𝐒𝐒𝐂 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢-𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐮𝐫𝐨 𝐬𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧

𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐑 | 𝐒𝐒𝐂 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢-𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐮𝐫𝐨 𝐬𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧

In every corner of the classroom where knowledge meets real-life impact, there stands one teacher whose passion for teaching goes far beyond teaching. During the celebration of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary held at the Gilberto O. Teodoro Multipurpose Center on 29 September, the Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) recognized Dr. Catherine DR. Pueyo as this year’s Katangi-tanging Guro sa Larangan ng Ekstensyon, embodying the true essence of excellence, compassion, and commitment to community development.

With her exemplary accomplishments in extension and training through the implementation of training programs, promotion of production technologies through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, and establishments of linkages with Local Government Units (LGU), community, and stakeholders, Dr. Pueyo surpassed four other nominees with her remarkable score of 93% proving that her community-based initiatives had provided commendable opportunities for the University and for the community.

Known for her dedication and hands-on approach, Dr. Pueyo developed a deep passion for extension services through her meaningful engagement with communities. “At first, I just took it as one of our core functions, hence, as I became more engaged into extension works and given the opportunity, serving different kinds of people from Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), farmers, co-employees and employees from other agencies brings out a different kind of fulfillment and fire inside of me. Watching them grow confidence with each training session reminds me that knowledge, when shared, becomes a catalyst for empowerment,” she expressed. She also believes that real education happens when learners and communities grow together. 

When asked about her most memorable moment doing extension services, she shared “During one of our training sessions, a senior citizen, who’s been farming since he was 16, eagerly asked questions about how they can maximize the use of water for irrigation in order for him to grow his crops for the next season. A question by an old man seeking new knowledge just to improve his farming practices made me realize why I am doing extension works — to be able to help the community to gain new knowledge and learn new technologies.”

As Dr. Pueyo reflects on the honor, she dedicated the award to the communities that continuously inspire and challenge educators to do more. “As educators, we hold the power to transform lives not just within our classrooms, but across communities. By engaging in extension activities, we bring research to the field, empower farmers and stakeholders, and foster innovation where it's needed most. Let’s continue to champion inclusive growth, build meaningful partnerships, and make education a living force for change. The classroom may be our starting point, but the real world is where our lessons take root,” she continued.

The whole TAU community, led by its University President Dr. Silverio Ramon DC. Salunson, commends Dr. Pueyo for performing her duties and functions with compassion and purpose that benefits not only the TAU community but also its partners and stakeholders.

#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #CivilService #CSC #KatangiTangingGuro #Ekstensyon #SDG4 #SDG8 #SDG17

Article and Photo | Information Unit