Luistro to new DepEd officials: "Be shepherds who smell like your sheep"

“Kung ano ang ating tinatanim, ‘yun din ang bunga. Marami kayong mga desisyon na gagawin bilang Assistant Superintendent at Superintendent. At lahat ng mga desisyon na iyan ay desisyon para sa kagawaran at para sa mga kabataang pinagsisilbihan natin.”

This was how Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC challenged the newly-appointed executives of the Department of Education (DepEd) during their oath-taking, April 22. Schools Division Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents are third-level officials whose appointments are signed by the President and who need to swear an oath before the head of the agency.

Luistro reminded the officials of the trials and challenges that may distract them from their responsibilities. He hoped that though those challenges would come, they would still remember how their decisions would affect future generations.

“Ngayon ay ang unang araw na ang lahat ng inyong mga magiging desisyon ay magkakaroon ng bunga na ipapamana natin sa susunod na henerasyon. Ang bawat desisyon ay isang magandang pagkakataon hindi lamang para sa sarili, kung hindi para din sa madla,” Luistro said.

DepEd Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera told the officials that with being a DepEd executive comes the responsibility to, not only take care of their personnel and the students, but to also be an example of what a real worker should be.

“Kaya lagi natin isipin na lahat ng ating gagawin ay tinitignan sa loob at labas ng DepEd. Kaya dapat maging karapat-dapat tayo sa tungkulin natin,” Rivera said.

Regions IV-A, IV-B, V and CAR DepEd executives taking their oath with DepEd Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC and DepEd Undersecretaries Rizalino Rivera, Mario Deriquito, Alberto Muyot and Francis Varela.

The 18 newly-appointed officials vowed to give their best in doing their tasks and responsibilities and to uphold and protect the Philippine Constitution. Among these officials are Fatima R. Boado, Zenia G. Mostoles, Lorna G. Bugayong, Joann A. Corpuz, Leilani S. Cunanan, Norma P. Esteban, Imelda P. Macaspac, Jose L. Doncillo, Loida N. Nidea, Sally B. Ullalim, Maria Magdalena M. Lim, William E. Gando and Crestito M. Morcilla from Luzon; Allan B. Yap, Dexter Y. Aguilar and Roseller N. Gelig from Visayas; and Mindanao officials, Omar A. Obas and Arsenio T. Cornites Jr.

In closing, Luistro quoted Pope John Paul II and challenged the officials to be officials ‘who smell like their sheep.’ He hopes that all officials would grow familiar and truly be more knowledgeable with the youth whom they will serve this coming June.