Dasmariñas City – Donned in fiery butterfly-inspired gowns and barongs, the Dasmariñas City Teachers’ Chorale (DCTC) took center stage in the 2019 Government Choral Competition and landed Best Regional Entry for Luzon and 2nd runner up overall, September 17.

The 28-strong chorale composed of teachers from public schools in Dasmariñas City and led by conductor Exaltacion Carabeo Edang bested the other choir groups from NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This year’s competition is organized by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as part of the celebration of its 119th anniversary with the theme “Upholding Integrity and Building a High-Trust Society”.

Performing inspiring renditions of three songs — Paru-parong Bukid arranged by Fidel Calalang, Jr; Para sa Bayan composed by Venhee Saturno and arranged by Rodino Ranada Mendoza; and the competition song Ako’y Isang Lingkod Bayan composed by Dr. Arwin Tan and arranged by  James Conde — the DCTC wowed the audience and the panel of judges headed by 2018 National Artist for Music and 2019 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Mr. Ryan Cayabyab.

DCTC’s chosen pieces exhibiting the values promoted by CSC (love of God and country and excellence and integrity) resonated with DepEd Dasmarinas’ heart for public service and its dedication to the Filipino learners.

Of the finalists from 21 entries nationwide, Tagum City Chamber Chorale was declared champion, while Bangko Sentral Singers and Bayugan City Educators Chorale were awarded 1st runner up and third runner up respectively. Other finalists included GSIS Chorale, Calbayog City Chorale, DepEd Calbayog City Singing Ambassadors, and DepEd Dipolog City Teachers’ Choir.

Showing full support to the DCTC are SDS Christopher Diaz, Division Office personnel, and public school heads who were present at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. More than being a proud moment to showcase the talent of teachers in celebration of the National Teachers’ Month, it was another affirmation of DepEd Dasmarinas’ commitment to #BreakingNewGrounds.