Standing here before you brings back cherished memories. More than 20 years ago, my husband and I attended our eldest son’s nursery school graduation. Looking at your faces today, I can understand the excitement and pride you feel today.
I am grateful and flattered having been I invited to speak in your graduation. Let me first congratulate all of you on your children’s graduation. Nais ko ring batiin ang lahat ng mga bata na magtatapos sa antas na nursery, kinder at prep. Masaya ba kayo?
Talagang masaya ang skul. Marami kayong ginagawa katulad ng pagsusulat, pagbabasa, pagbibilang. Ano pa? Pagkolor, pagkanta, pagsayaw, paglalaro. Alam nyo bang mapalad kayo? Maraming bata ang hindi nakakapag-aral. Kaya dapat mag-aral kayong mabuti. Ang batang masipag mag-aral lalaking matalino, masaya, maytiwala sa sarili at maydisiplina sa sarili. Ang palatandaan ng batang nag-aaral ay may mabuting ugali. Kapag ang bata ay “bad”, ibig sabihin, di niya ginamit ang tinuro sa kanya sa skul.
To the blessed parents of the graduates, I admire you for the high value you give for education. I am sure you are aware that many elementary graduates cannot read properly; that many high school graduates cannot write a simple paragraph; and worse, many college graduates are jobless due to lack of required skills to perform certain tasks. Kayang-kaya nila ipasa ang Grade I readiness test. Ang mga anak ninyo at nakakasiguro na sila ay mahusay sa maraming gawaing akademic kung ihahalintulad sa iba kapag sila ay nag-aaral na sa mataas na baytang. Nakakasiguro din kayo na ang anak ninyo ay hindi mabibilang sa mga drop outs.
Meron lang sana akong ipapakiusap sainyo. Ituring nyong payong kaibigan. Ang edukasyon ng anak natin ay di dapat lahat iasa sa skul at titser. Ang tunay na edukasyon ay nagsisimula sa loob ng tahanan. Tayong mga magulang ang unang titser ng ating mga anak. Ang kagandahang asal ay tinuturo natin kahit sila ay sanggol pa. Kapag sila ay pumapasok na sa skul, di ibig sabihin nyan na wala na tayong pakialam. Ito ang isang malaking hinanakit naming mga titser sa mag magulang sa public high school . Nagpapatawag kami ng miting, di dumadalo. May problema ang anak, di man lang dumalaw sa skul. Madalas, kapag ang mga magulang ay walang pakialam sa anak, bumabagsak o nag dadrop-out ang kawawang anak. Ayaw nating mangyari yan sa ating mga anak, di po ba?
Mga bata, gusto nyo ba ng kwento? Ang kwento ni Teodora Alonso sa kanyang anak na si Jose Rizal na ating pambansang bayani. Si Jose noon ay tinuturuan magbasa ng kanyang nanay. Kaya lang, tinatamad magbasa si Rizal. Kaya nagkwento na lang ang nanay. Alam nyo ba ang gamu-gamo? Ito ay maliit na paru-parong mahilig lumipad palibot sa ilaw. Noong panahon kasi ni Rizal, di pa uso ang kuryente. Ang gamit nila ay lampara. Si gamu-gamo pinagsabihan ng kanyang nanay na wag lalapit sa ilaw baka siya ay masunog. Si anak, gandang-ganda sa liwanag ng ilaw. Di niya pinakinggan si nanay. Lapit, lapit. E, napasobra ang lakas ng lipad. Kaya nasunog ang kanyang pakpak. Bumagsak, namatay si kawawang gamu-gamo. Ano ang aral na napulot nating sa kwento? Na ang mga bata ay dapat laging masunurin. Mangangako ba kayo na magiging masunurin?
Marami pong salamat sa pakikinig. Muli, congratulations sa inyo!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Strategic Intervention in English for High School Students
STRATEGIC INTERVENTION: VENUE for ENHANCEMENT
I. Introduction
Every year, more Grade VI non-readers are promoted to first year. Every year, the class size increases. In 2002, the Basic Education Curriculum was implemented with the hope that it will remedy the deep-rooted problem in the educational system – the continuous decline in achievement in the basic subjects. Teachers believe they do their part in the instruction of their students faithfully but gain mostly frustration and worst of all gets the blame for the poor achievement of students.
Drawings and illustrations have been proven effective to draw interest in any learning activity. It is successful in encouraging small children to read. High school students are equally excited when introduced to illustrations.
II. Objective
It is the intention of this action research to follow – up on the remedial
instruction program carried out during the previous school year to second year
students. In its humblest effort, it aims to enhance whatever the students
have absorbed from the remedial instruction they have received.
This research aims to prove that strategic intervention materials is beneficial to enhance reading comprehension of the third year students at Las Piñas Golden Acres National High School.
III. Strategies
With the construction of six (6) additional classrooms, class population
has been deflated and the school terminated its three-shift scheme. Along with the
remedial class in reading for first year non-readers, the English Department intends
to inject strategic intervention materials involving six (6) activities which are
expected to help the third year students their mastery of least mastered skills.
The strategic intervention materials are made as additional activities for
the students. The teacher records their performance to be included in the computation of their periodic grade. It is expected that with the instruction received using strategic intervention materials, the students’ performance will gradually improve.
IV. Learning Materials
The package is composed of six (6) sets of materials. Each set begins with a Guide which gives direction how the reader will use the material and what the material is all about. This is followed by 3 to 5 Activities to help development of skill in focus. The Assessment measures how much learning the student attained. Other activities to further apply the skill developed are provided in the Enrichment. The References offers some important points to remember and a list of books to read for more information about the skill in focus.
1. Synonyms and Antonyms. Knowing a variety of synonyms and antonyms can add color and variety to the student’s working vocabulary.
2. Using definitions, examples and illustrations as context clues. Clues provided by the words that surround them will help the reader to understand words he does not understand.
3. Defining a word through logic and contrast. There are times when the meaning of the difficult word is not directly stated. In those cases, it is calls for logical analysis and background knowledge.
