tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941223888383154862024-02-19T01:18:09.269-08:00Gag-gag-ayGag-gag-ay is a form of socialization of all ages in Sagada. It is story telling time with other people whether of your own age or all other ages. This is usually evident after work hours where people gather, rest and tell stories.banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-9814584832421325332014-10-10T16:00:00.000-07:002014-10-10T16:00:04.912-07:00Indigenous Peoples Education in Mountain Province
The Culminating Activity for the Teachers’ Month (September 5 to October 5) side by side with the Indigenous Peoples Education (IPED) Congress was done in Bontoc, Mountain Province last week. That is also the start of a series of activities in DepEd- Mountain Province to celebrate the Indigenous Peoples Month. Since IP Education is the K to 12 of Mountain Province and that of the whole CAR, this is written to advocate and clarify what IPEd is all about.
In a series of formal and informal gatherings and talks with people, many including educators themselves are hesitant to do IPEd on the thought that this is forcing us and our children to go back to the archaic past. Others have the notion that IPEd will keep us tied only to our ancestral domain. There are many misconceptions that we need to clarify if we want IPEd to move on.
What is Indigenous Peoples Education? Why only now? How is it to be done? Who are involved? These are just some of the many questions that keep on bugging the very first people who should be implementing this.
For sure, IPEd is not JUST education to the IPs whereby the former is simply bringing education to where the IPs are whether that education is appropriate or not. It is simply teaching the IPs how to read, write and do mathematics. In the end, most of the times, the learners will hardly be able to connect what they have learned inside the classroom to the real-life scenario.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-MaXzP1IWQrb2zv3v_qVa6tb9vfCRBhFDVs1r9eVYIjrN5HDXH60aUffvHO8ldS403w9B0tpp0siApPq9gejQ6kjkOtVFd_WnheIL_16r4SvXW3yZm9b7-BRv7di7XMalOLUZHsQ1B1e/s1600/IMG_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-MaXzP1IWQrb2zv3v_qVa6tb9vfCRBhFDVs1r9eVYIjrN5HDXH60aUffvHO8ldS403w9B0tpp0siApPq9gejQ6kjkOtVFd_WnheIL_16r4SvXW3yZm9b7-BRv7di7XMalOLUZHsQ1B1e/s320/IMG_0364.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRPyK_ncCjGdnloJ6QHs8dpSCEEDdVlbNUeSw633tFK6laBhI7x98cnLca8mO1P43An2U54V9UOjxE20XljUlJ4JB4rdL-MBtKIMwV1W_6afUoXiQUyzrlOUvEPLWYl5sYHk7a1V8VtYr/s1600/IMG_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRPyK_ncCjGdnloJ6QHs8dpSCEEDdVlbNUeSw633tFK6laBhI7x98cnLca8mO1P43An2U54V9UOjxE20XljUlJ4JB4rdL-MBtKIMwV1W_6afUoXiQUyzrlOUvEPLWYl5sYHk7a1V8VtYr/s320/IMG_0384.JPG" /></a>
In the context of Mountain Province and even the Cordillera Administrative Region, IPEd is K to 12 itself. K to 12 was purposely designed to be contextualized, to make it relevant and appropriate to wherever it will be brought to within the country. Putting it loosely, when it is brought to the Bicolanos and it is contextualized by them, then it is Bicolano education; when it is contextualized by the Ilocanos, then it becomes Ilocano education. In other words, K to 12 is likened to a chameleon, while it changes colors to blend in it is still the same K to 12 that DepEd is implementing. It is not being done correctly then if it is not contextualized to be suited to the local scenario. It adheres and strongly includes and implements the principles of appropriateness to its direct client.
It recognizes the importance of the much-debated Mother-tongue. It recognized that English and Filipino are not the only school languages but even our own and that our own language is not just a dialect after all. It respected the very basic fact that learning can still be effective even if we start with our own and that our own language is that important also.
The Japanese, Koreans and Chinese all mastered their own languages. Seldom do you meet any of them with perfectly good English but they have the skills to live by. Now, they are soaring in the field of technology while we are still wallowing in our own limitations like our inability to speak perfectly good English and our inability to use our own acquired knowledge to improve our technology. While making watches and using solar cells seem to be a plaything to high school Japanese students, our own graduate students still have a hard time distinguishing the proper way to connect wires. Indeed, we can in general speak better English but what have we got after that?
So, I disagree when people look down on the use of Mother-tongue fearing that their children will know less. For sure, it will be the opposite. Having monitored the implementation of Mother-tongue, I do agree to its effectiveness on developing the higher order thinking skills of the learners. The children can think and answer without inhibitions questions as , “Why do you think so? , How come that came about? How do you think will this end? How could we make it better?” and so on and so forth – questions they can hardly answer if asked in 2nd languages as English and Filipino. This is so because, the language barrier was already transcended with Mother-tongue, making the learners more active and thus, developing confidence in their own selves. I have also encountered experiences as learners who were taught to speak in other languages without being taught their own language. Mother-tongue time is also a time for them to come in touch with their own language, with their own identity for language carries with it the soul of your own ethnicity. With Mother-tongue, the learners will establish their own identity and know their own selves better minus the confusions of the importance of their own. Mother-tongue is IPEd in itself. Slowly, as the years go by, these learners are introduced to other languages and if they are already confident on their own, the entrance of the other languages will be easier. Indeed Mother-tongue is developing the 3=Cs which are confidence, comprehension and cultural identity of the learners.
Further, DepEd-CAR as, through the leadership of the Regional Director Ellen B. Donato, exercised its self-determination made a move at the Central Office that if they want the principles of Mother-tongue to really be successful, they have to recognize other languages in the locality aside from the major ones – and, it was granted. A move was also made to try to reconsider the Roxas law on the DepEd Planning Standards. Thus, IPEd really cause each of the duty bearers to reflect and see how they can help improve the services being rendered.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYs8bWV5jE0vG-fHSawKqZco1PbunP21SYspAP2V6d31lWPW04DXrrEGJtl-77Hb1zq1n0Sg8xuU0vPCy8VIbNkwqvF9l1SkLH_Qnibi-q76ar6yLF3SNjm42rKD4HAKebZMLT2I5FkU5/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYs8bWV5jE0vG-fHSawKqZco1PbunP21SYspAP2V6d31lWPW04DXrrEGJtl-77Hb1zq1n0Sg8xuU0vPCy8VIbNkwqvF9l1SkLH_Qnibi-q76ar6yLF3SNjm42rKD4HAKebZMLT2I5FkU5/s320/IMG_0369.JPG" /></a>
Relevance and appropriateness are some of K to 12’s guiding principles. Without contextualizing or indigenizing K to 2, it will not therefore be relevant and appropriate. Our children will be lost in the classroom and will be lost further outside the classroom. What they learned inside the classroom would seem to be inapplicable outside. Concepts and principles will all be abstract good only for the classroom.
Out of pure irritation and frustration, I once asked my College Algebra instructor why we have to learn all the x and y when the truth is we use real numbers. Her answer further erased my interest since she does not also know (But maybe she was also taken aback by my question that she did not have time enough to think of it.) why the administration offers that to us. If the Algebra teacher cannot answer a simple question as that taking into consideration that they are the very first ones who can understand the concepts of x and y, how could we expect the learners to appreciate and understand it?
