Three tales of inspiration and hope
In the face of despair, adversity, uncertainty and conflict the work of committed citizens can change our country.
We have a tendency to give up because we do not see changes within our midst but always have faith that a ray of sunshine will be present to bring us hope and inspiration as we march toward progress.
Last week, I attended the Karunungan Festival organized by the UNESCO Social and Human Science Committee headed by Felice Sta. Maria and the Ateneo de Manila University, Philosophy Department Chair, Professor Rainier Ibana. It was a symposium on Transforming Schools from the Ground. During the said event, there were three public school principals who shared their stories with us. They awakened the senses of all the audience as they were able to successfully touch our lives.
Mr. Benjamin Caling, is a public school principal of Lupang Pangako (in Payatas dumpsite) Elementary School. The moment he spoke, we all woke up as he told us how his elementary school was so depressed within the confines of the smelly garbage around. The fumes of the garbage which he reminds us is not theirs but ours surround them 24-hours a day that they have to protect their hair, their skin, their eyes and their nose as they walk to school and back home with umbrellas.
When Mr. Caling was transferred from the
The school improved as it ranked 16 out of 98 in the Division Achievement Test the following school year. He had implemented programs to improve skills and efficiency of both students and teachers. He was also able to empower the Parent Teacher Association being actively involved in instilling the value of education to the young. His persistence and strong determination is a good example. He was able to convert the school into one of the best schools in
Ms. Marilou Juanitas, a public school principal of
Bahoyan-Yapo is a depressed locale. The main source of livelihood is fishing. During the rainy season, the men would go to
She did not wait for the Department of Education and the local government to improve the conditions in her school, she called them to help. She made an effort to contact possible supporters like UNICEF and other private entities to answer her plea. She took a personal plight to improve this school to the point of spending her own money and asking her friends to contribute to their programs – just to make ends meet. The community’s values had marked improvement. They became one in achieving the dream to be the best. She improved the environment and little by little invited the community to be a part of this development. She even initiated programs to motivate the students come early to school.
It is quite amazing to note that the school was able to rank no. 1 out of 33 schools in the area on the Public School Achievement Test. But this could not happen had it not been for her unconditional love and the budding relationship she had established with the community. She said that in her journey, she surely met a lot of disappointments but all did not outweigh the inner fulfillment she had as she knew she was on the right path of dedicating her life to the people.
Ms. Monica Sison, a public school principal in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental (134 kms. from
How I wish our politicians had the same “deep” concern for their countrymen. If you dedicate your work to something meaningful your thoughts will become things, your dreams will come true, and all the things will remain forever possible.
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