If one takes a closer look at the alchemy of the achieving person, two distinct virtues pop up besides determination and confidence. These are: faith and commitment.
Mr. Junrey Dequina, the newest and the youngest principal in the history of the Basic Education Department, is the living idiom of a man born at the right time and at the right place. When asked about him, who he is may not be a surprise. After all, he had become the person he is now because of the values that were nurtured in him by his family, teachers, friends, and most importantly, his experiences.
When asked about his childhood and if he ever aspired to become a leader at his age, he jokingly answered, “As a child, I have no dreams at all because my motto in life before is to think about today and let tomorrow problem itself.” He sought to follow his mother’s last words on her deathbed; that first, he has to stay away from vices and second, that he has to be called “sir” one day. These became the most striking words that play on his head as he continues his journey and eventually, realizes his dream.
When he went to college, he took BS Nursing at Polytechnic College of Digos City. However, it was not too long, because he decided to transfer to Cor Jesu College, which soon became his Alma Mater. His excellence granted him a scholarship from CHED which enables him not to problem with his tuition fees. Wondering what course to take during the enrolment, his guardian suggested to choose either engineering or accountancy because of the promise of a good salary and greener pastures.
Never would he have thought that the words from his mother will come back echoing inside his mind when he was in the middle of the crossroad, choosing which course to take on- to be called and entitled as ‘sir.’ So, he chose Education out of the menu of courses. There were no signs of regrets in his eyes. He finished his degree and started another chapter as a faculty member of Basic Education Department in the same institution. From a simple yet smart Chemistry teacher, he blossomed to become one of the fundamental icons in the school. After years as an Activity Coordinator and Science Club Moderator, he was appointed as the School Principal.
Mr. Junrey is not only an ingenious mentor, but also a paragon of excellence and a natural-born leader. As a former student-leader, he follows the principle “A great leader is a great follower and listener.” Although he is an independent person and has an assertive character, he never fails to listen to the suggestions of others- his colleagues and the administrators.
“To be appointed as the principal especially at this time of new normal is very challenging but he is really trying his best to live up to what are expected of him,” Mrs. Teresita Rodriguez, Junior high school assistant principal and his former college research teacher stressed.
As a leader, he accomplishes tasks on time and takes initiative on crafting plans. Although not one person is perfect, he strives his best to gain the trust and respect of his heads and colleagues.
“He has a way of getting along with other people. I consider that as one of his best assets which I think will be helpful if you are to become a principal,” Mrs. Miriam Vivienleigh Mori, Senior high school assistant principal and science coordinator added.
As a teacher, many students were astonished on his way of teaching. During his classes, you are on the edge of your seat, feeling nervous to be called during the recitations. However, at the end of each period is always learning.
Not only does he show excellence in teaching his craft, he is also one of the many reasons behind the success of the student councils being the Activity Coordinator. When there is a successful event, he never took all of the credit to himself – he includes the entirety.
“He is really one of a kind – as a teacher, moderator, and a leader. It is like he has this innate capability to move the hearts of students to always perform excellently,” his former student said.
Despite these milestones, he believed that there are a lot of people behind his successes- people whom he considers as instruments who pushed him to be the best version of himself and shaped him to who he is now.
“In the cycle of my life, I was able to reach at this point because of the entire Cor Jesu Community,” he humbly said.
Being at the top of his league, he is still down to earth and does not think only for his good but for the good of everyone.
“I envision the school to achieve level three re-accreditation. I also hope to get the support of the entire department, for us to be called one big family. My greatest dream is to attain both excellence and unity of people in my department,” he replied when was asked about his goal and aspiration at this moment.
Mr. Jun Rey Dequiña is at the pinnacle, but he never failed to look back at where he came from. Without a doubt, he is like a gem – the more you clash and mold, the more it shines and increases in value.
By Kathleen Kaye Tagalog
