10/02/2026
BIG BANG! North High educators ignite stellar triumphs at 3rd quarter North Star Awards
Beneath a velvet sky that seemed to mirror its own constellation of achievers, DepEd Tayo-Luis Y. Ferrer, Jr. North NHS General Trias City (LYFJNNHS) gathered at Carasuchi Villa Garden, Indang, Cavite on February 6, 2026, for the 3rd Quarter North Star Awarding Ceremony – a night devoted to purpose, precision, and the kind of steady brilliance that helps a community navigate by true north.
In an inspirational message, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ivan Brian Inductivo, CESO VI drew a powerful parallel between leadership and Polaris. “Always look at the North Star for guidance,” he urged, noting that while it isn’t the brightest, it is the most constant – “the one that never changes its place,” a beacon for service that leads communities forward.
The program’s orbit expanded with insights from Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) Ms. Arlene Malabanan Hernandez and Education Program Supervisor (EPS) in Values Education Dr. Rizal Vidallo, whose messages reinforced the evening’s theme: progress is sustained not by meteoric flashes but by the disciplined gravity of consistency, collaboration, and care for learners.
Across the ceremony, school leaders, partners, and educators reflected on a quarter’s journey – small, steady acts of excellence aligning like stars into patterns of genuine improvement in classrooms, offices, and communities. The message was unmistakable: when every unit shines with purpose, the whole galaxy glows.
Crowning the constellation of honorees were Outstanding Master Teacher Erwin A. Asugui, Outstanding Teacher Gigi Lyn Valerio Aticaldo, and Outstanding Council Head Elena S. Rosales – luminaries whose daily orbits have tangibly elevated teaching, mentoring, and governance at North High.
In leadership, the Leadership Excellence Award recognized Erwin A. Asugui for exemplary integrity and influence – proof that true leaders don’t merely burn bright; they help others find their bearings.
For exemplary service that keeps systems humming and students thriving, the Service Excellence Award honored Janet G. Asis, Erwin A. Asugui, Elena S. Rosales, Elmer P. Casajeros, and Marites T. Timana – professionals known for reliability, responsiveness, and a culture of care.
Operational stars shone in administration, with the Administrative Excellence Award presented to Jeroel E. Papa and Angelica S. Panganiban for accuracy, timeliness, and compliance that ensure every policy translates into practice.
Teams thrive when support is steady as a satellite’s orbit; the Team Support Excellence Award celebrated Edwin P. Santos, Kristine R. Carlon, Vergie D. Paredes, Nancy S. Reyes, Joyce Anne A. Ambata, Joy Ann M. Banning, Jenah S. Aniban, Edna A. Mari, Genesis D. Montaño, and Jogelyn Vilareal for elevating programs, activities, and day-to-day operations through quiet, dependable collaboration.
Professional stature also took center stage: Model of Professionalism Award honoree Arsenio C. Dagundon exemplified ethical conduct and collegial leadership, while the Department Support Award cited Lea M. Dasas, Arlan R. Palugar, Alfred P. Borazon, Benjamin Jr. A. Bodiit, and Chinkee Mae A. Dechavez for behind-the-scenes constellations of help that make teaching and learning seamless. In quality systems, Angel P. Macarandang earned the QMS Excellence Award for strengthening compliant, learner-centered processes.
Teaching brilliance radiated across grade levels. The Teaching Excellence Award recognized a galaxy of mentors: Rosalie E. Medes, Irine D. Macalindong, Alain C. Castor, Kimberly Del Mundo, Khristine R. Carlon, Elmer P. Casajeros, Inky Jane E. Latumbo, Sisa E. Ebillo, Mary Joyce C. Galos, Joyce Ann A. Ambata, Chinkee Mae A. Dechavez, Via Faye M. Porto, Ferdinand A. Buenaventura, Ginalyn M. Cabudoy, Kimberly Rose E. Manipud, Reynaldo F. Galos, Gigi Lyn V. Aticaldo, and Erwin A. Asugui.
Partnerships formed the school’s nebula of shared purpose. The Community Partnership and Learning Environment Award honored Babeth G. Casajeros, Zenaida A. Ayson, Kimberly E. Manipud, Ana Claire R. Bataller, and Nadinne M. Mogol for mobilizing resources and goodwill that tangibly improved student experiences.
