outstanding Christian Compassion in Teaching Award, for exemplifying empathy, patience, and redemptive guidance in nurturing learners’ well-being.
• Christine T. Getonzo, LPT, recipient of the Professional Responsibility Excellence Award (Timely and Organized Submission), for consistent professionalism and meticulous record-keeping.
• May M. Guillem, recipient of the Professional Responsibility Excellence Award (Outstanding Support Service), for reliable and efficient administrative support.
• Janeria Joy C. Espinosa, RL, recipient of the Professional Responsibility Excellence Award (Excellence in Professional Reliability), for dependability, integrity, and diligence in professional responsibilities.

The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer and benediction by Pastor Louvel Edson L. Caspe, followed by the singing of the CPU Alma Mater and a fellowship among participants.

Through this biennial celebration, CPU reaffirmed its commitment to honoring educators and staff whose excellence in teaching and service reflects the university’s core values of faith, character, justice, stewardship, and excellence—values that continue to shape lives beginning in the earliest years of learning.