A Brief: Socorro A. Pilor

From My Old Files: A Woman Who Taught Us More Than Mathematics

In one of those unexpected twists life throws our way, I once found myself tasked with introducing the Director of the Instructional Materials Council Secretariat — my former boss, Ms. Socorro A. Pilor — to a distinguished audience. I remember thinking, How do you condense a lifetime of dedication, brilliance, and humility into a few minutes at the podium?

Years have passed since that day, but while sorting through my old files in a quiet moment, I found the worn sheet of paper with my introduction still intact. And as I read it again, I realized it wasn’t just an introduction. It was a testament to a life’s work — and the story deserved to be told again.

Ms. Socorro A. Pilor’s journey began at St. Paul College, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education, major in Mathematics and minor in English. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Teaching Mathematics from De La Salle University, this time as a scholar of the Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines.
From her earliest years as a young teacher at her alma mater — juggling math and English classes, inspiring both high school and college students — she showed a rare dedication to her craft. But she was not content to simply teach; she wanted to grow. That drive took her to the Division of City Schools in Manila, where she joined the ranks of Manila Science High School’s finest educators.

Her career opened doors to the world. She became a MOMBUSHO scholar in Japan, training for a year and a half at Tsukuba University. Later, she honed her skills in educational technology in Malaysia, learning to develop computer-assisted teaching tools for science and mathematics.

She was more than a teacher — she was a mentor, coach, and builder of champions. Under her guidance, her students brought home top honors in mathematics competitions. And while plaques and trophies filled her shelves, she often said her greatest award was seeing her students succeed in life. One of them, Dr. Raymond Sison, would go on to win the Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Award in 2010 — a full-circle moment for both mentor and mentee.

Her contributions extended far beyond the classroom. She became an editor of mathematics textbooks, a Supervising Instructional Materials Development Officer, and a recipient of the General Manager’s Award and the Outstanding Employee Certificate of Recognition. Eventually, she took the helm at the Instructional Materials Council Secretariat, first as Chief of the Evaluation and Training Division, and later, as its Executive Director.

On the day I introduced her, I ended with these words:

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Ms. Socorro A. Pilor, Executive Director of the Instructional Materials Council Secretariat of the Department of Education.”

Looking back now, I wish I had added something more — not about her titles or awards, but about the kind of leader she was. The kind who inspired without raising her voice, who corrected without belittling, and who believed in people more than they sometimes believed in themselves.

And perhaps that’s the truest introduction of all.

Batch 59: Notice of Vacancy at DepEd CO

Sir/Madam,

There are 23 plantilla positions available at the Department of Education - Central Office.  If you have what it takes to be a public servant then please join the biggest government organization in the country.  It is your call.  Join now!

Today is the Day!

I will share with you some details on what transpired during my morning interview at HRDS - I was then applying for an Administrative Officer V position. Three interviewers (2 from HRDS and I think 1 from the personnel dep't) subjected the 3 of us (interviewees) into Q&A portion. I am glad that I didn't feel nervous at all and I was able to convey the message clearly and I answered all the questions thrown at me. As we were about to leave the room one interviewer asked, "What will you bring with you to this company?" My answer was short and straightforward and it goes this way, "I enjoy working in an environment wherein people bounce their ideas from one another and has the flexibility to ask for help. I love give and take. That's what I will bring to this company - team work and flexibility." I am so happy with my answer.

During the evening, I attended the household meeting of Couples for Christ at the DepEd Chapel. I wasn't able to attend regularly during Thursdays but I made sure that I would never miss this day. I didn't expect to see Usec. Bacani to be there, though, I know that he's been very active during his time at the Central Office. It was during this time that the noodle's controversy was already known to all DepEd employees. I was expecting that perhaps he will state his side, etc. regarding the issue. I was wrong. Not even a single word (about the scandal)was given. I was flabbergasted to see this man coming to this little chapel telling about his health condition, sharing how his life at Innotech was and not telling or defending himself about the raps he was accused of.

I have been asking questions, why the secretary of education during that time (JAL) was not included in the preventive suspension since it was a command responsibility, and why the Office of the Ombudsman has an outright decision for DepEd's case (so fast) while other controversial issues like ZTE, Ampatuan, Gen. Garcia, etc. were left pending. What I got were more questions than answers. Tsk.tsk.tsk.