“This is an opportunity for me to ask you, let us be one and make our province, Nueva Vizcaya a good example to other provinces.”
These were the inspiring words of Governor Jose V. Gambito, guest speaker during the Department of Education’s Search for Indomitable Knowledge, Attributes and Talents (SIKAT) Awards 2025 and the Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PPSTA) Search for Most Outstanding Teachers, School Heads, and Non-Teaching Personnel, held on October 13, 2025, at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center, Capitol.
The event celebrated the excellence, perseverance, and commitment of educators and education personnel in the province who have demonstrated exemplary service in nurturing young minds. Governor Gambito expressed appreciation to all teachers and school officials who continue to uphold integrity in public service despite the challenges and controversies affecting some government institutions.
“I made it a point to come to this event because I know the morale of our government service providers has been declining as some agencies’ reputations have been affected by recent controversies,” the governor said. “Even so, I want to thank all of you, because I know it’s not easy to start anew. I thank you for maintaining the good reputation of our government.”
Governor Gambito also reminded educators, that leadership and good governance require constant self-improvement and collective effort. “I am doubling my time,” he admitted, “because sooner or later, we will all step down from where we are standing now. So while we still can, let’s continue improving our services.” He further encouraged everyone to lead by example, stressing that the true measure of success lies not only in achievements but in the positive legacy one leaves behind.“
There will come a time that through the good examples we have set, future leaders and public servants will be inspired to follow our path, carrying forward the legacy we have left behind.”
He then stressed that the progress cannot be achieved by one person alone but through shared responsibility. “I alone cannot lift our province for the future of our children who will someday follow our footsteps. Whether we like it or not, this must be a mutual obligation, 50/50 ika nga,” he candidly expressed.
This year’s SIKAT Awards aimed to recognize teachers, school heads, and non-teaching personnel who embody the values of service, integrity, knowledge, accountability, and talent, traits that mirrors the character of truly indomitable public servants. Through this annual recognition, the Department of Education seeks to inspire school communities to uphold excellence and moral courage, aligning with the province’s broader vision for educational advancement and good governance.
The awardees each received cash incentives funded by the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya (PGNV), as part of its continuing support for the education sector. Governor Gambito emphasized that initiatives like the SIKAT Awards complement the province’s development programs by motivating public servants to lead with integrity and contribute meaningfully to sustainable growth.
In closing, he left the audience with a message of unity and shared purpose: “Let us be one, teachers, leaders, and government workers alike, in making Nueva Vizcaya a province that others will look up to, not only because of our progress, but because of the values we stand for.” /gpp
[This article was initially created on Facebook – Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. For PGNV updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/vizcayareporter]