THE GAWAD Siklab Awards recognized students, teachers and other education workers who shone during another pandemic year.

On October 16, Gawad Siklab gave out 42 awards to honor program implementers, student leaders, supreme student and pupil government teacher advisers, school heads and regional and division youth formation coordinators.

Organized by the Bureau of Learner Support  Services-Youth Formation Division and the Schools Division of Caloocan City, this year’s awards highlighted the contributions of teachers and learners in helping the basic education sector hurdle the challenges brought by the pandemic.

The awarding ceremony was an avenue to celebrate and highlight initiatives, individuals, and schools with outstanding and extraordinary work for the betterment of their respective communities.

“I congratulate each and every one of the awardees, you truly deserve the recognition which you have worked so hard for. And I thank each and every one of you in the name of the Department of Education (DepEd) for your contributions for our continued survival, to our continued sense of serving our communities, our country, and especially our learners,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

“Let this Gawad Siklab ignite our passion. Let us ablaze our projects with creativity, with innovativeness, and also with courage and inspiration,” she added.

Education Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del Pascua said that Gawad Siklab proves DepEd’s commitment to nation-building.

“We honor remarkable individuals, students, teachers, and school organizations who went above and beyond what is expected of them amid a global health crisis. With your unwavering sense of nationhood and service, you continue to affirm DepEd’s thrust for an education anchored on social relevance and change,” Pascua said.