ALFONSO LISTA, IFUGAO – – On Nov. 27, 2016 retired public school principal Virginia Dinagtuan took over the reins of the Ifugao Public Schools Teachers, Employees and Retirees Association (IPSTERA) and it was indeed a milestone event for one of the province’s major organizations in the education sector.
Dinagtuan, a distinguished educator not just in Ifugao and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), but also in the Philippines, assumed the position of IPSTERA president during a difficult and tumultuous period of the organization.
“When we began the reformation program of the IPSTERA following my decision to seek the highest post of the organization, we hoped to introduce much-needed reforms,” said the highly-respected IPSTERA head. “Now only has this program saved the IPSTERA, but it has also enabled long-time members- as well as new ones, turn a lifetime of regret.
IPSTERA is mainly responsible for engaging in projects designed for the advancement of the economic, cultural, social and professional life of its members.
True enough, the IPSTERA under the able and strong stewardship of Mrs. Dinagtuan, accomplished a lot of its goals largely geared to promote the welfare of its members. During her incumbency, the IPSTERA assisted members on their concerns by attending to their needs at all times. Through its programs, projects and activities, and in collaboration with the Quezon City-based Philippine Public Schools Teachers (PPSTA), the IPSTERA officials’ and members’ hopes and expectations to work toward the satisfaction of the widest majority of their members.
Since Nov. 27, 2016 up until Dec. 6 of this year, IPSTERA’s bank resources reportedly amounted to PhP686,551.34. In other words, the record “opens a window of replication for incoming IPSTERA heads.” Without a doubt it is reflective of the IPSTERA’s sound financial housekeeping during the tenure of Dinagtuan. Likewise, adherence to transparency and accountability tenets in its daily operations has enhanced and motivated the work of organizations dedicated to helping educators keep and care for them and their beneficiaries.
“It is challenging to act on their problems, whether big or small, and it is certainly amazing to see how positive actions and responses to their complaints, inquiries and recommendations have made a difference in the lives of the men and women who gave served or are still serving as pillars of the education sector,” Dinagtuan told the ZigZag Weekly.
“One might see the teacher as an individual who at night prepares a lesson plan for his or her pupils and not think of the loans and many other things to be paid, but it really is,” she added.
“I have seen teachers worry about these matters inside of their classrooms. Even more so, I have seen hardworking and dedicated teachers worry about their loan payments outside their classrooms, particularly right in the confines of their houses,” Dinagtuan quipped.
Alarmingly, countless mentors in the nation’s government-operated elementary and high schools are heavily-indebted. Moreover, these overworked but underpaid teachers are directly experiencing the effects of the high cost of living. A public school teacher not only check test papers, but also performs a host of other chores such as tutorials, attend parades, assist actively during the Brigada Eskwela activity and even serve as a member of the Board of Election Supervisors. It is an “open secret” that they easily succumb to offers of “5-6” (usury) operators just to augment their meager salaries.
To remedy the problem, the PPSTA provides them with timely, relevant and innovative products and services such as the new mutual and system (NMAS) for life insurance, mutual retirement benefit retirement benefit system plus (MRBS+), guro lingap pamilya program (GLPP), also for life insurance and total as well as permanent disability benefit, and sariling sikap loan (SSL), with grant up to PhP300,000. PPSTA loans are extended under no collateral and low interest terms. Loans proceed are released through Banco de Oro (BDO), United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) and the Philippine National Bank (PNB).
“Joining the PPSTA and availing of its assistance program is often the deciding factor in safeguarding their well-being,” Joena Jamison said. She is the marketing officer of the PPSTA.
“I hope that after having been enlightened on the importance of being a member of the PPSTA through this representative assembly, they would better appreciate the value of having their finances in order and would consequently feel empowered to take advantage of the various financial services and products made available to fit their individual needs,” she underscored in an interview with the ZigZag Weekly.
For her part, Gina Attaban exhorted IPSTERA officers and members to actively take part in the task of ensuring the country’s growth and development.
“Always be mindful of your duties and responsibilities to ensure the IPSTERA’s rightful place and rise to greater heights in 2020 and the coming years,” she underscored.
Ms. Attaban is one of the most devoted Department of Edu cation (DepEd) officials in the CAR. Given her vast wealth of experience and training, Attaban is eminently qualify for a higher position in the coming years. She is currently a public schools district supervisor.