Almost two years ago, I was one of the few who were able to observe a class on Algebra at PAMANAKA, a private school established purposely to offer appropriate and relevant education to the Mangyans in Occidental Mindoro. The class was on Mathematics yet they started it by talking about the kaingin for a few minutes. Then the teacher asked them what signs would tell them that the fruits of their labors are about to be harvested. My ears became more attentive. There was a flow of answers like “bitak sa lupa” (they were learning Math in Filipino). Then the teacher asked, if they can count the “bitak sa lupa?” The learners answered, “Opo” pwede daw nila itong bilangin. The teacher continued with if there are five (5) “bitak sa lupa”{ the teacher wrote 5 on the board and drew a simple illustration of land with camote and 5 “bitak sa lupa), can we count the how many camote are inside? Of course, the learners answered no. So, she continued with, since we can count 5 but we cannot count the camote inside, then we represent the camote as x so now we have an example of a monomial which is 5x. Again she asked, is there a possibility that if we have dug the first layer, there will still be a second layer of camote? Since the learners answered that it is possible, she continued the equation with 5x + x which is still monomial since it is still of the same product. Then she asked them what else can show the same sign as “bitak sa lupa” when it is to be harvested? They answered kamoteng kahoy. With that, she continued the equation, if there are 3 “bitak sa lupa” then we have 5x + x + 3y which is now a binomial. She explained further that it has to be y or another letter different from x since it is a different product. The realization hit me that if my Math teacher would have taught us this way, then Math would not have been so difficult to understand since I would have seen its relevance to my immediate life. That while I would have been doing my chores, I’d see that in the end, it is not really abstract for it is something very praxis and for sure I would not have asked that question years ago.
In Araling Panlipunan/HEKASI, the children learned all kinds of heroes outside their own place. They have memorized Rizal, Bonifacio, del Pilar but none of their own and that some were not even told that they can also be heroes in their own ways. Thus sadly, we can’t help overhearing statements from learners as, “I don’t want to be a hero for heroes die,” or “He can’t be a hero, he’s not in the book.” Sometimes, the hidden curriculum is stronger than what we really want to teach.
Further, we knew of the Bataan defense during World War II but have we ever realized that there were Igorots who were part of the forces that defended that place? Only a handful even knew how gallantly our Igorot ancestors fought with their g-strings climbing tanks to put bombs inside. Yet, no other than General McArthur noted this down. Emilio Aguinaldo did not just fly from Tirad Pass to Palanan, Isabela. He had been roaming in Mountain Province, Ifugao and Kalinga before he reached Palanan but we were never taught this. We knew of Biak-na-bato but we were lost in our own. Now, K to 12 as IPEd is forcing us to look into our own.
The Mathematics Education Program Supervisor of Cagayan de Oro during their IPEd benchmarking in Mountain Province did not fail to appreciate our rice terraces and toping as an application of Mathematics and Engineering skills but we have not looked into it that way. In fact, one engineer from the locality even questioned why Sadanga NHS still teaches toping yet we already have cement and steel bars. But this reaction comes when we ourselves do not see and appreciate our own. IPEd then marries the Western knowledge and the indigenous knowledge together so that while we appreciate the Western knowledge, we also see how our ancestors applied such and that though they have not written down their theories and laws, they have applied them.
I have heard from one elder from our hometown that Jesus summarized the 10 commandments into two but we have summarized it into one word and the word was INAYAN. It took some time for his words to sink in because I tried looking into the different angles of how inayan is used. I was surprised to realize that he was right that if we apply inayan in our lives, we will be pleasing in God’s sight and living in harmony with man.
Culture before it becomes what it is underwent processes including research, though for sure were not written as we do now. If we try to imagine, how do you think did our ancestors discover some fruits, plants, mushrooms to be edible while others are not? For sure, they have done observations, they have tried trial-and-error methods, they have experienced eating them, too. And, when it was good, they made it a part of their diet and when not, either they check further on it or they abandon it for food purposes.
The point is that contextualization is still the call of times. If we are teaching K to 12 exactly working only on the content placed in the Teachers’ Manual, we are not doing it correctly. We then need to re-examine ourselves as teacher duty-bearers and as IPs if we are. We therefore need to again go back to our own K to 12 manuals and study them and also read RA 10533 which is the K to 12 Law as well as look into its Implementing Rules and Regulations
IPEd in Mountain Province is not the sole responsibility of DepEd, it is the accountability of all, the community especially of the elders; DepEd as the teachers, administrators and all other personnel; and the stakeholders which includes the parents, LGUs, other government agencies. The fire to do IPEd is because of the community’s aspirations for appropriate education, K to 12, and IPRA. In the course of discourse the Mountain Province Indigenous Peoples Education Framework was formed which are as stated below.
1. MP-IPEd is contextualized K to 12. K to 12 is designed in a way that it has to be localized to be learner-centered, responsive, culture-sensitive, culture-based, relevant and appropriate to the receivers that while they develop 21st skills, they also develop their cultural rootedness and identity.
2. MP-IPEd is participative, inclusive and empowering (PIE). IPs are not only consulted but are involved from the start to the end educational processes. They are part of the processes, making them partners and empowering them to make their own decisions as they contribute to Indigenous Peoples Education.
Further discussions and workshops on what participative, inclusive and empowering means for DepEd-MP resulted to the following:
Inclusive
• It is inclusive because it includes both IP and non-IP learners in Mountain Province.
• It includes IP partners and stakeholders from the crafting, implementation up to the monitoring and evaluation of the IPED Framework.
• It includes different formal, ALS, ADMs and informal learning modalities.
• It is not coercive for non-IPs. Non-IPs, and sometimes even IPs in the domain will learn but are not forced to adopt to the IP beliefs, customary laws and practices of their place.
Participative
• IPED is a concern of every IP in Mountain Province from the crafting, advocacy, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• The extent of participation on the part of non-DepED IPs of Mt Province include conducting research on IKSPs, validation and even in delivery of instruction with the spirit of volunteerism.
Empowering. Every IP has the chance to be heard in decision-making. This helps them to be assertive of their rights to self-determination but without stepping at others in the process.
3. MP-IPEd is founded on the clear and common understanding of the key documents and elements that are fundamental basis of IPED (DO 62, RA 8371, AD, RA 10533). It is important that there is a clear and common understanding of the legal bases of IPED. RA 8371, DO 62, s. 2011 and RA 10533 are mandates of the NCIP and DepED, respectively. AD should also be understood, i.e. it is not just territory but its whole component. IPED has also a clear understanding on the written culture which is fundamental basis but documents should therefore be validated.
4. MP-IPEd is founded on the Ancestral Domain. IPED is rooted in the ancestral domain. In the K to 12 words, it is culture-based. AD includes land, air, water (surface and beneath), spirits, beliefs, value systems, practices, relationsips and others. IPED does not only concentrate on the products of the culture like dances and songs but should dig into the roots of products such as the philosophies and principles of the community.
