The annual search for Most Outstanding Public School Teacher Award (MOPSTA) of the Rotary Club of West Cagayan de Oro (RCWest) awarded Luzviminda P. Tirol, a Grade 1 teacher of San Antonio Elementary School in Ozamiz City, as the Most Outstanding Teacher during a ceremony held last June 18 at The VIP Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. Members of the Rotary Club of West Cagayan de Oro honored public school teachers together with officials of the Department of Education, headed by DepEd regional director Luz S. Almeda, and benefactors of the MOPSTA.
Ms. Tirol received a cash award of P50,000 and a trophy as the most outstanding public school teacher out of the 15 nominees endorsed by the various DepEd school divisions of Northern Mindanao. Past president and chairman of the MOPSTA program, Armando “Mandy” Tarayao, also declared the other winners as 1st runner-up: Hazel R. Balan, a science teacher of Gingoog City Comprehensive High School, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, who received a cash award of P25,000 and trophy; and 2nd runner-up: Ellen N. Delante, a special education teacher of Malaybalay City Central School, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (P15,000) plus additional cash award of P5,000 recognizing her efforts in Special Education. The school of Ms. Tirol was also awarded a unit of desktop computer with LCD screen while schools with runners-up received wall fans. The four other finalists received a certificate of participation and a consolation prize of P4,000 each. The remaining eight nominees each received a certificate of participation and a consolation prize of P1,000 each.
Original supporter and benefactor of MOPSTA are the family and heirs of the late Mayor Justiniano R. Borja through the Gigi V. Borja Endowment Fund. Justice Romulo V. Borja represented the heirs – Mrs. Cecilia Borja-Chiongbian and Mrs. Christine Borja-Sagarbarria., in the ceremonies. Justice Borja, a past president of RCWest, spoke of the high regard that the late Mayor Borja had for public school teachers and read a portion of his book dedicated to teachers. [Past President Eileen E. San Juan]
