To be the head in the field of education in every locality could be one of the most important milestones in one's life as a public servant.
One is given vast opportunities to serve more, to be in a team where it carries the name of the province, and to influence many lives, most especially educators and learners.
These qualities were possessed by Jorge Reinante, the newly designated Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) of the Department of Education (DepEd)-La Union Schools Division.
This goal driven and passionate La Union SDS was the former SDS of the province of Ilocos Sur.
Reinante cultivated a sense of honor as he believed that if there are many people who own a program, it is more to prosper, but if there's only one who claims honors, it fails.
"I am a very democratic leader, I do not resort to making decisions alone. I firmly believe that in the organization, if there's only one person making decisions, it will cause many problems, and if all people are making decisions it is more to succeed," he said.
As stated by SDS Reinante, he will not change anything in the program implemented by the former SDS, but he will only add what will be better for everyone.
During an interview on May 12, he said, "Hindi ko ugaling binabago-bago ‘yong mga bagay-bagay kasi may kasabihan tayo, ‘Why do you fix what is not broken?’”
He said the only mission there is not to delay but to make sure that employees’ salaries or even benefits are received, appointments are processed, and released quickly on time.
Currently, the DepEd La Union is implementing its 7-point agenda which are school-based reading program is good; clean and hygienic comfort rooms in public schools; curriculum expositions; 100% school MOOE (Monitoring and Other Operating Expenses) disbursement and liquidations, Mathematics program, alignment of office performance commitment and individual performance commitment of non-teaching personnel and other key teaching personnel handling non-teaching related function, and organization of school sports/athletic club which he plans to maintain.
The DepEd- La Union's 7- point agenda are the policies of the office that would lead to a quality, accessible, relevant, and liberating basic education for all.
Furthermore, what he learned was not a lesson but value -- the value of inspiration and humility.
"Pag may nakita kang maganda, huwag kang mahihiyang gayahin. Ang nakakahiyang gawain ay ang maling gawain," he added.
Bestowed with recognitions, SDS Regnant keeps his feet on the ground and extends a helping hand to those in need. He is not just a division superintendent —he is a kind of leader every educator and learner deserves.
Indeed, a game changer and a good mark of a new beginning. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB/KJCR/AJP, PIA La Union)