CULTURE AND IPs
Culture, as illustrated above, is the product of the interactions of man. From these interactions, they have come into terms with their own experiences which were solidified into the IKSPs which when made alive through practice is what we now call as culture. Sometimes these IKSPs were considered superstitious by the Western point of view but these are based on solid experiences and experimentations conducted in the process of learning. The cultural practices are just manifestations of these experiences.
If in the course of contextualization, we only look into the fruits, then slowly the culture fades. The culture-based curriculum should then include the world views and philosophies of the IPs themselves, not only those that are superficial.
5. MP-IPEd puts emphasis on the functional picture of the AD before and today. To benchmark, a situational analysis on the AD during the pre-colonial era and the post-colonial times was done. It is therefore the umili who will judge their own culture and check what is to be retained and what is to be changed. What should be taught and what is to be stopped. IPEd is not going back to the olden times, it is making us better people instead by benchmarking on what we are now, reflecting on how we could be better as we live who we are, our own identity proudly without pretense. Further, it brings out respect of others, respect of our own, respect of the culture of other people that the real understanding of equality be exercised.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45asR7SjdVsYgy9LxOgLUivWP0ozxT2zo-hc8ktJ6Kf6ZWP9ZBvnRPppoBI2fwY3u2SnBkX5zfRbcxTLCyU9o_dfK_3cePC6t3JgT2wIhCKFQBdBZzPkC8VJyy8Ejg2KMEdhFVC5Ai_lo/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45asR7SjdVsYgy9LxOgLUivWP0ozxT2zo-hc8ktJ6Kf6ZWP9ZBvnRPppoBI2fwY3u2SnBkX5zfRbcxTLCyU9o_dfK_3cePC6t3JgT2wIhCKFQBdBZzPkC8VJyy8Ejg2KMEdhFVC5Ai_lo/s320/IMG_0391.JPG" /></a>
6. MP-IPEd gives significance to the understanding of the dynamics of change, AD understanding of development and its impact. Change is inevitable thus, IPED is not placed tightly in a box. Rather, it is open to appropriate change and the developments it brings which are in consonance with the Ancestral Domain understanding and dynamics of change. AD understanding of development may not be similar with the understanding in the Western world, like high towering buildings but rather a holistic abundance of health, love, support, food, strength for the individual and the family which in Western Mountain Province are contained in words as masika-sika, ipeyas. But, it shall be open to change through acculturation but never assimilation.
Acculturation is the intercultural borrowing marked by continuous transmission of traits and elements between diverse peoples resulting in new and blended patterns (Webster’s 3rd New International Dictionary, 1961). With acculturation, both the accepting culture and the accepted culture are being respected. The accepted culture does not dominate but rather interacts with the accepting culture. Example here is the use of bagoong that blended naturally with the lemons of the mountains. While we accepted the use of the t-shirts and pants, we have not totally forgotten the use of our tapis and g-strings.
Assimilation, on the other hand, is a sociocultural fusion wherein individuals and groups of differing ethnic heritage acquire the basic habits, attitudes and mode of life of the embracing national culture (Webster’s 3rd New International Dictionary, 1961). In other words, one culture is forgotten in the process of embracing the other culture. This is on the thought that the culture being introduced and embraced is better than the culture being left. This usually happens when the embracing individual does not have a solid appreciation of his/her own identity. Thus, it would be easier for him/her to embrace the “dominant” culture so as to escape criticisms for being “different.” Assimilation does not respect the other culture. It propagates the thought that one is better thus results to discrimination which may even be deadly. World History showed examples of these as the genocides that happened during the World War I and II, the organization and activities of the Ku Klux Klan, the name Burma which was then changed to Myanmar, the fight led by Martin Luther King, etc. Yet, our own locality harbors many examples, too – a shame that did not really come out from what we have done but rather from being who we are and not appreciating who we are which later on resulted to some actions as not teaching our children our own mother tongue, not appreciating our own “inatep/ ferey,” labeling others who are darker in skin and appreciating the lighter ones as well as trying our best to use whiteners to have a lighter shade.
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7. MP-IPEd is ancestral domain-based with the ancestral domain as the unit of planning (reference point). The ancestral domain is the unit of planning and it is the foundation of Indigenous Peoples Education in Mountain Province. Thus, Mountain Province is to prepare their School Improvement Plan integrating the school in the bigger picture, the ancestral domain. Though admittedly, the school had always been recognized to have been playing an important role in the society, now it will not plan independently but will plan as an organic part of the ili and not only based on the situation of the school per se but including the ancestral domain.
8. MP-IPEd encompasses three modes of education delivery which is through the formal (Kinder to Grade 12), Alternative Learning System (ALS) and the Ancestral Domain Education (ADEd). Formal learning is embodied in the Kinder to Grade 12 but teachers will not only focus on developing the competencies without having to contextualize. K to 12 is basically designed to be contextualized in the local situation, thus, not contextualizing the content and competencies of K to 12 means the duty-bearers are not doing K to 12 as planned. If the learner goes out of the classroom and thinks that what he/she learned therein is not applicable in his or her own locality, then we have failed as educators in the delivery of the mandates of K to 12. This is also true with the Alternative Learning System. The ADEd is not really new since it had been the ways of our ancestors in passing on their competencies and wisdom to the young. This does not have a definite face yet. But, it includes all the indigenous learning systems (ILS) that happen in the “ili” including the way the young acquires the learning. When the young follows his/her mother to the farm even as young as five years old, and helps in ways as picking and cleaning the camote, is not child labor – rather it had always been our ancestors’ way of teaching us that work is a part of us and not to be detested for it is also at these times that the young understands the value of life, work, food production, environment all packaged into one. Joining community activities and sitting with the elders are ADEd activities. Storytelling through narratives, parables and fables, anecdotes; demonstration; learning-by-doing or actual work; observation; participation/ involvement are just some of the methods and strategies that they had been using for so many generations and which are still being used even until these days. Though much of the MP-IP literature had been passed orally either through songs, narratives like genealogy, storytelling, they had stuck to the olds but the young now who were educated seldom developed their innate orality thus are relying on their literacy.
9. MP-IPEd is rights-based with the IPs as the rights bearer and DepEd and the community as the duty-bearer.
The right to be educated is owned by the indigenous peoples but this right is to be delivered by the duty bearers. The duty-bearers, on the other hand, who are composed of DepEd (teachers, school heads, supervisors and all other personnel) and the IPs themselves especially the elders as IPED in Mountain Province is a partnership of the IPs and DepEd, have the responsibility, if not the burden, to deliver appropriate education to the rights-bearers. Delivering IP education therefore, cannot be done by DepEd alone but rather by all people in the community especially the elders.
10. MP-IPEd is a partnership of DepEd and the IPs themselves. IPEd shall not push through without DepEd, or without the IPs. It is an endeavor of both. While DepEd works on its mandate to deliver appropriate education especially in the formal and ALS education, the IPs have that burning passion to pass on what makes them as a people to the next generation in partnership with DepEd and through the Ancestral Domain Education itself. Further, there shall be an IPEd Council of Elders and Council of Stakeholders in the provincial level that shall be organized to help DepEd implement IPEd. The IPEd Council of Elders is organized per school or per barangay or per ili relative to appropriate conditions of the concerned schools. If the schools located in a barangay are near each other and have the same elders involved then the schools can have just one IPEd Council of Elders but if the schools in the same barangay are really far from each other, then it would be practical to have one IPEd Council of Elders for one school. Likewise, all other stakeholders of the school like the LGUs, parents, teachers, learners, Civil Society Organization, other government agencies, alumni, etc shall likewise be the Council of Stakeholders.
