Local Church Leader Hailed as “Natatanging Guro” in Gumaca

Lopez Stake (Diocese) President Rexter J. Anda received a Natatanging Guro Award for the Principal Category during the Teacher's Day celebration organized by the Municipality of Gumaca held at Gumaca West Elementary School Inner Court on October 5, 2022.

To honor teachers on their special day, the Municipality of Gumaca, spearheaded by Mayor Webster D. Letargo, awarded seven outstanding elementary and secondary teachers and school heads.  

Announced on September 21, 2022, the purpose of the Search for "Natatanging Guro sa Bayan ng Gumaca, Quezon" was to recognize teachers for their remarkable contribution to the progress and excellence of the youth. The contest consisted of eight categories for Principal, Master Teacher, Head Teacher, and Teacher Categories both in Elementary and Secondary. 

Rexter J. Anda was awarded Natatanging Guro (Principal Category) after qualifying for the criteria set by the screening committee, whose members came from the select Education and LGU sectors.

In his message, President Anda mentioned the people behind his success, especially his late mentor, Dr. Angelina B. Castillo, who helped and guided him with her knowledge, experience, and expertise and kept him motivated to achieve his goals. He also thanked his former and present district supervisors and school heads for the advice and reminders and fellow teachers for their support and help on his journey. “Napakapalad ko po na magkaroon ng pagkakataon na makasama ang magagaling, masisipag at dedikadong guro sa kanlurang Distrito ng Gumaca (I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to be with the good, hardworking and dedicated teachers in the western District of Gumaca)," he shared. 
"Many times, people need not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens," he emphasized. He also thanked his wife for constantly reminding him that being kind is more important than being right. Finally, he reiterated that his award was a great honor but also a great reminder and invitation to do better, give better service, and become a better person, a better citizen, and a public servant. 

Among his numerous awards in DepEd include being an Outstanding School Leader Awardee during the 2021 International Awards for Outstanding Educators and Researchers conducted by the Educational Research Center, Second Place in Best Paper, and Third Place in Best in Oral Presentation and Best Presenter (School head Category) entitled: Project I-CARE: Research Capability Program to Improve the Conduct of Action Research of School heads and Teachers of Gumaca West District during the 2021 Division Conference of Basic Education Researchers (DCBER) Awards held by DepEd Quezon via FB Livestream.

President Anda's passion for education evidently inspired him to pursue further studies. On September 30, 2022, he graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management at Southern Luzon State University (SLSU), Lucban, Quezon. In 2021, he enrolled in BYU-Pathway to inspire the youth and young single adults of the Church. He also taught Missionary Preparation classes to prepare those joining the 4600 full-time missionaries in the Philippines.

When asked about what keeps him balanced in his achievements in work, studies, family, and church callings, he explained that "Prioritization and time management is the key. From Monday to Friday, work and study while on Saturday and Sunday exclusive for family and Church activities and calling." 

Currently, he is nominated for the 2022 Gawad Gintong Binhi initiated by the Schools Division of Quezon (SDO) through its Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee in collaboration with SGOD-HRD. Recently, a division memorandum was issued naming him as one of the nominees who will proceed to Stage 2 of Onsite Validation. He is also included in the upcoming Regional Research Conference.

Albert V. Red, Barangay Committee on Education, describes President Anda as a man of honor, commitment, and trust. As a stakeholder partner, he witnessed President Anda set an excellent example in the community by providing solutions even with limited resources. His example and hard work continue to make a difference in the lives of learners, parents, stakeholders, and teachers.