02/06/2022
𝙈𝙔 𝙀𝘿𝙐𝘾𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝘼𝙇 𝙇𝙀𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙍
Virginia E. Alcantara is the current Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) of San Isidro South District, Division of Davao Oriental. Her performance, character, and services as public servant have molded her to become an empowered educator worthy of emulation.
Dr. Alcantara has been in the service for 34 years. Being an elementary teacher for almost five years from 1993 to 1997, she has shaped her belief that as a teacher one must grow where one is planted.
Having shown exemplary performance through service and dedication towards promoting holistic education for her learners, she was recognized by higher DepEd authorities and got promoted to a school head. Her unwavering achievements led her to become school principal for the succeeding years from 1997 to 2011.
During these times, she had transformed herself from an inspiring teacher to an educational leader. With God’s grace, she became a PSDS in 2011. She’s been in the position for more than 20 years.
During the course of being a PSDS, she spearheaded some of the major changes in schools within the scope of San Isidro South District.
She aided the conversion of what is now known as Tirso Arguilles Elementary School, previously from a simple community primary school. She also initiated the opening of the Indigenous People School, now NASA Elementary School. She also provided support for the new Talisay National High School, and currently on the verge of converting Jose P. Laurel Elementary School to an Integrated School.
Dr. Alcantara’s educational leadership was put to test when pandemic began. She had to address various problems arising in schools within the district such as the welfare and health safety of teachers, staff and learners, the closure of schools, and the need for an effective mechanism for learners’ continuous learning. She organized curricula, non-curricula staff to facilitate DepEd programs and projects especially during the pandemic.
Through the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP), she managed to cascade the necessary plans for the whole school year, and successfully implemented the plans vis-à-vis close monitoring and evaluation of schools operation.
Now that a new dawn has emerged post-pandemic, the re-opening of classes has brought so much joy to the learners and teachers of San Isidro South District. Unfortunately, only limited face-to-face classes are implemented in the district, and the need to reach those learners residing in distant communities is a must. Thus, San Isidro South District has been brewing a new project, production of video lessons and bringing these at the doorsteps of the learners.
At 63, Dr. Alcantara believes that the real meaning of educational leadership centers on enlisting and guiding the talents and energies of teachers, pupils, and parents toward achieving common educational aims.
She always reiterates that success is not measured by the length of service rendered; it is with the quality of plans and decisive actions which make a difference and positive change within the San Isidro South District. After all, a true service to others is timeless.
By Lester B. Argawanon