11. MP-IPEd is part of the assertion of the MPs of Mountain Province for self-determination. IPEd is free from the dictates of outsiders. It is an assertion of the self-determination of the indigenous peoples in Mountain Province, thus, indigenous peoples education is to be defined and decided by them. IPEd then is their window of claiming who they are (identity) as they decide and act appropriately for what is best for their ancestral domain.
Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) may be new to our ears but it had been ongoing in other countries, including the Philippines, for many years already. For the Philippines, the oldest established school that is doing indigenous peoples education is the Kalahan Academy of Imugan, Sta. Fe. Other schools such as Pamanaka of the Mangyans in Mindoro, School of Living Traditions in Mindanao and others only came later.
In a study recently conducted by the University of the Philippines, Indigenous Peoples Education is being done in the Philippines in many ways as insertion of cultural elements, addition of a new subject focused on IKSPs, integration in the curriculum, integration with an additional subject and the last one is an IP curriculum based on the community activities.
Insertion of cultural elements is plainly using IKSPs as examples or being mentioned but the IKSP is not being discussed thoroughly to be understood. It is plainly being inserted like being used in a sentence. Some schools made it into another subject area but the danger of this is that the hidden curriculum might be that IKSPs are just separate from the whole curriculum. Integration is looking into the DepEd competencies and entry points of IKSPs in it. So the IKSPs and the DepEd competencies blend together. However, others still included integration as well as adding another subject purposely for IKSP discussions. Lastly, IP curriculum is based on the community life cycle and the DepEd competencies are integrated into the curriculum. This is the opposite of integration because in integration, the basis for what should be included and what should be left out are the DepEd competencies but in the IP curriculum the basis is the community life cycle and the DepEd competencies are included where they are relevant. What Mountain Province attempted in the indigenization of their curriculum is integration but some efforts are trying to explore IP curriculum.
Integration will show that our ancestors also developed Science, Math, Araling Panlipunan, TLE, language, Values Education, MAPEH but they are not boxed as such. These are not separate from each other like in doing toping or mountain engineering as named by DepEd. In toping, they do Math, they socialize, they have applied values, they do livelihood, they test their strength and stamina, they do Physics, they communicate so they touch all subject areas because in reality life is not boxed in subject areas but are rather rolled into one. Thus, one IKSP can be touched in all subject areas. So, as prescribed by DepEd-Cordillera Administrative Region, IKSPs should be taught using thematic approach. It is not surprising then that sample curriculum webs were prepared by the Education Program Supervisors in all divisions in CAR for the teachers.
Yet, one still wonders why we are called indigenous peoples which seem to be separating us from the other peoples. For lack of a collective term to describe us and our counterparts in the whole world, indigenous peoples was used. All over the world, these are the peoples who did not succumb and who have not allowed their own identity to be annihilated by the invading “superior” culture. They had their own means of coping and kept their culture intact. As William Henry Scott put it in his discussion on the creation of the minorities, they were the one who became “less and less like their own brothers who became more and more like their conquerors.” The indigenous peoples maintained their own whether or not they dealt with their conquerors – they carried who they are even if their counterparts allowed their own identity to be killed by their conquerors by making the conquered be like the conquerors` in the way they talk, wear clothes, eat and the way they do things. Not surprisingly, we read of Filipinos who want to become little brown Americans.
Thus, it is not surprising to hear people say that if you want to see the original Filipinos, see the indigenous peoples. One time when we visited a museum in Vigan, I was not surprised to see that their past is something that is similar to our slowly fading present. They also had coffins which were roughly carved from the tree trunk and the cover placed without nails. Their kitchen implements almost the same as the wooden implements used by our grandparents and even by us.
The indigenous peoples of today were like exotic animals of before when they were displayed in Madrid, Spain side by side with other creations in the 1800’s and again in the St. Louis Exposition in Pennsylvania in 1904. This was the conquerors way of declaring to the world that they have “tamed savages.” Though Igorots were not the only displayed “savage,” they were one of the most popular especially so because of their “dog-eating “ and gong-playing.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFohfNNftQWIyReeFGXtmSCgxDgJFEbgZWPXwTnh47sIlo2l4mOWhi6r7t8OHl_bl060Va5k9znWGN0x-APnDne0H4-697opnE1HfZA1enkyVMeraRNe5V9gn98M_J672xoSFtkmgQVYJW/s1600/IMG_0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFohfNNftQWIyReeFGXtmSCgxDgJFEbgZWPXwTnh47sIlo2l4mOWhi6r7t8OHl_bl060Va5k9znWGN0x-APnDne0H4-697opnE1HfZA1enkyVMeraRNe5V9gn98M_J672xoSFtkmgQVYJW/s320/IMG_0392.JPG" /></a>
Yet the divide between the indigenous peoples and the mainstream Filipinos were only created when we were conquered. In other words, there were no indigenous peoples then, everybody was indigenous in their own place. The coming of the colonizers changed the course of their history and even of their perspectives. Their lowland brothers also started hating them for some reasons as the being the cause of the death of their loved ones who helped the Spaniards in their attempt to subjugate the mountains and their dwellers. This started their deep seated hatred which was passed on from generations to come and which were enunciated in so many ways as in their literature like in Biag ni Lam-ang, of which Biag accordingly came from the mountains in revenge for his father and took a bath at Amburayan river poisoning all the fishes therewith. Or, in statements as, “naka-ang-angdod ka, kasla ka Igorot.” Or, the fact alone that the mountain people were seen and treated like they were of the lower form of human beings. And sometimes due to their geographical situation was marginalized even from government services.
In the early 1900’s the Americans called for all Filipinos to have their lands titled. Since no one in the whole Cordillera had their land titled, due most probably to ignorance of the importance of papers, the whole region was considered alienable and disposable and owned by the government. This is no different from the Regalian doctrine applied by the Spaniards of which every piece of land is owned by the king and the king has all the full authority to determine how it is to be disposed. Thus, when Legaspi was finally able to conquer some portions of the Philippines, the whole country was awarded to him and he on the other hand awarded his loyal, gallant soldiers giving Salcedo the whole of Vigan and de Goiti the whole of Manila.
Land to the Igorots and to most indigenous peoples is not just a commodity. It is very much a part of their identity and their life. Land to them is sacred. This uncommodified view of the land was contrary to the Regalian Doctrine policy and how it was regenerated into the different policies implemented through the years. Thus, the artificial divide was nurtured instead of being corrected.
A Presidential Decree signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos even stated that all land areas with an 18 degree slope is owned by the government. This practically means that the people of the Cordilleras own no land and it is a blatant non-recognition of the existence of the indigenous peoples in the place. And since the land is owned by the government, it can do anything with it and all resources found within. Thanks to people like Macli-ing Dulag and all his contemporaries and predecessors who continuously fought for the Cordilleras and its resources.
