Written by: Felix Abelard Embalsado

Gen. Tiburcio De Leon National High School (GTDLNHS) reflected on its accomplishments, current efforts, and future plans while recognizing the people behind its progress through the State of the School Address (SOSA) and Gawad TIBURCIO 2026 on September 10 at the Arbortowne Village Pavilion Hall, Gen. T. De Leon, Valenzuela City.

Carrying the theme “Yesterday’s Legacy. Today’s Resolve. Tomorrow’s Promise,” the SOSA 2026, delivered by Mr. Eddie A. Alarte, principal, gave the school community a chance to look back at the milestones achieved during the previous school year while presenting its current state and the plans that lie ahead.

SOSA: From yesterday’s legacy to tomorrow’s promise

The first part of the address, “Yesterday’s Legacy,” presented the accomplishments of the school during School Year 2025–2026.

The presentation included the school’s history and development, personnel and enrollment data, promotion and dropout rates, quarterly performance across learning areas, literacy and numeracy results, as well as the awards and recognitions received by the school community.

It also featured the different programs, projects, and activities implemented throughout the school year, such as the simultaneous school safety drill, WPS, Akin Ka! Seminar with the Philippine Marines, and many more.

From the accomplishments of the previous year, the presentation moved toward the present through “Today’s Resolve,” which provided an overview of the school for School Year 2026–2027.

The current state of the school was presented through updates on enrollment, personnel, school funds, learning materials, learners’ health, infrastructure, and physical facilities.

Alongside these updates were the school’s current programs, projects, and activities under FINEST in Action, such as various programs offered by student clubs in their designated bloc, and learner-focused approach of teaching.

These efforts were aligned with the Top 5 Priority Areas of DepEd NCR, which serve as the direction for the school’s efforts in strengthening learner participation and retention, improving learning outcomes, developing teachers and school leaders, promoting safe and inclusive learning environments, and strengthening effective and accountable governance.

Looking toward the future, “Tomorrow’s Promise” presented the proposed programs, projects, and activities of the school for School Year 2027–2028 and beyond.

The proposed initiatives aim to continue the gains already achieved while responding to emerging needs and further strengthening the school’s capacity to provide quality and learner-centered education.

Gawad TIBURCIO: Honoring the people behind the progress

While the SOSA highlighted the programs and accomplishments of the institution, the school also recognized the individuals who helped make these achievements possible through Gawad TIBURCIO 2026.

Anchored on the theme “Liwanag ng Kahusayan, Pamana ng Paglilingkod, Tanglaw ng Kinabukasan,” the annual recognition program honored teaching, teaching-related, and non-teaching personnel for their dedication, exemplary performance, innovation, and service to the school.

Congressman Gerald Galang, representative of Valenzuela City’s 2nd Congressional District, as well as Kag. Moises Beltran and Kag. Elaine Manalaysay served as the guest speakers and commended the awardees for their dedication while recognizing the collective efforts of the GTDLNHS community in advancing quality education and public service.

Various personnel from different departments and offices received commendation awards, while outstanding individuals were recognized through achievement awards such as the Parangal sa Walang Liban na Paglilingkod, Natatanging Kawani, Natatanging Gurong Tagapayo, Gawad Akademiko para sa Natatanging Guro, Natatanging Dalubguro, Natatanging Puno ng Kagawaran, Lingkod Paaralan, Gawad Katapatan, and various Special Awards.

The program was spearheaded by the school’s Program on Rewards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee, headed by Mr. Alarte and Ms. Francia F. San Miguel, assistant principal, in collaboration with the school’s department heads and assistant principals-designate.

The highlight of the recognition was the conferment of the Gawad TIBURCIO: Pinakanatatanging Guro ng Taong Panuruan 2025–2026 to Dr. Darryl G. Bayona, Master Teacher I of the Senior High School Department.

Dr. Bayona was recognized for his exemplary performance, leadership, commitment to teaching and learning, and contributions to the school community.

He expressed his gratitude towards every educator in the room. “Naniniwala po ako na deserve nating lahat itong award na ito,” Dr. Bayona stated during his speech.

He succeeded Mr. Edgar F. Cariño, recipient of the same distinction for last School Year 2024–2025.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the Gawad TIBURCIO emblem, followed by its symbolic turnover from Cariño to Bayona.

The moment served as a representation of how excellence and service are passed on from one teacher to another, continuing the legacy of those who have been recognized before.