For her colleagues, there are two meanings whenever they call Dr. Nimfa Agustin Alagao as “Ma’am”. The first meaning is a sign of respect to the position that she holds while the second meaning may mean “Mom” because her colleagues treat her like a mother and a friend.
Although not planned because accountancy was her first course before, circumstances brought her in the teaching profession. From then on, teaching has become her lifetime vocation—a flower that blooms in an unexpected place.
Her dedication and passion in the teaching profession bore fruit as she was promoted as a school head in the year 1998.
“I just took the principal’s test for fun,” she laughs and continued, “I just wanted to prove myself before, but I was able to pass with flying colors that’s why I was given the opportunity to be a school head.”
From then on, her administrative career sailed smoothly, and she continuously rose in ranks until she reached Principal III position. Her wealthy experience as an educator plus her commendable leadership style brought qualitative changes to the schools where she had been assigned.
Dubbed as the queen of annexes by her peers, she successfully separated Luga National High School and Aparri West National High School from their mother schools.
Another notable achievement that she had in her administrative career were the creation of Camalaniugan National High School—Catotoran Annex and the relocation of Alcala Rural School to its new site at Agani, Alcala. This brought an increase to the enrolment of the school from 78 students to around 500 students at present.
The rigodon of school heads last December not only paved way for her to come back to her beloved hometown but she also made history by being the first ever lady principal of Aparri School of Arts and Trades.
This was because for more than two decades since ASAT’s separation from TESDA, all those who sat at the helm were all males. Fate broke the cycle as it has chosen a very approachable and capable lady to man the fort.
When asked about her leadership principle, she said that she believes in leading by example. As a leader, she hones her teachers through shared governance. She assigns and distributes task to all; giving everyone a chance to contribute for the betterment of the school. She motivates them by giving praises and reward every time they accomplish a task.
Moreover, the energy that she brings at work also seem inexhaustible. She had a talk with TESDA Director General Isidro S. Lapeňa to negotiate on the possible titling of the school lot. Others would take a rest after doing such task but she is different because instead of resting at home, she immediately reported to the school to monitor the progress of the different projects of the school.
In every meeting, she would always say that in her age, she no longer desires for promotion, but she hopes that all her teachers will be promoted to the next level. This portrays her love to her employees.
As a leader, she had accomplished much in the field. Moreover, her gregarious character together with her motherly aura provided a healthy workplace environment both for teachers and learners.
Meanwhile, when asked of her greatest achievement as a woman, she humbly replied that her family is her greatest achievement in life. For her, material things and other recognitions can never replace a happy family.
Ma’am Nimfa is a leader who uses 3 H in leading by example. She uses her head in thinking of solutions to every problem. She lets her heart decide on choosing the best course of action and finally, hands to work hard and uplift her teachers to the path of success.
With her around the helm, there is no doubt that ASAT will reach its golden era and be recognized as a school of excellence in the years to come.