Aside from the land though, is the very issue of them being questioned for who they are as Carlos P. Romulo once put it, “Igorots are not Filipinos,” which when looked closely can be right as history tells us but also at the same time wrong. Anyway, this self-search for identity resulted to Igorots denying their own identity of being people from the mountains as the term denotes but at the same time for people from Mountain Province boldly stating that they are the Igorots even as others would rather be called and be known of their own particular place like Ifugao or Kalinga.
Yet, this marginalization due to identity continued in these present times in forms as the statement of Candy Pangilinan (?) in Baguio City, “Tao ako, di ako Igorot.” I cannot fully blame her rather I blame all of us, the society and the institutions that continuously perpetuate the perspectives of division. This includes the schools which never corrected such a thought. The schools which should have been the first one to check the notion have not done so. The school, as DepEd Secretary Luistro pointed out in one of his speeches, is guilty of doing injustice to the indigenous peoples and should be the first to check this injustice that it had done.
So, the fight of the indigenous peoples to be recognized and be heard continues. Their exercise of their self-determination, if they have already realized it as a community, is being tested. These are just some of the roles of indigenous peoples education. Aside from teaching the fast fading IKSPs, IPEd also makes the community do a self-reflection, check what they already have and what they will still have to work for, make a convergence of the local and Western knowledge to come up with a better output, make their own formal and informal situational analysis and plan based on that, explicitly integrate the school in the community as education is not only the responsibility of the school but the accountability of all. IPED also recognizes the wisdom that had been an offshoot of the interaction of our ancestors with that of the ancestral domain.
In Mountain province, Indigenous Peoples Education works on four main domains as shown in the illustration below.
As shown above, the IPEd of Mountain Province to produce culturally rooted and globally competent graduates have to address Access, Quality and Efficiency in four areas which are Research, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; Curriculum Development, Instruction & Education Resources; Governance and Policy Development; and IP Partners and Stakeholders. It has the following objectives for each area. Below are the four areas with its objectives and corresponding activities.
A. Research, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
Institutionalized community partnership and right-based approach in educational research and planning.
• Training on AD-Based SIP
• Crafting of AD-Based School Improvement Plans involving the ICCs using the Rights-based approach
• Review of the Division Education Development Plan with the ICCs using the Rights-Based Approach
• Review of the Division Education Development Plan with the ICCs using the Rights-Based Approach
• Analysis and utilization of the IPEd Baseline Data Gathered
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Prepared M & E tools that are culture-sensitive and culturally appropriate in assessing and evaluating IPEd accomplishments in the whole schools division.
• Formulation of IPEd M and E team that would include ICC representatives.
• Craft appropriate M and E tools that would measure IPEd progress
• Analyze M & E results for planning and development purposes
B. Curriculum Development, Instruction, Education Resources and Facilities
Indigenized curriculum that is culturally responsive, sensitive and appropriate in all subject areas in all grade levels.
Utilized the Ancestral Domain as a classroom in itself and indigenous strategies of teaching and learning that is responsive and designed in relation to the uniqueness and particularities of IP communities.
Developed indigenized teaching and learning resources.
Prepared contextualized IMs in K to 12 in all grade levels in all learning areas.
Utilized fully the LRMDC/S.
Preserve and conserve resources in the Ancestral Domain that have educational value.
• Finalization and utilization of the IPEd Curriculum Framework
• Indigenization of the Curriculum in all subject areas in Grades 1-3 and 7-8
• Research and documentation of IP communities history and development
• Assessment and evaluation of indigenized Grades 1-3 and 7-8
• Indigenization of the curriculum in all subject areas in Grades 4-6 and 9-10
• Research and documentation of ILS and IKSPs of all MP IP communities
• Assessment and evaluation of indigenized Grades 4-6 and 9-10
• Indigenization of the curriculum in all subject areas in Grades 11-12
• Teachers effectively use the Ancestral Domain as a classroom in itself
• Effective use of teachers of indigenous strategies of teaching and ILS
• Establishment of IP centers in all communities
• Produced and uploaded LRMDS quality assured IMs/LMs.
• Identification of and planning for preservation and/ or conservation of AD resources that have educational value
• Preparation of Local Standards based on local situation on identified national standards that are not appropriate in the locality
• Utilization of the resources
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkD61TOAW-b8K2RHufZ8NnKdcXayeYv3StyNX-jYeprjwZTWxE4Gi7LswAnEICPM76GvMG2B07SbmVKcL_KgN_D12iKCf8QT483NGQ3cJYr2h-GuOmidAOycuONvmtFKOeCL5ICQr80lT/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkD61TOAW-b8K2RHufZ8NnKdcXayeYv3StyNX-jYeprjwZTWxE4Gi7LswAnEICPM76GvMG2B07SbmVKcL_KgN_D12iKCf8QT483NGQ3cJYr2h-GuOmidAOycuONvmtFKOeCL5ICQr80lT/s320/IMG_0375.JPG" /></a>
C. Governance and Policy Development
Institutionalized mechanisms, structures, processes and policies that would make IPEd operational.
• Making of processes and policies that would make IPEd operational
• Prepare appropriate MOA with NCIP concerning FPIC concerns on researches and documentations specifically for IPED
• Revisiting the Social Contract with the ICCs
Established FPIC protocols in the division and per district.
• Establishment of the Council of Elders for IPEd in schools, districts and division
Established organizational structure on IPEd in the districts, schools and communities.
• Designation of IPEd Coordinators in the Division, District and Schools
• Involvement and empowerment of all partners and stakeholders in all educational processes
• Conduct of the IPED congress.
D. Partners and Stakeholders
Capacitate duty bearers, partners and stakeholders for effective implementation of IPEd.
• Mass Orientation Workshop for Teachers on IP Education content and implementation
• Conduct of information, education campaign for IPEd in the grassroots
• Retooling of Teachers and School Heads
Involve and empower partners and stakeholders in education processes.
Yet, DepEd cannot move forward with IPEd if the community is not with it. Thus, IPEd is the accountability of all and IPEd is here for all of us not as an educational panacea but as a chance to have our voices be heard and be recognized in our educational system as a means to further improve our services to our stakeholders.
