Kayo Naman Mga Bagets!

Saturday morning means going to my ALS (Alternative Learning System) class in Brgy Poblacion. ALS is a free education program implemented by the DepEd under the Bureau of Alternative Learning System which benefits those who cannot afford formal schooling (wikipedia). It gives hope to the less fortunate and provide opportunities to Out-of-School Youth and adults elementary and secondary school drop-outs; industry-based workers, housewives, maids, factory workers, Indigenous people, and physically handicapped.

I've been volunteering to teach Expansion of One's World Vision or Social Studies since June 2012. I can say that it takes passion and commitment to be an Instructional Manager. It involves enormous heart and tons of will to keep the ball rolling... But, it was like a wake up call, hey! it seems I love teaching! I found myself enjoying every lesson and sharing insights to my class, who is a mix of interesting roots, generations (their age range is like16 to 74 yrs old), and reasons why they are pursuing continuing education.

Last week we went about Nationalism and Pagpapahalaga sa ating Kalayaan at sa Inang Bayan, which was very relevant to the holiday we just celebrated, The National Heroes Day. We watched short clips courtesy of Kasaysayan TV, bout Pagkabuhay ng Kamalayan ng mga Pilipino and there was a portion there where the host/vj asked the audience to share their ideas on how to maintain Nationalism, this portion was called "Kayo Naman Bagets!". So I gave the class their homework, to submit 1.) a short essay on how they can show their tribute to our independence and nationalism and 2.) examples of famous artwork (song, poem, movie, novel, etc) that entails Nationalism. 


It is the teachers' joy to see the hard work and effort  of their students that's why I can't help but share my students' ideas..

Paano mo Mapapakita ang Pagmamahal sa Kalayaan at sa Inang Bayan?

              Manatiling nagtitiwala at huwag mawalan ng pag-asa na ang ating bansa ay maari pang bumangon at umunlad. Itaguyod ang paggamit ng wikang Filipino. Naniniwala ako ng ang aking pagsisikap na makatapos ng pag-aaral ay isang pamamaraan ng pagpapakita ng pagmamahal at pagpapahalaga sa Bayan. Sa aking pananaw, ang mga salat sa kaalaman ay maaring maging pabigat sa ating bansa, kaya ako ay nagsisikap na makatapos ng pag-aaral upang magbigyang pag-asa ang pag-unlad ng ating bayan. 

-Senda, 26 yrs old 

 housewife and mother of two

stopped on her 2nd yr  HS

(I was asking for them to list down famous work of arts that depicts Nationalism, but one of my student made her own poem)

Datu nati'y matatapang

Wala silang kinatatakutan

mga banyaga'y nag-uurungan 

watawat nati'y winawagayway

Nobela ni Rizal ang naging sandata

Sa pakikipaglaban sa mga banyaga

Si andres Bonifacio ang siyang Nanguna

sa himagsikan, laban sa Kastila

Huwag hayaang paalipin

sa sariling bansa natin

Yaman natin ay paunlarin

Atin itong Tangkilikin

Maliit man kung ituring

Dangal naman ay asa atin

Sa palakasan ay magaling

Kagandahan ng Pinoy 

nangunguna pa rin!

- Marissa, 57 yrs  old

housewife and mother of seven

stopped on her 4th yr HS

We only have few sessions left before they take their qualifying exams. I look forward to 6 more fruitful and fun classes with them, and hope to see more progress as we sail along. And as early as now, I commend most of them for having the spirit to continue this, coming to classes every Saturday, participating in discussions, recitation, and sharing; that's already an "A" for effort! And there are some who really standout in their exams, I'm telling you, there's a bright future waiting for you.. .you all make me one proud IM... Keep it up people!




(disclaimer: forgive my grammar slips, don't have time for proofreading and editing lol!.. enjoy!)

Rescue our Barrio

I want to write a lengthier and more comprehensive article about a small barrio surrounded by rivers in Masantol, Pampanga, the barrio where my  mom was born and grew up. Before it was still part of Hagonoy, Bulacan. I am talking about, Baryo Sapang Kawayan. My grandfather, Marcelo Lopez was a legacy here. Being the Kapitan del Baryo (chieftain) for 20 yrs, same length as the Marcos' regime. But his leadership was no way near the martial law scheme, he was always remembered as a good leader. The people loved him and the place was just peaceful (well i think people before are more friendly and calm unlike now!). Anyhow, there are lots of good things to say to describe the barrio, i promise i'll write a better blog focusing on it only one day. Ofcourse I haven't witness them, my mom and her 10 siblings are my story tellers. Its just like sad and frustrating, that while growing up, I saw that the barrio is changing, its becoming worse. I'm affected to the point that I even had it as my undergraduate thesis topic (The present status of the reading and writing competencies of the gr 6 students of Baryo Sapang Kawayan, Masantol, Pampanga - 2004) and even provided the copy of our research findings to them. Some of the problems basically are substandard means of education (they only have elementary school back then, but they have the HS just recent) and early marriage. Just like what was featured in iWitness.

But one day, I was surprised that a group page was made for the baryo and the purpose are to uplift the morale of the people, campaign for awareness about the social issues they have, and just simply keep inspiring others especially the youth to study hard and have a good future. I can't help but commend the admin of the page, but just like a good irony, i also tap the issue of the early marriage thing. My intention is not to humiliate them, but to leave them something to think about, for them to be more aware and act together in resolving these issues. Its like reverse psychology. And i'm happy with the responses. I hope that people will help each other to address these concerns and i still believe that these people, could make a difference. I wish i could write more, but i'm too sleepy (LOL). Let us help each other to uphold Sapang Kawayan. God bless Sapang Kawayan.. Cheers!


here is my post in their group page:

Greetings Sapang Kawayan!
I commend the purpose of this page. Cheers to you all!

I quoted your description and i agree that we should do something to redeem the dignity of our beloved barrio. However, the featured video below is quite alarming. In the time of our grandparents, Sapang Kawayan is way better than what we have now. I just hope that the concerned people address these social issues toimprove our image. More power to you, to the people who are willing to make a difference.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t2abi9g4NE


"Ang Barangay ng Sapang kawayan ay isang isla na puno ng kayamanan na maipagmamalaki sa buong mundo.

Iwaksi natin ang misconception ng ibang tao sa ating barangay.
Ipakita natin sakanila na hindi yun ang dapat makita ng iba sa atin.
Tayo ay mayaman sa nakakaraming bagay.
Magkaisa tayo sa pagpapaunlad ng ating bayan."

I Witness(ANG MGA DALAGITA NG SAPANG KAWAYAN) 03-21-2011 GMA-7 2/4

www.youtube.com

Documentary by Kara David I Witness(ANG MGA DALAGITA NG SAPANG KAWAYAN) 03-21-2011 GMA-7

We Lost a Great Soul

I wrote this a year ago. I didn't do it because someone had instructed me to write something, its as if, the thoughts and words flowed out naturally. And by then, I realize, writing is therapy. Its just I had this strong urge before to put into words the stirring emotions, which are alien and bizarre. Right then after the texts are written,  I find myself normally breathing again...