By: Migue Queruh Delos Santos, Lorie Rhose Holgado
Claire Joy Compasivo, Deniel Cyril Maya
New year. New beginning.
As classes resumed after the holiday season, Malvar Senior High School (MSHS) embarked on a fresh chapter with the appointment of its new principal, Dr. Catherine V. Gonzales.
The official announcement came by virtue of Special Order No. 3519, s. 2024, effective January 5. It marked the commencement of another era for the institution.
In a symbolic transition, Dr. Gonzales stepped into her new role, bidding farewell to the outgoing school head, Mrs. Rosalie L. Liwanag.
The MSHS faculty members greeted this change with a round of applause, welcoming Dr. Gonzales as she took her first steps into the home of the Blue Generals.
The short program hosted by Mr. Perry P. Taborda was filled with messages of gratitude and appreciation to both outgoing and incoming leaders.
Clark Jhonel Sarmiento, Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) President, thanked Mrs. Liwanag for a year of dedication and commitment to serving its stakeholders. Meanwhile, he affirmed SSLG’s collaboration with the new administration.
Aside from welcoming the new school head, Mr. Dennis M. Castillo, the Faculty Association President, expressed his support as an assurance that the faculty members will be working with and assisting her in her visions for the school.
“Ang mga guro po ng Malvar Senior High School ay mapagmahal, may respeto, at marunong magtrabaho,” Mr. Castillo said, describing what to expect from MSHS teaching force.
To endorse the newly appointed principal of MSHS, Dr. Nancy D. Lubis, the Balete Public Schools District Supervisor, stressed that rather than being seen as an emotional burden, this call of duty should be taken in a positive light that will help the two leaders grow personally and professionally.
“Dito ay hindi mo matatarok ang lalim ng ginto na mayroon sa Malvar...Alam ko ganun kalalim ang pagmamahal na mararamdaman mo dito,” Dr. Lubis assured Dr. Gonzales of having good companions and co-workers.
In behalf of the General Parent-Teacher Association, Mrs. Vangie A. Adarlo, its President, conveyed her message, encapsulating the community’s anticipation of Dr. Gonzales’ leadership.
“Kung gusto mong makarating nang mabilis, maglakbay ka nang mag-isa pero kung gusto mong makarating nang malayo, maghanap ka ng makakasama,” Mrs. Adarlo firmly said to express the stakeholder’s full support to the new principal.
In the same way, Mr. Gilbert Perez, the president of the association of school heads in Malvar Sub-Office, also conveyed his welcome message comparing Dr. Gonzales to a tea and telling her that they will always be like hot water that will always absorb her knowing that she is already seasoned when it comes to leadership.
Dr. Agrifina Dirain, the Public Schools District Supervisor of Malvar, framed her welcome message by decoding an acronym from the new principal's name—C for commitment, V for values, and G for good leadership—and recognizing these as the remarkable traits of Dr. Gonzales.
Toward the end of the program, there was a ceremonial turnover of responsibilities between the two school heads signifying the change of leadership.
In her acceptance speech as the new MSHS principal, Dr. Gonzales expressed gratitude, confidence, and readiness in taking on her new role.
Comments