A GIRL SCOUT IS LOYAL

Our second week in the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) was quite busy and inspiring.

On January 28, we celebrated the retirement of Miss Esteria “Esther” Alvarado, Center Director of Ating Tahanan, National Program and Training Center (NPTC) since March 2004. Miss Esther started her career in GSP as Assistant of Cagayan Girl Scout Council in 1972. She became the Council Executive of Cagayan GS Council in 1983, and because of her outstanding performance as Council Executive, she was promoted in 1996 to the rank of Regional Executive Director of the Northern Luzon Region.

Her 42 years of service as professional staff of GSP was undoubtedly a blessing for the organization. I heard warm messages from her friends in the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Sweet laughter and fond memories filled the room while everyone looked back at those extraordinary experiences they had with Miss Esther.

GSP Communications Division, sharing a light moment with Ms. Esteria P. Alvarado. Seated (from left to right) are Princess Grachelle Duldulao, Dr. Paz Diaz (National Treasurer and Chairperson of Communications Division), Miss Esteria Alvarado, Ms. Myra Contessa Diokno-Sarmenta (GSP Assistant National Executive Director and OIC of Communications Division), Ms. Marichel Fontijon. Standing (from left to right) are Rebilyn R. Quiroz, Mr. Dharvie Cinco, and Jenelyn Matamis.

 

The next day, January 29, we witnessed the GSP National Staff Awards where 24 professional staff who worked for GSP from 5 years to 35 years were recognized and awarded.

Recognition is a way of appreciating the service of the employees in the organization. It can also inspire all employees to hold on firmly to the dignity of hard work as they contribute to the development of the organization. But I know, and I am certainly sure that these people are not just after that recognition. This was an expression of the gratefulness of the organization for their work and their intense loyalty, which is the basis of all their good work.

Looking at the length of service they have rendered, I can say that they are all loyal to the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.

Here are the 24 awardees together with other GSP staff members, volunteers and executives during the National Staff Awards Ceremony.

I laughed as I say the word “loyal”. Loyal people nowadays are hard to find because sometimes, loyalty can lead you to being a fool. Well, that happens when you are a blind follower.

But loyalty is a choice of our heart. “Relationship lasts when you’re loyal.” Girl Scout volunteers, and the people behind the organization who support the movement, are all being true to the GIRL SCOUT LAW. GSP will celebrate its 75^th Anniversary in May 2015 in serving the girls and young women this year. No organization will come this far if it is not being true to its promises. Talk about LOYALTY!

By: Rebilyn R. Quiroz, GSP Communications Division Intern