Driving whole-of-school initiatives, PPA Champion Award honorees Babeth G. Casajeros, Marites C. Timana, Edwin P. Santos, Chrismy B. Almonacid, Janet G. Asis, Via Fhaye M. Porto, Kristine R. Carlon, and Ginalyn M. Cabudoy stood out for advocacy and sustained implementation. The PPA Implementer Award recognized Kevin P. Butil, Margie L. Rodriguez, Romeo J. Dolor, Jr., and Liezel D. Globio for disciplined ex*****on aligned with the School Improvement Plan.
Where academic “galaxies” perform in orbit together, departments and councils shined. Best Performing Department laurels went to MAPEH, English, and ESP; the Performing Council citation hailed Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, and Grade 10 as models of targets met through collaborative stewardship. Classrooms ascended, too: Most Improved Classroom honorees included 7–Ephesians, 7–Hebrews, Empathy, and 10–Fairness.
The school also celebrated professional growth trajectories – Project STREAMLINE Advocates Jogelyn A. Villaroel, Arla Renz P. Palugar, Margie L. Rodriguez, Inky Jane Latumbo, Jherlynne Sulit, Gigi Lyn V. Aticaldo, and Elena S. Rosales; reclassifications under ERF (including Elena S. Rosales, Gigi Lyn V. Aticaldo, Vergie D. Paredes, Marites C. Timana, Kevin P. Butil, Edna Mari A. Mari, Larry F. Cajelo, Elmer P. Casajeros, Khristine R. Carlon, Nancy S. Reyes, Christopher V. Pegollo, Ferdinand A. Buenaventura, Via Fhaye M. Porto, Arsenio C. Dagundon, Reynaldo F. Galos, Mary Joyce C. Galos), and under ECP (Ginalyn M. Cabudoy, Sisa E. Ebillo, Joy Ann M. Banning, Anna Ruby O. Garcia, Inky Jane E. Latumbo, Irine D. Macalindong, Lyca Vanesa L. Neo, Liezel Deliva Globio, Joyce Ann A. Ambata). The roll of MA in Education completers – Kimberly M. Del Mundo, Rosalie E. Medes, Joy Ann M. Banning, Lea M. Dasas, Joyce Ann A. Ambata – highlighted sustained scholarly pursuit.
Longevity anchored the constellation’s center of gravity: 10 Years in Service honorees Vergie D. Paredes, Chrismy B. Almonacid, Kimberly Rose E. Manipud, Joanalyn T. De Guzman, Ryan Edel S. Abueg, Archie C. Dagundon, and Alain C. Castor joined 5 Years in Service awardees Victor V. Matipo, Leonila S. Arcueno, Emely T. Matipo, and Myra B. Paulino in reminding the community that excellence is a marathon paced by commitment.
From the principal’s desk came heartfelt applause. “Our awardees are the school’s guiding lights,” said Dr. Naneth S. Panganiban - Salvador, North High Principal. “Your steady brilliance – day after day—turns plans into performance and aspirations into outcomes for our learners.”
Dr. Inductivo echoed the chorus: “North High’s constellation has become a navigational map for the Division and beyond. Your consistency creates a pathway others can follow.” Ms. Arlene M. Hernandez added, “This is what instructional leadership looks like when everyone rows in rhythm – measurable gains grounded in everyday excellence.” Dr. Rizal Vidallo affirmed, “Values education lives here – in the respect, resilience, and responsibility we see in every awardee.”
Parents and partners joined the ovation. SPTA President Ms. Danielle Ada Casuyon noted, “With teachers and staff like these, every learner finds a star to steer by.” SPTA Vice President Ms. Cecil Abarollo said, “The ripple of your service reaches homes and hopes.” SGC’s Ms. Mildred Simpelo Carampot underscored the community impact: “Your work elevates Barangay Pasong Camachile II and the City of General Trias – proof of what schools can do when service is steadfast.”
The celebration also marked a broader horizon: stakeholders hailed North High’s back-to-back recognition as Best Performing Public High School in CALABARZON, while spotlighting the regionally acclaimed leadership of Outstanding Master Teacher Erwin A. Asugui and Outstanding High School Teacher Gigi Lyn V. Aticaldo – further proof that when North High charts a course, it stays the course.
As the evening drew to a close, the community renewed its pledge to remain guided by purpose – and to keep shining through service. Like the North Star anchoring travelers across ages, North High’s dedication to learners remains fixed and true: steady, purposeful, and inspiring – lighting the way for the quarter ahead, and the futures still to be mapped.~ Jhigz Domingo, TNT