4. Predicting outcome. Provides exercises in different ways: First, completing series of a set of figures. Also, predicting outcomes based on a given set of comic cartoon strips. Finally, predicting outcomes based on given situations.
5. Drawing conclusions though pictures and situations. Exercises provided will show the reader how to make conclusions that are valid or based on evidence.
6. Interpreting and paraphrasing lines. The Reader will choose which interpretation suits a message to make its meaning simpler but clearer.
V. Result and Interpretation
The concluding phase of the project was affected by the preparation of NCR NAT mock test for second year, NCAE for fourth year. The fourth quarter was shortened due to the changes in the timetable. In addition to the extensive review, regular classes shifted to checking of answer sheets, and doing frequency of errors. However, the result of the post test based on the 2007 Division Achievement Test is an indication that the strategic intervention materials improved the performance level in English of the third year students.
Year & Section Diagnostic Test Division Achievement Test
III-Rizal 45.27 50.71
III-Bonifacio 29.31 38.28
III-Del Pilar 22.81 32.29
III-Jacinto 23.41 30.86
The table above shows a positive development: The students garnered an average of 7.8 increase in the Division Achievement as compared to their achievement in the Diagnostic Test.
Students from the last two (2) sections were given a post test using 60 parallel items without illustrations/drawings. The primary motive is to check the extent of learning of the examinees. The following is the result of tests administered to measure the performance of the students:
Mean MPS
III-Del Pilar 34.45 57.42
III-Jacinto 32.12 53.52
The above result shows that the students answered correctly more than half of the total number of items. This can be interpreted as near mastery of the skills learned using strategic intervention materials.
VI. Recommendations
Based from the result of the study, this researcher suggests the following to sustain and hopefully improve the performance of the students in all levels of Las Piñas Golden Acres National High School:
1. Teachers in English should painstakingly prepare learning devices using illustrations/drawings, pictures and other graphic presentations;
2. The strategic intervention materials should be used in all levels as supplement to the regular exercises taken from the textbook.; and
3. The use of strategic intervention materials should start right after the diagnostic test and end on the third quarter before the conduct of series of year-end achievement tests; and
4. The school should support the endeavor in the printing of activity cards so as not to encourage teachers to sell xerox copies to students.
I. Introduction
Every year, more Grade VI non-readers are promoted to first year. Every year, the class size increases. In 2002, the Basic Education Curriculum was implemented with the hope that it will remedy the deep-rooted problem in the educational system – the continuous decline in achievement in the basic subjects. Teachers believe they do their part in the instruction of their students faithfully but gain mostly frustration and worst of all gets the blame for the poor achievement of students.
Drawings and illustrations have been proven effective to draw interest in any learning activity. It is successful in encouraging small children to read. High school students are equally excited when introduced to illustrations.
II. Objective
It is the intention of this action research to follow – up on the remedial
instruction program carried out during the previous school year to second year
students. In its humblest effort, it aims to enhance whatever the students
have absorbed from the remedial instruction they have received.
This research aims to prove that strategic intervention materials is beneficial to enhance reading comprehension of the third year students at Las Piñas Golden Acres National High School.
III. Strategies
With the construction of six (6) additional classrooms, class population
has been deflated and the school terminated its three-shift scheme. Along with the
remedial class in reading for first year non-readers, the English Department intends
to inject strategic intervention materials involving six (6) activities which are
expected to help the third year students their mastery of least mastered skills.
The strategic intervention materials are made as additional activities for
the students. The teacher records their performance to be included in the computation of their periodic grade. It is expected that with the instruction received using strategic intervention materials, the students’ performance will gradually improve.
IV. Learning Materials
The package is composed of six (6) sets of materials. Each set begins with a Guide which gives direction how the reader will use the material and what the material is all about. This is followed by 3 to 5 Activities to help development of skill in focus. The Assessment measures how much learning the student attained. Other activities to further apply the skill developed are provided in the Enrichment. The References offers some important points to remember and a list of books to read for more information about the skill in focus.
1. Synonyms and Antonyms. Knowing a variety of synonyms and antonyms can add color and variety to the student’s working vocabulary.
2. Using definitions, examples and illustrations as context clues. Clues provided by the words that surround them will help the reader to understand words he does not understand.
3. Defining a word through logic and contrast. There are times when the meaning of the difficult word is not directly stated. In those cases, it is calls for logical analysis and background knowledge.
4. Predicting outcome. Provides exercises in different ways: First, completing series of a set of figures. Also, predicting outcomes based on a given set of comic cartoon strips. Finally, predicting outcomes based on given situations.
5. Drawing conclusions though pictures and situations. Exercises provided will show the reader how to make conclusions that are valid or based on evidence.
6. Interpreting and paraphrasing lines. The Reader will choose which interpretation suits a message to make its meaning simpler but clearer.
V. Result and Interpretation
The concluding phase of the project was affected by the preparation of NCR NAT mock test for second year, NCAE for fourth year. The fourth quarter was shortened due to the changes in the timetable. In addition to the extensive review, regular classes shifted to checking of answer sheets, and doing frequency of errors. However, the result of the post test based on the 2007 Division Achievement Test is an indication that the strategic intervention materials improved the performance level in English of the third year students.
Year & Section Diagnostic Test Division Achievement Test
III-Rizal 45.27 50.71
III-Bonifacio 29.31 38.28
III-Del Pilar 22.81 32.29
III-Jacinto 23.41 30.86
The table above shows a positive development: The students garnered an average of 7.8 increase in the Division Achievement as compared to their achievement in the Diagnostic Test.
Students from the last two (2) sections were given a post test using 60 parallel items without illustrations/drawings. The primary motive is to check the extent of learning of the examinees. The following is the result of tests administered to measure the performance of the students:
Mean MPS
III-Del Pilar 34.45 57.42
III-Jacinto 32.12 53.52
The above result shows that the students answered correctly more than half of the total number of items. This can be interpreted as near mastery of the skills learned using strategic intervention materials.
