Service awardees, as well as the school's first batch of outstanding students of 2018 were given recognition at the Gabi ng Parangal 2018 last February 9 at the Fr. McSherry Gymnasium at Divine Word College of San Jose.

The annual event took place as part of the 73rd Founding Anniversary of DWCSJ as an educational institution with the theme "Masaya at Makabuluhang Paglilingkod sa Lalawigan ng Kanlurang Mindoro".

Dr. Nancy S. Macabata, the Library Services Director, a part-time college professor and graduate school professor received the highest honors for the night as the sole 35 years of service awardee. She offered a speech which depicted her early start in her profession, the bittersweet memories she made to get to this moment, and her bid of farewell, implicitly announcing her retirement after 35 years in DWCSJ while thanking the school's administration and colleagues.

The 25 years of service awardees were Mrs. Emelyn F. Burcer of the Junior High School faculty, Mrs. Merlin B. Laviste of the Registrar Office, Mrs. Annalyn T. Malutao of the JHS faculty, and Ms. Ana Mae D. Tividad, director of Student Affairs and Alumni Extension Services.

Mrs. Marites C. Abordo of the Grade School faculty, Mrs. Josephine N. Bautista of the Senior High School faculty, and Dr. Jason S. Valera, Dean of College of Education and Computer Science & Information Technology, College and Graduate School professor were this year's 20 years of service awardees.

Meanwhile, the awardees for 15 years of service were Mrs. Susan F. Garcia of the GS faculty, Mr. Elmer S. Malibiran of the General Services Office, Mr. Arnel Y. Makiling of the SHS faculty and part-time College faculty and Mr. Peter John B. Serquiña of the College faculty.

Lastly, Mrs. Gisu M. Camandang of the Guidance Office, Mrs. Cathy B. Malaluan of the GS faculty and Mr. Juan Carlo M. Villamar, the school nurse and CWTS Coordinator were awarded for their 10 years of service.

The Special Award for Punctuality was also given to Mrs. Fely G. Alvaro, Mrs. Connie B. Dagdagan, Mrs. Rosana P. Estepa, Mrs. Merlin B. Laviste, Mrs. Neofe J. Lazaro, Dr. Heliodoro E. Macabata, Mrs. Cathy B. Malaluan, Mrs. Alma A. Manalo, Mrs. Cynthia M. Masangcay, Mrs. Melinda M. Naoe, Mr. Robert Angelo D. Pablo, Dr. Maria Pura C. Rayton, Ms. Ana Mae D. Tividad and Dr. Jason S. Valera.

This also marked the first time that ten students were selected as this year's Outstanding DWCSJ Students, where three were selected from the College Department, three from the Junior High School, two from the Senior High School, and two from the grade school.

From the college department were Heaslyn G. Tadeo of BSA - 5, Jamila Melisse V. Barrios of BEED - 4, and Via Mae T. Saulong of BSBA - 4, while from the Senior High School department, Aristotle C. Castronuevo and Kaizeil B. Ison, both from Humanities and Social Sciences strand were selected.

Also, Chris Ranlee M. Amarila, Rashmin Lemor E. Driza and Jean Lenard Rosete, all from Grade 10 - St. Arnold were chosen from the Junior High School department, while Shannen Faith N. Nejebra of Grade 6 - St. Therese and Anya Mira S. Candava of Grade 5 - St. Lucy were the candidates from the grade school department.

The program started at 7 in the evening, where the Ten Outstanding Students and the Service Awardees walked on the red carpet for their grand entrance. The doxology was performed by select Grade 5 - St. Lucy students followed by the National Anthem.

The opening remarks were given by the school's Vice-President for Administration, Rev. Fr. Ronillo Ordenes, SVD, followed by an inspirational message from Rev. Fr. Renato Tampol, SVD, the School President.

Certificate of Appreciation was also awarded to the High School Batch 1993 for hosting the Grade School and High School Grand Alumni Homecoming this April 24-26, 2018.

Among the intermission performances for the night were an opening dance number from select students, an interpretative dance from Grade 9 students who were champions in this year's English Week Celebration, a cultural dance presentation from select Grade 3 students, and song numbers from Alessandra Alvaran, champion of Divine Got Talent Season 2 - Bracket A, Ms. Catherine Eder, first runner-up of DGT Season 2 - Bracket B, Ms. Zaira Abrenica, Mr. Yiannu Mikhael Tibayan, champion of DGT Season 2 - Bracket B and Mr. Lenard Aguilar.

For the closing remarks, Rev. Fr. Nonito Gallego, SVD, the school's Vice-President for Finance offered a word of thanks.

The program's masters of ceremony were Frt. Joel Malvas, SVD and Ms. Jaena Barrios.

-Dann Ysrael D. Crobalde