MEZZO HOTEL, Cebu City — The Department of Education (DepEd) Toledo City Division successfully conducted the Year 2 Review and Awarding of the Special Curricula and Co-Curricular Support Program Implementation, themed “Celebrating Small Wins; Cultivating Success,” on December 13, 2025, at Mezzo Hotel, Mabolo, Cebu City.
The activity brought together school leaders, education supervisors, teachers, coaches, trainers, and program implementers to reflect on the accomplishments of the program and recognize excellence in the implementation of special curricula and co-curricular initiatives across the division.
The Awarding Ceremony recognized a total of 187 awardees for their outstanding achievements in various academic and co-curricular activities. These included the 2025 National and Regional Festival of Talents, Philippine Veterans Week and the 83rd Commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan, Regional Schools Press Conference SY 2024–2025, Regional Nestlé Wellness Campus Competition, 11th Cebu Wildlife Quiz (Provincial Level), Regional Science and Technology Fair 2025, CVIRAA Sports Meet, Test of Fundamental Assessment Skills (TOFAS), Digitized Self-Learning Modules and Instructional Videos, and achievers who earned National Certificate II with a 90–100 percent passing rating.
A key highlight of the program was the inspirational message delivered by Dr. Bryant Acar, Education Program Supervisor in Science of DepEd Region VII, on behalf of Dr. Salustiano T. Jimenez, Regional Director of DepEd RO7. Drawing from his experiences as both a coach and champion, Dr. Acar shared how victories and setbacks alike shaped his journey. He encouraged the audience to remain driven and resilient, emphasizing, “From STANDing out, to being outSTANDing, to being the STANDard,” as he challenged participants to stay hungry for the goals they seek to achieve in life despite inevitable losses along the way.
Meanwhile, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Joseph Irwin A. Lagura expressed his gratitude and pride as the program marked its second year of implementation. He recalled the initiative’s humble beginnings seven years ago at the covered court of Don Andres Soriano National High School, where participants were provided only simple snacks of siopao and Coke. From these modest beginnings, the program has steadily grown; being hosted in San Remigio last year and now in a hotel venue—symbolizing the division’s continued progress and commitment to excellence. Dr. Lagura further emphasized the importance of sustaining these gains while identifying clear ways forward for further improvements.
The activity reaffirmed DepEd Toledo City Division’s commitment to celebrating milestones, learning from challenges, and continuously cultivating success through strengthened special curricula and co-curricular support programs for both learners and educators.
Jose Karlo Trocio – Teacher I, Calibasan Elementary School
Jeffrey C. Lacson – SEPS, HRD