SURIGAO DEL NORTE — A principal from Surigao has been named as the best elementary school principal in the Caraga Region.

Karen L. Galandia, Principal II of Socorro Central Elementary School and Special Education (SPED) Center of the municipality of Socorro, Bucas Grande Island, was adjudged as the Most Outstanding Elementary School Principal of Caraga Region for school year 2011 to 2012.

The award was given to Galandia during the awards night dubbed, “Legacy of Excellence” on the 17th Department of Education (DepEd)-Caraga’s founding anniversary held at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort in Butuan City on July 6.

Galanida of Siargao Division, emerged triumphant from among the other eight school principal-finalists representing other divisions of Caraga namely; Danilo M. Felias of Agusan del Norte; Ofracila E. Pearson of Agusan del Sur; Anna Marie L. Ceniza of Butuan City; Marcela T. Masangcay of Bislig City; Lydia B. Eludo of Dinagat Islands; Dr. Noemi D. Lim of Surigao City; Eva E. Josue of Surigao del Norte; and Rosanna C. Meniano of Surigao del Sur where all of them received certificates of commendation as finalists of the search for the laudable and worth-praising performances as school administrators of the schools in their respective divisions.

The DepEd Regional Office evaluated the finalists using criteria such as personal qualities and character; administrative and managerial competence and effectiveness; involvement in community work; and professional advancement and growth.

Galanida, is indeed very thankful to her Schools Division Superintendent, Teresita P. Tranquilan for her support and encouragement as well as to colleagues and constituents.

Upon her entry in Socorro Central Elementary School in 2008, Galanida, known for her “coolness” and dexterity, catapulted the school to earn numerous awards both in the division and region and launched significant programs of the school, to name a few and the most recent; is the Level 1 APPES Accreditation of School and its recognition as a SPED Center in 2011.

Galandia said in an interview, “As a pivotal leader of the school, my heart is filled with love, motivation and encouragement to embrace the children and to lay out the road map for them to become successful and capacitated individuals. My spirit is truly fortified and strengthened, to perform my role as a school leader with all its challenges and adversities, one of those is our geographical location being located in a very far and remote island-town of Socorro, Bucas Grande Island.”

“I do understand, that if schools fail to lay down the opportunity to answer to these challenges, our children would utterly lose their competitive position in the global village. This is a work of the heart, surpassing the difficulties and struggles along the way. If there’s a will, there will always be a better way, for the love of our fellowmen, and for God’s greater glory,” she added.