Prepared: Irene Angway, DepEd-MP IPEd Coordinatorbanayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-175652350785579042014-03-09T07:16:00.000-07:002014-03-09T07:16:05.522-07:00The Essence of Teaching<i> (This is a story I submitted to a contest - Existencia Maestra - I would not have known the contest had it not been for my students in the past who nominated me and paid the entrance fee and all. I was only asked to fill up the form and write my story. Actually, i did not have much time to do it coz of so many reasons but i drafted and the draft was never finalized until the deadline came and i submitted it. So, pardon the technical errors.)</i>
<p> Teaching is really the most exciting job one can have for while teachers are living in reality, they also have the power to create experiences that may make or unmake the future of their students.<p>
<p> As a teacher who actively stayed in the classroom for at least ten years, I have been a student myself. I took a course not offered in any other universities except in the University of Life in the world of teaching. I had great mentors who may have been there with me in person or are already in the life beyond. Of course, the greatest mentor is always my greatest friend, the father of all teachers - Jesus Christ. <p>
<p> After I have exerted efforts, the question they will still ask me is, “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?” On my first years of teaching I was always hurt with the question and I would like to shout to them, “Have you not seen me slaving myself just to teach these students? Have you not seen me checking their papers and writing my comments on each of them? Have you not seen me preparing my lessons and making the lesson interesting enough for the students to actively listen to and not fall asleep? Have you not seen me giving my best? Have you not even thought of me and my comfort? I have not gone to many night time and week end social gatherings just so that I could prepare for my lessons and strategies that could be suited for my students. I have exerted efforts asking the help of others either financially or in kind so I could show my students that there is life beyond the community, that there is life beyond the schools. I have jeopardized my image and explored the possibilities of bringing my students out to the open fields for I believed that learning is never confined in the classroom. And, sometimes I even jeopardize our budget for the month by pinching some just to make my class happier or to reward my students for jobs well done. Yes, I have done all of those and beyond, YET YOU STILL QUESTION ME ON WHAT I HAVE DONE? <p>
<p>I have not slept on my job for sure but the questions kept on ringing. I tried to keep my stand that I have done everything, that there are no ways to improve but my mentors kept on reminding me the same question that would keep me awake at night. They have not forced me to accept that my best was not good enough, they have not forced me but they have gently prodded me to check on my reasons for being a teacher. Their ways are gentle and the lessons it left are life changing. I started questioning myself and my reasons for being a teacher.<p>
<p>If I have done my best, why are some students dropping out? If I had given my all, why are some of my students getting absent every now and then? If I have done my best, why don’t all my students perform well? If those are the best, why are some of my students not graduating or some are failing and not passing the grade? I started questioning myself until the questions became very intense and I came to a resolution that THERE ARE STILL SO MUCH THAT I COULD DO ASIDE FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING. Aside from the daily routines of teaching, there are still much to be done. And, consciously or unconsciously I started to do things beyond what ordinary teachers do. Truly, acceptance is the start of improvement – the start of changes leading to improvements.<p>
<p>Out of the many things I have done as a teacher are three challenges I can never forget and where I have learned so much from. I had a student in my advisory class who comes in late and gets absent without any clear reasons. I tried talking to him but he refuses to give me sensible answers. Together with some of his friends, we visited him at home but still he does not give us any clue on how to help him. I remembered that I may not open my problems up to any other person but I open up on my journals. At those times, using a journal is not a common strategy and so I was afraid to introduce it for we might not be doing it right. But, as I was also teaching Values Education then, I thought of using this strategy taking into context that values are caught and not taught and the fact that whatever we experience – good or bad – has its own purpose. I assured them that I will only be the one to read their journals and nobody else. The essential questions that they will answer are, “What happened? What are my reflections on what happened? So, what will these mean to me as a student, a family member, a friend, a community member?”<p>
<p>At first, the students were so cautious in answering. They would not want to reveal anything to somebody they will not trust. But, as they saw that I was serious with me being the only one reading their journals, slowly they confided their deepest secrets, their hurts, their plans, their what ifs. And, even the student who has not wanted to open up to us and even to his family crumbled down and opened up his problems. He had wanted to drop out, to live far away from all the people around or not to live at all. He lost his purpose for living. All he wanted was to get out from this world. He was even entertaining suicidal thoughts since he feels he does not belong and nobody cares for him. I was astounded. Since I usually read their journals when everybody else in the office went home, I put down my ballpen and mulled over what he wrote. A big realization overcame me. So, it is really true that even if there are people around us, we can still be left out and even if there are people who love us, we can still feel unloved. <p>
<p>The realization made me too tired but it also activated my mind to find other applicable approaches that could be used for this particular student. I visited him at home, made a point to let him know I care for him as an individual, assured him that there is a life beyond the problems he is facing. I also asked him not only once to stay beyond office hours. Since we teachers and even the school head share the faculty room, there is no privacy so we have to find other places like below the trees where we could talk and not be disturbed by anybody. I talked with his family and together we sat down to try to figure out how the student became such. It took weeks and months but in the end, he did not drop out or committed suicide but instead he finished his secondary school. He may not be an extra ordinary student but he sure epitomizes the situation of the young learners. He, like all other youngsters or any person for that matter carries with him a situation which may either cost his life or make him a better person. The teacher then has a very significant role in the life of students. Who knows, the teacher might even save the learner from taking his own life if not from stopping to dream and continuously improving himself.<p>
<p>Sagada had always been a hub of education. It had been serving not only people of the municipality but also of the whole Cordillera and even of the different parts of the Philippines. The school where I am teaching has all kinds of learners like people from Kalinga. One very early morning, when we were on our way to school, about five adult males from Kalinga were also proceeding to the same direction. It was an unusual sight since rarely do the iKalinga visit their children in school. If ever they come to visit their children, they would usually not come to the school. Further, Kalinga is a province where the old age “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” practice is still alive. I know that their presence means something. When they came to the office, the school head called for me. He explained that the men came to fetch their children so they will bring them home because yesterday, an iKalinga killed an iBontoc. If they will not bring them home, they are the risk of being the object for the revenge – the iBontoc may come and kill them in Sagada. <p>
<p>And, it was February? I started counting the iKalingas in my advisory class and there are three affected. But there are also some from the other year levels. I started seeing my promotional report with red marks indicating students who dropped. I cursed the practice for I am truly aware that for as far as we can remember that had been one of the reasons why very few iKalinga finish their degree. Only the brave and risk-takers will continue their studies away from their village when this thing happens. Without thinking much, I tried persuading the men that the iBontoc will not come here just to kill their children but my words were hollow. How could they believe me when they know their own practice? <p>
<p>Then I started campaigning individually on the men while we were having coffee. Each one refused to give in except for one who pulled me aside and said, “Whatever happens, please don’t just allow us to take our children. If we do, their future will be affected.” So, when the men again started to convince the school head and I to allow their kids to go with them while they can still safely pass through Bontoc and go home, I broached to them a solution which I have not internalized that moment. I asked them to turn over their kids to me and I will watch them like a hawk. They are to occupy a small house beside our own house and I will be able to check for them 24/7. After so much discussion, they agreed and left. Later that night as I was calling for each of their children, I felt the weight of the realization of the solution I proposed. The lives of these young people are in my hands. I am running a dormitory for free just so that they will not drop. What made me propose a solution, more sane people would have never proposed? What could have made me different to even think of such? What will I do if the fear of their parents will really happen and the iBontoc will come and kill them here in Sagada? What will I do then? I was about to give up but the still small voice within tells me to go on and not to give up for this may help them build their future.