VI. Recommendations
Based from the result of the study, this researcher suggests the following to sustain and hopefully improve the performance of the students in all levels of Las Piñas Golden Acres National High School:
1. Teachers in English should painstakingly prepare learning devices using illustrations/drawings, pictures and other graphic presentations;
2. The strategic intervention materials should be used in all levels as supplement to the regular exercises taken from the textbook.; and
3. The use of strategic intervention materials should start right after the diagnostic test and end on the third quarter before the conduct of series of year-end achievement tests; and
4. The school should support the endeavor in the printing of activity cards so as not to encourage teachers to sell xerox copies to students.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Eat to Live not Live to Eat
"Eat and drink for tomorrow we die." That's an overused, abused quotation by Shakespeare. Many young people acquire diseases out of wrong eating practices. When my eldest was a kid, I was strict that he does not bring softdrink to school. Junkfood, as we call it, has been here since Coke came to the country. Filipinos, who are blessed to enjoy the abundance of agriculture, aquaculture, are extremely influenced by a foreign eating culture, disregarding our own rich harvests from the farms both in land and in water. I was shocked then that a seven-year old child can acquire urinary tract infection.
With the licensing of franchises of fastfood companies, Filipinos have frequented shopping malls. Traditional food are prepared for ordinary days. French fries, hamburger, spaghetti, softdrink: Name the brand, you get it. So, what is the result?
My younger sister who has unbelievable appetite had gallstones operated. I knew it was possible with the eating habit she had. That was more than five years ago. What I can't believe that a 27-year olde niece has acquired gall stones as well. Well, I have witnessed the family's passion for food in capital P. I was not the type of aunt who openly expresses ideas to this particular relatives because I am sure they're intelligent enough to discern simple truths. Now, it happened. How many times do we have to learn that moderation is the rule of the game? We have to play the game by its rule, or how do you like to go under the knife?
With the licensing of franchises of fastfood companies, Filipinos have frequented shopping malls. Traditional food are prepared for ordinary days. French fries, hamburger, spaghetti, softdrink: Name the brand, you get it. So, what is the result?
My younger sister who has unbelievable appetite had gallstones operated. I knew it was possible with the eating habit she had. That was more than five years ago. What I can't believe that a 27-year olde niece has acquired gall stones as well. Well, I have witnessed the family's passion for food in capital P. I was not the type of aunt who openly expresses ideas to this particular relatives because I am sure they're intelligent enough to discern simple truths. Now, it happened. How many times do we have to learn that moderation is the rule of the game? We have to play the game by its rule, or how do you like to go under the knife?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Camella Homes - (Mis)Leading Community Builder
This refers to a complaint I have filed with Camella Homes regarding a property I was trusted to oversee at Block 10 Lot 1 of Camella Springville South2, located at Molino3. Bacoor, Cavite for Ms. Evangeline Faller acquired through mortgage November 2006 under Pag-ibig. It has been a complete year since I filed my original complaint which was followed with personal visits, text messages, and phone calls.
The property is a corner dead-end lot. A perimeter fence which serves as its firewall as well is the adjacent to Cuevas and Macoa Compounds. People neglect the backyards because it's not visible to passers-by. This would explain the unfinished cementing of the road and sidewalk which directly affects the corner lot at the dead end portion of the subdivision.
The monthly amortization we pay is Php16,298. I give emphasis on the amount to drive to the point that the property is not a low-cost project; that with that amount, we deserve high quality of craftsmanship in the construction of the house which did not turn out to be as I expected. I was convinced to sign move in papers with the assurance from the contractor, Esguerra Construction, that they are willing to repair any complaint as long as its within the interiors only. One major complaint is the drainage system which is clogged, the manhole cover is broken exposing the pit with its murky, smelly water. This also causes clogging in the bathroom drainage so everytime the toilet is flushed water would gush out of the flooring. My sidewalk is all flooded, I cannot open my main entrance gate to accomodate vehicles inside my fence.
Another major complaint is the incomplete cementing of sidewalk as well
as the road leading to the perimeter fence. This becomes a muddy site during these stormy days. What an ugly site for a place from a leading homemaker, Camella Homes.
The property is a corner dead-end lot. A perimeter fence which serves as its firewall as well is the adjacent to Cuevas and Macoa Compounds. People neglect the backyards because it's not visible to passers-by. This would explain the unfinished cementing of the road and sidewalk which directly affects the corner lot at the dead end portion of the subdivision.
The monthly amortization we pay is Php16,298. I give emphasis on the amount to drive to the point that the property is not a low-cost project; that with that amount, we deserve high quality of craftsmanship in the construction of the house which did not turn out to be as I expected. I was convinced to sign move in papers with the assurance from the contractor, Esguerra Construction, that they are willing to repair any complaint as long as its within the interiors only. One major complaint is the drainage system which is clogged, the manhole cover is broken exposing the pit with its murky, smelly water. This also causes clogging in the bathroom drainage so everytime the toilet is flushed water would gush out of the flooring. My sidewalk is all flooded, I cannot open my main entrance gate to accomodate vehicles inside my fence.
Another major complaint is the incomplete cementing of sidewalk as well
as the road leading to the perimeter fence. This becomes a muddy site during these stormy days. What an ugly site for a place from a leading homemaker, Camella Homes.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Sentimental Journey
The day began very early at dawn upon receiving a text message from my older son, Erik telling me he's at Makati Medical Center for urinary problem. I expected that he is in the emergency or out patient department so I told him to drink natural apple juice, sambong tea. I asked him also to come home later when the medication is completed. My dizziness for lack of sleep increased when the reply went: Confined for complete obstraction in the urinary tract. My plan to doze off again has to be dropped. As a very strong woman, I did not panic. Alone in the house, and somehow I felt tears in the rim of the eyelids. Too busy thinking about the laundry, book markers for the fund raising in the Mr. & Ms. English pageant; next week is the final run for the November school affair. Had my breakfast of two small buns, putoseko which I bought at Calamba after the RELCAAP Seminar Workshop. I had to adimt I didn't feel full after a mug of coffee. I knew the culprit - stress. I resigned to the reality.