Along with Dinagtuan, Attaban also raised the need for a PPSTA office- if not a building in Ifugao. Both of them see the vitality of putting up one in Alfonso Lista, a fast-emerging town in Ifugao’s second district currently tagged as the “education hub” of the province. The Ifugao State University (IFSU) Potia campus and the top-performing Alfonso Lista Central School (a Brigada Eskwela regional awardee) are situated here. In the CAR, the PPSTA maintains an office in Baguio City. This results to a worrying and very costly tendency for Ifugao PPSTA members to transact matters in such a far-away place. The expansion would also speed up the process of request handling and reduce the travel cost.
An innovation as this one, setting up an office at Alfonso Lista is crucial in ensuring that the PPSTA has an advantage in enhancing its efficiency and service.
“Our end objective is to make sure that there less inconvenience for our members. We’re exploring all remedies and options,” Dinagtuan motioned in an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly.
“I want them to know in Metro Manila that we can feel the pain and difficulty in going to distant offices. Maybe they shall finally realize this problem,” she added.
For his part, Mayor Edralin Alipio stressed the importance of a strong partnership between the ISPTERA and the municipal government to achieve a common vision for a better future among stakeholders.
“Together, the future looks brighter for the young,” he reminded the participants.
With Vice Mayor Agapito Dominguez Jr., Mayor Alipio likewise inspired the men and women of IPSTERA in fulfilling their distinct role as partners of the municipal and national government.
Building the theme, “Isulong ang IPSTERA, Kinabukasan Mo Alagaan Niya,” (“Onward with IPSTERA, Your Future Will be Taken Care Of”), the six-hour program moreover aimed to highlight discussion of a number of vital concerns of the organization.
IPSTERA members subsequently took part in the election of officers segment of the program. It coincided while lunch was served to a crowd of 400 members and guests. The proclamation of winners followed the election process.
Earlier, teachers of Bangar Elementary School performed a popular Philippine dance number. They are Celia Galamay, Veronica Lorenzo, Verna Pastor, Vicky Salvador, Imelda Santiago and Teresita Tacayo. Their well-applauded performance easily instilled the value of love of country and flag.
It came to no surprise that members overwhelmingly gave Mrs. Dinagtuan a fresh mandate to lead them, but in another capacity. She opted to run as vice president. Unopposed, Mrs. Dinagtuan took another route in steering the organization.
The backing of the 2016 to 2019 set of officers is so huge because it helps the IPSTERA got on a competitive level on various fronts. Mrs. Dinagtuan received ample support from Arsenio Yongoyong, vice president; Nora Lim, secretary; Rosario Baguilat, treasurer; Ines Tapo, auditor; and Clarence Binwag, delegate.
Twelve board members and presidents also provided all-out support for the IPSTERA officers in the last three years. They represented Alista 1, Alista 2, Aguilar, Asipulo, Banaue, Hingyon, Hungduan, Kiangan, Lagawe, Lamut, Mayoyao and Tinoc chapters.
Dinagtuan, a Lingkod Bayan awardee of the Civil Service Commission, is a councilor of Alfonso Lista. She is chair of the committee of trade, commerce, industry and tourism.
I’ve done my part in saving the IPSTERA, improving the conditions of the members and you’ve helped me achieve these noteworthy goals- thank you so much,” she quipped in her President’s Report. The members all nodded and warmly applauded. Surely, she is a real game changer in this aspect.
But deep inside them they knew that it is just another chapter for the IPSTERA’s checkered history, Through advocacy, example and practice, the style of leadership of Councilor Dinagtuan teachers members how to persevere no matter what.
Unknown to many of them, Counclor Dinagtuan is perceptively curious on what the IPSTERA’s new officers are eyeing to spur the organization’s upscale direction.
Councilor Dinagtuan is among the strongest and most articulate leader in the education sector in this part of the nation. While its path to real and lasting change may be fraught with more challenges and hurdles, history books aptly say right now, its 38th Representative Assembly and counting for IPSTERA. For the IPSTERA to spinoff in 2020 and beyond, Councilor Dinagtuan has to be in the equation. No choice, she is duty-bound to answer the clarion call to serve the organization. A leader is fully committed to placing the interests of their members first. There can’t be a leader on vacation. **By Anthony A. Araos