The routine continued that while we watch them in school, I continue to monitor them at home until graduation day. Three of them graduated for the others are in the lower year levels. One of their parents who came was also present during the times they insisted of bringing their children at home. This parent came near me and simply said, “Thank you so much. Now, I can see my son graduate.” His words were more than money. It seeped into my being and removed all my doubts on the rightfulness of my action. In fact, the students have not formally thanked me. After graduation, they went their own ways and I have not seen all of them since that day except for one. After 10 years, I received a text from an unregistered number telling me that he/she placed an invitation on my table at the office since I was so busy at the conference hall conducting a meeting that he/she was not able to talk to me. I was baffled. I went to my table and saw an invitation to an ordination. I read through and found out that the text came from one of the boys I protected during those trying times. On his ordination, his sponsors are mostly from Kalinga and one of them, accordingly his uncle, is someone I know at the DepEd Regional Office. He was baffled and so are the other sponsors who are mostly from Kalinga on how the celebrant have known me and why would he make me his sponsor. That question brought me back to years ago and to the realization that I have not made a mistake after all. What I have risked before was worth taking and it is now multiplying a thousand fold. <p>
<p>Lastly, I had a student before, who we may call Renz, who had been very studious when he first entered high school. As a freshman, I could say that I was one of his favorite teachers and he would always pester me. I would always challenge him and he finished topping his class in first year. In his second year, a transferee in who disliked me for a reason I really don’t know of came in. This transferee-in, for some unknown reasons, did not like me even before she transferred but it so happened that Renz like her so much. Renz started to follow him wherever she goes and gave in to everything concerning this transferee in. Later on, the transferee in became his girlfriend. For the rest of his high school life, he did not like to talk to me and tried his best to evade me. At those times that he cannot evade me at all, I continued to talk to him. I confronted him one time on why he stopped giving his best. I know that he could do better than what he was doing at the moment but he said, “Where will I use the extra, anyway?” He willingly gave in so that his girlfriend will shine. He was always coming in second to his girlfriend when I know that if he gives his best, he can really outshine her. He did not join other activities. Though he evaded me, I know his pure heart is still there so I still continue to coach him and coax him. I always reminded him that he could be better than what he is already but he refuse to believe me. My coaxing and coaching have not changed him, instead he repulsed me like I was AIDS till they graduated. Whenever I remembered him then, I feel like I have failed and I prayed to God that he will be better one day. Well of course, as to his girlfriend, though I can feel her resentment, I tried to talk to her and bring out her reason for resenting me. But her resentment was just purely because I am me.<p>
<p>The next school year came after their graduation. By July or August of that year, I received a text from an unknown number. It said, “Ma’am, I now realized that you are right after all. If only I could bring back my high school days so I could give my best as you have said. Please let me know when you will come here in Baguio so we could talk. I need to talk to you. This is Renz.” I was overwhelmed with joy. Now, those coaxing and coaching and seemingly ignored talks were not ignored after all. They paid off. This realization was crystallized when I met him. He told me how much he hated me telling him that he can be better, that he can really make the extra, that he had better chances if he had not wasted his time, that I was right after all. I asked him what made him realize that. He related that while applying for something he so desired in college, he was asked a question. And the question goes, “Being the salutatorian of your batch, what have you accomplished so far?” He was dumbfounded. What had been his accomplishments? He cannot think of anything at all for he refused to work for more. Even after the interview, he kept on thinking of his past and as he thought, he thought of his teacher who never gave up talking to him. On that day, he promised me that even if my words did not ring true to him when he was in high school, he will keep them and continue applying them in college and his own life. I can’t help but drop a few tears while laughing that time.<p>
<p>It is really a joy to receive awards for coaching students who win in contests and I have experienced coaching winning contestants but the satisfaction and joy on the essence of being a teacher is not in the awards and citations, it is better embossed on the hearts and life of individuals who are otherwise not given attention by the normal population. Students are also like the pot at the potter’s wheel and the potter is the teacher. His/dents and marks on the child will come out at its own time for the student is like a work of art. Like the pot, the potter can put designs at the different stages of its making and not all marks are appropriate at one stage. Further, there are designs that will only become obvious when the right time comes. That is also the story of the teacher and his/her students. <p>
<p>I know for sure that what I have done as a teacher will never be enough. I am also sure that these stories of mine are also the stories of other teachers. And that though there are thousands more of stories I could tell as teacher, stories of students’ successes and failures, students’ nothingness to greatness, students coming out from their own shell, students shining at my own tutelage, I chose these stories for they have not only taught me a lesson but so much more. It taught me the realities of life and how to face life. For to me, teaching is not measured by the accolades we receive from their awards and citations that we helped them achieve, it is more measured by the students we saved from dropping out, by the life we have spared from being taken at their own hands, by the hope that we build in their own lives. Teaching is more than the experiences we planned to give, more than the four walls of the classroom. The real challenge is what we do outside the plan, outside the classroom, outside the mandates of our duties. <p>
banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-78771288562224493542012-06-28T08:16:00.002-07:002012-06-28T14:31:49.747-07:00Indigenous Peoples Education, is it an answer or another question to ponder?<p>Just last year, the Department of Education came out with DepEd Order 62, S. 2012 also known as the National Framework for Indigenous Peoples Education. If there are people to rejoice, we, being the Indigenous People should be the first ones to dance. The Cordillera Administrative Region which is basically the home of several IPs as the Ibaloi, Kankanaey, Karao tribes of Benguet; Kankanaey, Aplai (still Kankanaey in reality),Bontoks, Balangao, Majukayong and Baliwon/Ga'adang tribes of Mountain Province and those of Kalinga, Apayao, Ifugao and Abra. Of course, even the conglomerated Igorots of the different tribes gathered in Baguio.
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DepEd Order 62 is a great leap of consciousness and paradigm shift among the people at the Central Office, admitting the very blatant fact that education in the Philippines tried to develop people with the same views, thinking and levels disregarding the more basic fact that not all their learners are starting on the same step. It is admitting that education in the past had consciously promoted what's in the textbooks and subconsciously marginalized the indigenous people.
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While this is a great leap, however, there are still so many things to consider in the implementation of this order which I have observed in my dealings with the Philippine Response to Indigenous People and Muslim Education (PRIME) activities for at least six months now.
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There is a great question on WHO WILL IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM. Will it be implemented by non-IPs for the IPs or will it be the IPs owning the program knowing full well that it will be for their own good and development? WILL THIS JUST BE ANOTHER BENEVOLENT ASSIMILATION repeating the paradigm not anymore with the whites to the colored but now with the same skin and nationality to their own kind? Statements such as "We should pity these IPs since they are not civilized. Let us help them...." makes me puke and want to hold them on the shoulder and shake them to their core. However, pity takes place when I see that they are saying it with all innocence and I come to realize that THIS IS EXACTLY THE FRUIT OF THEIR OWN EDUCATION so if there is something to be done, it has really to start within the system itself. But, it is not a one day activity - it can never be done through a training and a training design. IT IS A PROCESS - for the products of the old curriculum, it is an UNLEARNING, LEARNING AND RELEARNING. And, this cannot be done if the person itself does not recognize the fact that his/her own learning is deficient and defective.