As I was approaching the commanding landscape, I felt memories flash back 27 years ago. Expansion work is going on, I missed the front entrance. I took the right side path, then I passed the Outpatient Department. It was there where I had my prenatal check ups. As a Makati resident with Mayor Yabut as the incumbent top official, we availed free hospital service. Finally, I found the back entrance. Then I was at the lobby and I saw the elevators. Where could OB-Gyne be now? I was rushing to be with my son, but at the same time I was walking the memory lane when I gave birth to the same child I am coming for to this hospital. 27 years! How time flies so fast. I reached the fifth floor. Coming out of the elevator, I wondered how my son is. I inquired at the nurses station. Finally at last, I'm at the door, soft knocks on the door, the door opens...
As I was approaching the commanding landscape, I felt memories flash back 27 years ago. Expansion work is going on, I missed the front entrance. I took the right side path, then I passed the Outpatient Department. It was there where I had my prenatal check ups. As a Makati resident with Mayor Yabut as the incumbent top official, we availed free hospital service. Finally, I found the back entrance. Then I was at the lobby and I saw the elevators. Where could OB-Gyne be now? I was rushing to be with my son, but at the same time I was walking the memory lane when I gave birth to the same child I am coming for to this hospital. 27 years! How time flies so fast. I reached the fifth floor. Coming out of the elevator, I wondered how my son is. I inquired at the nurses station. Finally at last, I'm at the door, soft knocks on the door, the door opens...
Monday, November 19, 2007
RELCAAP 2007, Montevista - Laguna
Having attended the RELCAAP (Regional English Language Center Alumni Association of the Phils.) 2007 at Montevista Resort, Calamba, Laguna has added a feather to my cap. It is considered a vital professional endeavor for English and Filipino teachers in the country. The topics presented were focused on fluent use of the English language. Speakers were the country's best crop, better than the foreigners. Why say this? They invited a Peace Corps volunteer and he made me sleep. No slides, no voice projection, no audience rapport - I couldn't stay 5 minutes awake. But the Filipino counterparts- they were brilliant, if not outstanding.
MOre than professional gain, is pride that my aunt Dr. Vilma Labrador, is Undersecretary of the Dept of Education, adviser of RELCAAP, and recently UNESCO Commissioner. In her closing program speech, she emphasized that poverty is not a hindrance to success. She can bravely prove this point because she came from a family of 12 children - 3 sets of twins and orphaned from her father at the age of two, at the age of 5 she lost her mother as well. She was taken cared of, nurtured by eldest sister Nena (Avelina) until she graduated in college, magna cum laude. Tears gushed out but I didn't mind co-delegates see me sobbing at the last row of the hall.
What was impressive in her talk was that the meaning of education is Guro, Magulang, Anak (GMA). Well, she's a presidential appointee! She has the duty to be loyal to her apoointing officer. There are three vital elements in education: love, listen, and learn. But most importantly, the 5 qualities of a teacher are competence, courage, collaboration, capability, c
Well, she's one of a kind. She is the only DepEd Central Officer who rose from the ranks. She's got what it takes to be promoted principal, supervisor, superintendent, asst. secretary and now, undersecretary.
I salute and love you Mama Vi. You're my inspiration and brightest torch that lights up my path. I will be praying that your heart will stay on, on, and on.
MOre than professional gain, is pride that my aunt Dr. Vilma Labrador, is Undersecretary of the Dept of Education, adviser of RELCAAP, and recently UNESCO Commissioner. In her closing program speech, she emphasized that poverty is not a hindrance to success. She can bravely prove this point because she came from a family of 12 children - 3 sets of twins and orphaned from her father at the age of two, at the age of 5 she lost her mother as well. She was taken cared of, nurtured by eldest sister Nena (Avelina) until she graduated in college, magna cum laude. Tears gushed out but I didn't mind co-delegates see me sobbing at the last row of the hall.
What was impressive in her talk was that the meaning of education is Guro, Magulang, Anak (GMA). Well, she's a presidential appointee! She has the duty to be loyal to her apoointing officer. There are three vital elements in education: love, listen, and learn. But most importantly, the 5 qualities of a teacher are competence, courage, collaboration, capability, c
Well, she's one of a kind. She is the only DepEd Central Officer who rose from the ranks. She's got what it takes to be promoted principal, supervisor, superintendent, asst. secretary and now, undersecretary.
I salute and love you Mama Vi. You're my inspiration and brightest torch that lights up my path. I will be praying that your heart will stay on, on, and on.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Whole School Approach: GANHS Experience
The Department of Education has been trying numerous programs to increase the performance of students in national achievement tests. These tests measure the mastery of students in the different skills such as language, math, science, etc. Under the incumbent secretary Jesli Lapuz, the program is callled Whole School Approach for Effecting Reading and Writing (WSA). They conducted a seminar in Baguio; a few delegates from the Division of Las Pinas were sent; I wasn't lucky to be a delegate. For NCR, they chose Santolan High School as model of the WSA Program. We visited the said high school. We were amazed with what we saw. Majority felt it was not a public high school. Though it was limited in space, they made use of all corridors for student activities. It was very obvious that they did not repaint the walls a day before to cover vandalism. We did not smell the smell of fresh paint. When we toured the poultry, we did not see broken chairs piled up. It was really something very extraordinary for a public school. More surprisingly, they implement tutorials, advanced or remediation religiously. As extra curricular, students get involved in arts, drama, dance. The students who performed ballroom were finalists in a local dance sport contest, costumes courtesy of the local city government of Pasig.
Back to my own school: We have implemented a remedial program involving pretest in spelling,review of vowel combination, reading of word parts, focus in meaning and post test in spelling. So far, it has been successful, sepecially in English Department. Other departments are half-willing. The results are not as succesful with English's. They just don't realize that to teach reading, one must start with the sounds first.
I wish other schools would utilize this type of remedial strategy. Ten minutes may sound so stressful to accomplish the task. But if you have the heart for the students who were obviously always absent due to family's economic dificulty, we can readily remedy the reading problems of the high school students
Back to my own school: We have implemented a remedial program involving pretest in spelling,review of vowel combination, reading of word parts, focus in meaning and post test in spelling. So far, it has been successful, sepecially in English Department. Other departments are half-willing. The results are not as succesful with English's. They just don't realize that to teach reading, one must start with the sounds first.
