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.

IMCS Workshop on Developing Textbooks

Alas, the three-day workshop on Developing Textbook and Teacher's Manuals for Public Secondary Schools was over. The workshop was well attended and our participants were publishers, authors, editors, book designers, and teachers coming from the National Capital Region.  IMCS was able to invite Mr. Antonio Calipjo Go, a long time critic of sick books, who presented his vast array of findings (error-filled books).  Not that I depend Department of Education (which caters to public schools textbooks at this time) but most of Go's findings were on private schools textbooks.  I have been waiting for him to reveal how he was able to get all those findings, what method did he use, etc. because his topic covers research too.  Ah... maybe because of the limited time given to him. 

At one point, a heated argument ensued after topic on tools and minerals were discussed but that was just part of intellectual discussion.  What interest me most was the argument on the word 'observe' wherein one participant stated that, in science, this word is all-encompassing.  Meaning, if you use the word 'observe' it would not only mean to use the sense of sight but the other senses as well. 

BTW, I acted as emcee during the closing ceremony and I was able to make  ad lib(s)

I would like to thank everyone who, in one way or another, helped in making this worthwhile activity a success.

OMG its 2010! The Year I Learned Growth Is a Moving Target

Last year, I crowned 2008 as my biggest year ever—and honestly, how could I not? I had spent five unforgettable months in Okinawa, Japan, learning, growing, and seeing life from a whole new lens. At that time, I thought, “This is it. This is the peak.”

But life has this funny way of outdoing itself. The years that followed only got bigger and bolder, and that made 2010 just as thrilling, if not more.

Before I tell you about 2010, let me take a quick rewind to 2009, a year packed with milestones, adventures, and quiet victories:

I attended an International Conference for SOLD in Baybay, Leyte, from March 27-30.

I became part of the Information, Communication, and Documentation Committee for the 2009 Palarong Pambansa in Tacloban, Leyte, April 22-May 1.

I traveled to different parts of the Philippines to attend IMCS workshops, which expanded my network and sharpened my skills.

I took on leadership roles—Officer-in-Charge of the ETD unit in August and Public Desk Officer for the OSEC in October and December.

On November 11, I evaluated USAID-donated TXs/SMs—a unique experience that added to my professional portfolio.

On a personal note, I moved out from my in-law’s house and officially began living independently.

Chess remained a huge part of my life—I competed in tournaments all over the country.

I focused on my health, got comfortably fit, started biking, and exercised regularly (still keeping up with it!).

I learned one of life’s underrated superpowers—how to cook.

Looking back, 2009 was a turning point year, full of growth and change, not just professionally, but personally.

Now, as I step into 2010, I don’t have a crystal ball. I don’t know exactly what’s in store for me, but I’m walking into it with hope, energy, and excitement. Life’s proven that every year has its own surprises, and I’m here for it all.

Happy New Year, everyone! Here’s to embracing whatever comes next.

New Website for IMCS

I just finished 3 web pages of IMCS new site. Hopefully it will be over this week. I used weebly.com as suggested by one of my sensei's from Okinawa.

By the way this is our new site http://imcs.weebly.com

Feel free to make suggestions and comments. The IMCS site is still under construction, though.

Regards to all.