I wish other schools would utilize this type of remedial strategy. Ten minutes may sound so stressful to accomplish the task. But if you have the heart for the students who were obviously always absent due to family's economic dificulty, we can readily remedy the reading problems of the high school students
Thursday, November 8, 2007
National Book Month: Literacy Begins in the Family
As we anticipate the glittering, sparkling, shivering month of December; as we look forward to the nine (9) dawn masses in preparation for the main event - the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ - the Department of Education points to an extremely significant ingredient in literacy - reading books. This year, the theme goes back to the basic: the family as the first teacher of every child.
Filipinos very well know the model of this necessity - Dona Teodora Agoncillo, the mother of our national hero. A very famous story I used in my graduation address in a preparatory school, about the the mother and its baby moth. The story goes "the baby moth was attracted by the flame from the lamp used by Dona Teodora while teaching the little boy Jose to read. The mother moth told its baby not to fly very near the flame because it will get burned. The baby moth did not heed its mother so its wings got caught in the flame, fell and died.
It seems that Jose was not interested in the task, so the mother used the lesson about the moth to drive to her point - disobedient children will be punished. This was not just teaching how to read, but teaching good behavior.
The family,as the basic unit of society has the duty and responsibility to educate its offsprings starting from the womb. The foundation years (1-6 yars old) of every child is significant stage where the child is likened to a sponge in absorbing all knowledge it is subjected to. It is therefore obligatory on the part of the family; in fact the Constitution provides for this so that no child will grow illiterate.
It is sad that in public schools, especially in high school, so many young people are being abandoned by its family in this aspect. They treat the school as an orphanage: after enrolling their child, who cares? The students who consistently receive poor grades are products of such kind of family.
This is one major cause why quality education can never be achieved in public schools in the country. Parents always point to the government, teachers for the failure of their children. When education became free in secondary public schools, graduates became "half-educated". They cannot pass the national achievement test. Every year, the result of the national assessment test declines. With free public education, the number of graduates increase every year. How many get employed? How many can speak fluent English?
Filipinos very well know the model of this necessity - Dona Teodora Agoncillo, the mother of our national hero. A very famous story I used in my graduation address in a preparatory school, about the the mother and its baby moth. The story goes "the baby moth was attracted by the flame from the lamp used by Dona Teodora while teaching the little boy Jose to read. The mother moth told its baby not to fly very near the flame because it will get burned. The baby moth did not heed its mother so its wings got caught in the flame, fell and died.
It seems that Jose was not interested in the task, so the mother used the lesson about the moth to drive to her point - disobedient children will be punished. This was not just teaching how to read, but teaching good behavior.
The family,as the basic unit of society has the duty and responsibility to educate its offsprings starting from the womb. The foundation years (1-6 yars old) of every child is significant stage where the child is likened to a sponge in absorbing all knowledge it is subjected to. It is therefore obligatory on the part of the family; in fact the Constitution provides for this so that no child will grow illiterate.
It is sad that in public schools, especially in high school, so many young people are being abandoned by its family in this aspect. They treat the school as an orphanage: after enrolling their child, who cares? The students who consistently receive poor grades are products of such kind of family.
This is one major cause why quality education can never be achieved in public schools in the country. Parents always point to the government, teachers for the failure of their children. When education became free in secondary public schools, graduates became "half-educated". They cannot pass the national achievement test. Every year, the result of the national assessment test declines. With free public education, the number of graduates increase every year. How many get employed? How many can speak fluent English?
Sunday, November 4, 2007
English Majors - An Endangered Species
A fellow teacher is taking a personal leave to travel to Korea. I'm personally thrilled and grateful for the absences she will incur. Honestly, she is not to be missed. What pains a head teacher is the lack of human resources. We had a few applicants before the previous schoolyear closed. Two of them had been taken in but only one is teaching English. One applicant got sick and she did not follow up he application at the Division Office. Ruth is teaching aa a volunteer in a foundation school with no compensation. She gets her bread in tutoring a Korean in a nearby village. She was informed of scenario and was very enthusiastic about the job. A conflict in schedule is very imminent because the load of her substitution is in the afternoon till early evening. The Korean would not consent to an adjustment of the tutorial sessions. And Ruth, considering the livelihood she earns from the foreigner, has nothing to do but accept the fate.
I have been asking around for prospects: friends, relatives in the field. Negative. A relative said she can try but she is not English major. She is a Math/Science major. I have accepted the reality that graduates who are English majors are becoming endagered.
This is because lesser students can not meet the demands of English course.
I have been asking around for prospects: friends, relatives in the field. Negative. A relative said she can try but she is not English major. She is a Math/Science major. I have accepted the reality that graduates who are English majors are becoming endagered.
This is because lesser students can not meet the demands of English course.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Barangay Election 07 - A Sad Scenario
Being a public school teacher. I was assigned as Chairman of Board or Election Tellers. The electoral process was ideally peaceful in Golden Acres National High School, where residents of Talon 5, Las Pinas/MM were designated to cast their votes. Some voters did not bring any identification card. I did not allow them to cast their vote. I requested the voter to get approval from the Principal, who, then issued a verbal order that voters should be allowed to vote as long as their names appear on the list of voters.
In my precinct, 577-C, only 45 out of 195 voters, made it to the polling place. So the appreciation of votes was completed in less than an hour. After all the post election procedures were undertaken, we lined up for the pick up service to transport us to the City Hall of Las Pinas where we are supposed to surrender the ballot boxes. It was drizzling, some tummies were rumbling and only one unit fetched the BETs. Our faculty president drove his motorbike to the City Hall. When he came back, we were still in the school ground where he left us. Feeling our anguish, he burst his temper, saying "Only Talon 5 ballot boxes have not been returned. COMELEC allows the BETs to return the ballot boxes on their own. To this, 2 sectors reacted. Comelec reps, and candidates' watchmen. A familiar face was offering his private vehicle. Just in time, the pick up vehicle arrived. We shoved ourselves to the vehicle eager to do away with the ballot box which was a life threat to us. And off we go.....
No, we're not taking the route to City Hall! The private car behind us made sure we will be brought to Moonwalk Elem. What for? Heated confrontations ensued. A man in military uniform introduced himself as a Colonel ordered us to surrender our ballot boxes. A wife of candidate, a teacher in that school, introduced herself as Mrs. Dinorog, also demanded that we bring the ballot boxes to the principal's office. Hey, what's the fuss! The election returns are not inside the ballot boxes. We surrendered them to our Principal! How ignorant can they be! Harassing us to the point of delaying the turn over of ballot boxes which are inutile for their ulterior motives! Mrs. Elvira Victoria, our spokesman, talked to the SWAT Team and identified the self-promoted Colonel while Ranie talked to the school principal. Soon, our own principal came with the election returns. It was only then that the driveway was cleared and we were allowed to proceed to City Hall. In our drive to the City Hall, the private car UPG-991 tailed us together with dozens of motorbike-riding supporters of candidates.
From this day on, I will never serve in the Barangay Election.
In my precinct, 577-C, only 45 out of 195 voters, made it to the polling place. So the appreciation of votes was completed in less than an hour. After all the post election procedures were undertaken, we lined up for the pick up service to transport us to the City Hall of Las Pinas where we are supposed to surrender the ballot boxes. It was drizzling, some tummies were rumbling and only one unit fetched the BETs. Our faculty president drove his motorbike to the City Hall. When he came back, we were still in the school ground where he left us. Feeling our anguish, he burst his temper, saying "Only Talon 5 ballot boxes have not been returned. COMELEC allows the BETs to return the ballot boxes on their own. To this, 2 sectors reacted. Comelec reps, and candidates' watchmen. A familiar face was offering his private vehicle. Just in time, the pick up vehicle arrived. We shoved ourselves to the vehicle eager to do away with the ballot box which was a life threat to us. And off we go.....
No, we're not taking the route to City Hall! The private car behind us made sure we will be brought to Moonwalk Elem. What for? Heated confrontations ensued. A man in military uniform introduced himself as a Colonel ordered us to surrender our ballot boxes. A wife of candidate, a teacher in that school, introduced herself as Mrs. Dinorog, also demanded that we bring the ballot boxes to the principal's office. Hey, what's the fuss! The election returns are not inside the ballot boxes. We surrendered them to our Principal! How ignorant can they be! Harassing us to the point of delaying the turn over of ballot boxes which are inutile for their ulterior motives! Mrs. Elvira Victoria, our spokesman, talked to the SWAT Team and identified the self-promoted Colonel while Ranie talked to the school principal. Soon, our own principal came with the election returns. It was only then that the driveway was cleared and we were allowed to proceed to City Hall. In our drive to the City Hall, the private car UPG-991 tailed us together with dozens of motorbike-riding supporters of candidates.
From this day on, I will never serve in the Barangay Election.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Accepting Responsibility - A Bitter Pill
Prophet Jonah was sent to places where religion is not known and naturally Jonah was reluctant so he boards a ship to run away from God. But a great storm came and he realized that he had endangered all passengers because he rejected God. When the passengers found Jonah, they threw him overboard and a large fish swallows him for three days and three nights. The fish spews him out on the shore.
This gospel reminds us that if ever we are given a responsibility, we are to fulfill the duty. Running away is not the answer. Jesus makes it clear that loving starts outside one's kin and nation - one's enemy and the one's that we despise and fear - the one's that we do not consider "Good". "Love your enemies" is a bite of gall. But if we do, we have heeded Jesus when he said "Do this and live."
This gospel reminds us that if ever we are given a responsibility, we are to fulfill the duty. Running away is not the answer. Jesus makes it clear that loving starts outside one's kin and nation - one's enemy and the one's that we despise and fear - the one's that we do not consider "Good". "Love your enemies" is a bite of gall. But if we do, we have heeded Jesus when he said "Do this and live."
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Love Vs. Vengeance
I have proven so many times that vengeance is not the answer for somebody who does injustice to me. People who really know me find me honestly frank. I'm candidly frank using figurative language that I have developed as a "poetess". My students find my "poetry" penetrating the bones. That's all I really am. But I don't play dirty.
I have started to operate a preschool in a Springville subdivision. I have trusted people who had ulterior motives. They asked to share with electrical, water installations and promised to pay the bills. I let them sleep in the building to safeguard the structure. I would find my plants dry and wilting during surprise visits. When I brought a television set, that, too didn't escape their invasion. When the classes begun, I offered scholarship to the grandson. He was a fast learner. My teacher found a problem, though. He was rude. He got involved in breaking my dvd tape of Daddy Day Care. He did not admit his part and worse the mother was not even apologetic. The other boy's parent humbly offered to pay half for the destroyed dvd tape. But the tape could not be replaced. No copy is availabe in local outlets. I have given my teacher custody of the building key. But they insisted that the son sleep to" secure" the premises. They got the key and invaded the building without my knowledge. My husband caught them and passed the information to me. When I inquired about the matter, they were furious. They bragged they will cut the electrical, water connections; pull out the grandson in the enrolment. They were not satisfied at all. They would text harsh messages; shout on the phone. To all these, I did not do anything to get even. I treated the matter as non existent; as if it did not happen. They did not stop, though. They talked to parents of pupils to pull out enrolment for reasons they have concocted.
The day came I have to stay in the building to safeguard the equipments installed, especially the computer with Smartbroadband. I would be hypocrite to say that there was no antagonism in me as I look outside my window. They would pass by the road as they used to. I would hear conversations in their guardhouse. I let them be. Live and let live, that's how respectful I am to people - rich or poor, educated or uncivilized. Till one night, I have to borrow my mobile phone from my teacher when I arrived home from school. The said phone was delivered to me with a weird news - that the family was ejected by the husband's employer. Suddenly, after so many years of lording in the Cueva's security barracks, they're deported. Now, I'm so relieved. Can't deny it.
I have started to operate a preschool in a Springville subdivision. I have trusted people who had ulterior motives. They asked to share with electrical, water installations and promised to pay the bills. I let them sleep in the building to safeguard the structure. I would find my plants dry and wilting during surprise visits. When I brought a television set, that, too didn't escape their invasion. When the classes begun, I offered scholarship to the grandson. He was a fast learner. My teacher found a problem, though. He was rude. He got involved in breaking my dvd tape of Daddy Day Care. He did not admit his part and worse the mother was not even apologetic. The other boy's parent humbly offered to pay half for the destroyed dvd tape. But the tape could not be replaced. No copy is availabe in local outlets. I have given my teacher custody of the building key. But they insisted that the son sleep to" secure" the premises. They got the key and invaded the building without my knowledge. My husband caught them and passed the information to me. When I inquired about the matter, they were furious. They bragged they will cut the electrical, water connections; pull out the grandson in the enrolment. They were not satisfied at all. They would text harsh messages; shout on the phone. To all these, I did not do anything to get even. I treated the matter as non existent; as if it did not happen. They did not stop, though. They talked to parents of pupils to pull out enrolment for reasons they have concocted.
The day came I have to stay in the building to safeguard the equipments installed, especially the computer with Smartbroadband. I would be hypocrite to say that there was no antagonism in me as I look outside my window. They would pass by the road as they used to. I would hear conversations in their guardhouse. I let them be. Live and let live, that's how respectful I am to people - rich or poor, educated or uncivilized. Till one night, I have to borrow my mobile phone from my teacher when I arrived home from school. The said phone was delivered to me with a weird news - that the family was ejected by the husband's employer. Suddenly, after so many years of lording in the Cueva's security barracks, they're deported. Now, I'm so relieved. Can't deny it.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Courting Tragedy
Two of my friends, an elderly and a young adult became disabled simultaneously this month. These two men have been part of my career as public school teacher. The elderly whom we call Lolo Jim loved fatty food plus internal organs specialties. Before the fatal stroke, one Saturday, he feasted on three pieces of balut and a a bottle of beer. He could manage to kid about it saying, "Tomorrow the cholesterol rich food will take effect. He was referring to Sunday. It didn't happen that Sunday. The mild stroke happened Monday. When a younger colleague tried to assist, he proudly bid, "Don't make it obvious. I don't want them (female students) to notice." He admitted it was a mild stroke, even recited a tongue twister to confirm his theory. He went home driving a motorbike with his wife as backrider. Didn't see a doctor that day. Tuesday, he still drove his motorbike until he could not move his leg anymore. Fortunately, he still could use his hand to send text message to his daughter. Too late, after hospital hopping, he was admitted at the intensive care unit. He is now out of danger. Sad, that he can't come back to the teaching profession.
The young adult was my student, called by everyone as Co-rics. He wasn't a brilliant type of student. He had good public relations. He became a very active boyscout official after graduation. He showed much concern for our boy scouts. He helped in controlling the discipline and peace and order in the school in times when teachers are indisposed.
That fatal day, he drove a tricycle with his mother as rider. A careless driver rammed his car on the frail tricyle. He was lucky to be alive. His mother was likewise injured. The spinal column was severely damaged. He is scheduled to have three months rest. He was contemplating to run for the Sangguniang Kabataan election. That would not be necessary at this time.
The young adult was my student, called by everyone as Co-rics. He wasn't a brilliant type of student. He had good public relations. He became a very active boyscout official after graduation. He showed much concern for our boy scouts. He helped in controlling the discipline and peace and order in the school in times when teachers are indisposed.
That fatal day, he drove a tricycle with his mother as rider. A careless driver rammed his car on the frail tricyle. He was lucky to be alive. His mother was likewise injured. The spinal column was severely damaged. He is scheduled to have three months rest. He was contemplating to run for the Sangguniang Kabataan election. That would not be necessary at this time.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Makiling Botanical Garden
Makiling is a mountain in Laguna, Philippines. Laguna is rich very rich in natural resources as proven by this wonderful place. The mountain from afar is shaped like a woman lying on its side. Mt. Makiling got its name from a very beautiful maiden named Mariang Makiling. It is said that this maiden does not tolerate visitors who do not appreciate nature. Dreadful things can happen to those who challenge the mythical figure.
Having a supervisory position has benefitted me somehow. After the quarterly test, the last thing that would come into my mind is relaxation. As a teacher, computations of different components is an obstacle to rest and recreation. So on October 20, we visited the Botanical Garden of Makiling. I was not amazed at all. Having been in Dolores, Quezon, to visit another mountain, "Bundok Banahaw" I didn't see any difference. Bundok Banahaw is extremely challenging for mountain climbers. I would say, Mt. Makiling is only a hill. The only "come-on" of the place is the few species of eagles. True, the eagles are considered as near to extinction. We can see more in Mindanao where there are thicker forests.
The plants that abound are similar to what I have seen around Tagaytay, minus the exotic flowers. Being in Makiling is just like strolling in an ordinary garden. I would not even recommend it for picnics. This is one proof that the government is more inclined in politicking, corruption. I could only wish that Maria punish these guilty persons. This is probably the reason why Pagsanjan is the tourism capital of the province.
Having a supervisory position has benefitted me somehow. After the quarterly test, the last thing that would come into my mind is relaxation. As a teacher, computations of different components is an obstacle to rest and recreation. So on October 20, we visited the Botanical Garden of Makiling. I was not amazed at all. Having been in Dolores, Quezon, to visit another mountain, "Bundok Banahaw" I didn't see any difference. Bundok Banahaw is extremely challenging for mountain climbers. I would say, Mt. Makiling is only a hill. The only "come-on" of the place is the few species of eagles. True, the eagles are considered as near to extinction. We can see more in Mindanao where there are thicker forests.
The plants that abound are similar to what I have seen around Tagaytay, minus the exotic flowers. Being in Makiling is just like strolling in an ordinary garden. I would not even recommend it for picnics. This is one proof that the government is more inclined in politicking, corruption. I could only wish that Maria punish these guilty persons. This is probably the reason why Pagsanjan is the tourism capital of the province.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Desperate Tremendously
Who are the most in demand medical workers in the whole world? Where did they study? Why would an American TV show attempt to change the reality? Reality is, issues about education happen anywhere in the world. They just happen to pick on the Filipinos because they're jealous about Filipino nurses and doctors dominating the hospitals all over the world. How patients love Filipinos as nurses! Do I have to cite statistics? Wake up, WORLD!
Any desperate housewife will confide in ANY Filipino hospital staff. They can be good friends even after discharge. So, who's desperate now?
The production of Desperate Housewives resort to sensationalism. That's below the belt in the arena of journalism. Well, who cares if it's broadcasted worldwide? A Filipino friend is everywhere. They can speak for themselves. Or, do they really need to?
Any desperate housewife will confide in ANY Filipino hospital staff. They can be good friends even after discharge. So, who's desperate now?
The production of Desperate Housewives resort to sensationalism. That's below the belt in the arena of journalism. Well, who cares if it's broadcasted worldwide? A Filipino friend is everywhere. They can speak for themselves. Or, do they really need to?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Parents and Quality Education
Public school teachers have been blamed every time the achievement tests results are out. Teacher factor: education officials, media men, parents, community - they all throw the blame as if they are SOOOOOOO clean and perfect.
These pointing fingers can be dropped. We challenge the world to handle our class. Why do students continue to decline on their academic performance? Whose fault really is it? This question is a chicken-egg sort. We teachers blame it foremost on the population explosion. Why? Simple! Let's reminisce the past years during our grandparents' time. How many learners were there in one classroom? Twenty, thirty, forty. How did this contribute to the quality of education? Philipines topped the list on the most literate country. But now, we have more than sixty students, or more. It's very simple really to point to the culprit.
This is a wake-up call for those who are really deep asleep. But I don't believe that people are ignorant about the real cause of this deteriorating sector. Since the issue is population explosion, I point to the parents as the major contributor to the bad quality of education in the Philippines. Parents must control reproduction of siblings if they have no livelihood. They are the parents of our students in the public school system. Parents who don't pay any tax to give revenue to the government. Several parents are too lazy to go the public clinics for consultations on reproductive matters. A lot do not visit their child's school to monitor child's progress/status. Many parents do not bother to follow up the learnings because they have passed on solely the responsibility to the teachers. Come fourth quarter, teary-eyed mother comes to adviser teacher because the child will not be able to graduate.
Teachers need the trainings, professional meetings, demonstration teachings, table of specifications, item analysis, budget of work, learning competencies. These are all important in achieving quality education. Computers? LCD for power point presentation? These are necessary to enhance. enrich reinforce learning. But what happens when the learner has empty stomach? No matter how we inject IT gadgets in the classroom, these will all go down to the drain.
s
These pointing fingers can be dropped. We challenge the world to handle our class. Why do students continue to decline on their academic performance? Whose fault really is it? This question is a chicken-egg sort. We teachers blame it foremost on the population explosion. Why? Simple! Let's reminisce the past years during our grandparents' time. How many learners were there in one classroom? Twenty, thirty, forty. How did this contribute to the quality of education? Philipines topped the list on the most literate country. But now, we have more than sixty students, or more. It's very simple really to point to the culprit.
This is a wake-up call for those who are really deep asleep. But I don't believe that people are ignorant about the real cause of this deteriorating sector. Since the issue is population explosion, I point to the parents as the major contributor to the bad quality of education in the Philippines. Parents must control reproduction of siblings if they have no livelihood. They are the parents of our students in the public school system. Parents who don't pay any tax to give revenue to the government. Several parents are too lazy to go the public clinics for consultations on reproductive matters. A lot do not visit their child's school to monitor child's progress/status. Many parents do not bother to follow up the learnings because they have passed on solely the responsibility to the teachers. Come fourth quarter, teary-eyed mother comes to adviser teacher because the child will not be able to graduate.
Teachers need the trainings, professional meetings, demonstration teachings, table of specifications, item analysis, budget of work, learning competencies. These are all important in achieving quality education. Computers? LCD for power point presentation? These are necessary to enhance. enrich reinforce learning. But what happens when the learner has empty stomach? No matter how we inject IT gadgets in the classroom, these will all go down to the drain.
s
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Gratiitude & Hope
Let me start my very first blog with a positive note though life is thorny as I journey through this life. So many are so depressed, frustrated, discontented from the day-to-day living. Still a number end up in the mental institutions, others just quit by taking one's own life.
From the song with the same title, also from the movie "The Singing Nun", Dominique was a poor man. He had humility, courage, kindness of heart, hardworking and made this world a better world to live in. I wish I have all these qualities, especially courage. Yes, I stand for my opinion. I speak out my thoughts frankly. But in this world full of chaos, I succumb to pressures. I'm sad to admit that I just can't help being weak. I cannot make this world a better place to live in, after all.
So with this blogspot, I intend to amend my SINS.
We have so many reasons to be grateful for. Many people equate material wealth as the most important indicator in a successful man. Well, it's a material world, sings Madonna. I agree but I don't raise my hat to people who puts a price tag in everything, everywhere. First and foremost, life is too sweet to be disregarded. Family, career, friends. What are you bitter about? Yes, family problems crop up now and then. Yes, work climate can be so unfavorable at times. Yes, friends can desert you at times you need them badly. What's the big deal? You still have your LIFE. Live your life to the fullest, through ups and downs.
From the song with the same title, also from the movie "The Singing Nun", Dominique was a poor man. He had humility, courage, kindness of heart, hardworking and made this world a better world to live in. I wish I have all these qualities, especially courage. Yes, I stand for my opinion. I speak out my thoughts frankly. But in this world full of chaos, I succumb to pressures. I'm sad to admit that I just can't help being weak. I cannot make this world a better place to live in, after all.
So with this blogspot, I intend to amend my SINS.
We have so many reasons to be grateful for. Many people equate material wealth as the most important indicator in a successful man. Well, it's a material world, sings Madonna. I agree but I don't raise my hat to people who puts a price tag in everything, everywhere. First and foremost, life is too sweet to be disregarded. Family, career, friends. What are you bitter about? Yes, family problems crop up now and then. Yes, work climate can be so unfavorable at times. Yes, friends can desert you at times you need them badly. What's the big deal? You still have your LIFE. Live your life to the fullest, through ups and downs.
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