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It pains me to hear words as, "So, why is there a need for IP Education? Why do we need to go back to the past? Who would like to go back to something backwards? We have already moved forward and yet, why go back?" But these are just reflecting our paradigms of IP education and how confused the IPs are with their own identity. Identity crisis of IPs is very much clearer than your own face in the mirror with this question, "So, what is it in being an IP?" The hairs of my hands simply stood up. I am really at my wit's end especially when it dawned on me that these were questions that came from the IPs themselves who should be the first one to appreciate and see the beauty of IPED even without having to skin it a little at a time. IT DEPRESSES ME TO THINK THAT IF THE IPs THEMSELVES ARE AS CONFUSED AS THIS, HOW MUCH MORE WILL IT BE FOR THE NON-IPs? But, I prayed that time will come and their eyes will be opened SINCE THE REASON I SEE FOR SUCH CONFUSION IS THE RESULT OF THE EDUCATION ITSELF THAT THEY HAVE UNDERGONE - they have accepted the education that they went through and along the process, THEY HAVE LOST THEMSELVES AND THEIR IDENTITY - their being an Indigenous People.
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IPED is not simply translating the English stories of Cinderella to the Mother Tongue or writing the local stories in English or Filipino. It is far more than that. We have examined some materials prepared by teachers for IPED in Grade 1, yet while I see that they are in Mother Tongue, they are still far from what the child in the locality are conscious of. While the Thomasite education of the Filipinos started with A as in Apple which for sure is not in the Philippines at those times, some teachers borrowed words from neighboring towns or in the Filipino language or used terms which are not yet local to represent the letter when they can choose from what's in the locality. Translating is needed and is important but it is the lowest form of IPED - let's start with it but should not stay long in it.
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Orthography had become popular nowadays. It took the implementation of the K+12 for us to look back and examine our own language, which we have been degrading in the past by calling it simply dialects and the languages are only those widely spoken - what a confusion to the already confused minds. No wonder that the products of the olden education still very strongly cling to what they have already learned and sometimes refuse to learn, unlearn and relearn since the confusion already took root and it is now hard to pull it out.
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BY WHOSE PARADIGM WILL IPED BE? Will it be at the paradigm of the Indigenous People or will it be at the paradigm of the all knowing educators who prefer to stay in their offices and decide on the fate of others (and even do not care to know the situation of the schools in the far flung areas which usually serves IPs since it is very far and it can hardly be reached by the cars)? It is really a great question. The IPs and the innocent had been victims of these tower approaches for a long time, so it is then very important to go beyond what's superficial. Examine the causes, effects and impacts. Work more on the root and the processes rather than on the color of the bark of the tree or the fruits. To have a good fruit, the roots which gives life to the tree should be examined first.
</p>
<p>
There are a lot to be discussed on IPED. There are a lot to be fixed before the program can fully soar but THE TIME IS RIPE.
</p>
<p>
Before the IPs will forget their own identity and self-determinism, it is time to help them go back to knowing their own self which they have started to forget with the introduction of the old education.
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<p>
These and many more which I can hardly type are the products of my idle mind at this point. My mind is full, yet it has to wander to be able to digest what's really trying to make it non-functional.
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<p>
But with the situations posed above, I still wonder on what to give as an answer to Dodong, an articulate Mangyan we met at our immersion at PAMANA KA, which goes, "What can CAR do in IP education?" The question is really malupit since I myself is lost, hope I and all other IPs will be found before it is too late.</p>banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com0Talubin-Barlig-Natonin-Paracelis Rd, Bontoc, Philippines17.0663429 121.0335116.0931434 119.7700825 18.0395424 122.29693750000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-27070232138947721992010-03-09T12:50:00.000-08:002010-03-09T12:53:33.719-08:00Sadanga's communal bathIt was an experience nowhere else can be tried. With breasts of all sizes, mostly of those tried by years of nurturing and less of the virgin untried ones, and with everyone’s nudity exposed, each one would sit down with a dipper and tell stories or listen to the others. Sometimes, guffaws could be heard followed by loud uncaring laughter as the gathered crowd share jokes, stories, laughter, soap, stone scrubs and sometimes even the dippers. These they did while dipping their containers on a rectangular cistern of collected hot spring water that seems to be boiling but actually can be tolerated at about 30 degrees centigrade or more. This is the usual scene at the Maatong Hotspring in Poblacion, Sadanga, Mountain Province in the late afternoons till late at night and from dawn till about 8:00 AM.<br /><br /> The men are separated from the women. Each has his/her own place based on his/her gender. Visitors and the local people would share the hot spring water, the view of each others’ body, the soap that one may have brought, the stone body scrubs, the latest news and gossips in town, the wisdom of the olds as they talk to the young, the guffaws, the laughter and all others. In fact, even the joy of asking somebody to scrub your back is easily and readily accepted and done.<br /><br /> It was a center for socialization for the young and old alike. In this place had pregnancies been diagnosed by the peering eyes of the wisdom brought about by age. Older women could tell if one is pregnant just with the looks of the breasts and other body parts. And, wonder of wonders, they were always correct, even more accurate than pregnancy test kits.<br /><br /> Though there are other hot springs in Mountain province, like that in Mainit, Bontoc, Sadanga’s set-up is unique. Even before the cisterns were built and enclosed, the males were already separated from the females – each has their own place to take their baths though these places are near each other. Though it was a common sight to see naked person of the opposite sex taking a bath, no records of malice or rape was ever done. But, decency took place and the bathing cisterns were enclosed. Yet, inside the enclosed bathrooms, all young and old females, take their clothes off, sit down and start splashing themselves with the hot spring water – splashes which very soon become pours.<br /><br /> The Maatong Hot Spring, with its sulfuring content helps keep the people of Sadanga spick and span and healthy. The water cleans and heals wounds. Women who recently give birth are brought to the hotspring to take a bath to soothe their muscles and to heal their wounds. And, as experienced by the locals who already gave birth, the women confirms that really, the water has contents that made their wounds easily dry and heal.<br /><br /> A proposal rejected by the local people was that this public bathing place be developed and enclosed so those who’ll come will enter for a fee. Such a proposal was taken as something absurd but the local people clearly understand that once that happens, they, the locals, cannot freely enter the place. And, so it was rejected.<br /> <br /> But Sadanga does not only boast of its Maatong Hot Spring. It also has its rice terraces mostly hidden at the other side of the mountains. Somewhere up above Barangay Belwang is a cave with several entrances known as Angoten Cave. It was names as such because, according to stories passed for some generations, Angoten entered the cave on the pursuit of a hunting prey. But, inside the cave, he got lost among the many “doorways.” For nine days, he ventured inside the cave until he came out of an opening only to find himself in Sagada. If this be true, then adventurous spelunkers have some real place to explore. <br /> <br />(published in the Mountain Province Exponent, dated March 7-13)banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-81866051155545454342010-02-08T16:19:00.000-08:002010-02-08T16:32:05.729-08:00Farewell Speech<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBKub1oJHV4luy8Dg8zAqpzVyxvRElGU9vXxVmrQAffya7qkxQePtB3ODOBnugJex97wIkB3fXHmmT76NuSiX-nhviC86ApHlO-WmBna78IDCjSKtLjUPS_gUbE1az-H0UiOaen8O1UGc/s1600-h/22644_101908713173048_100000617599313_51670_8377089_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBKub1oJHV4luy8Dg8zAqpzVyxvRElGU9vXxVmrQAffya7qkxQePtB3ODOBnugJex97wIkB3fXHmmT76NuSiX-nhviC86ApHlO-WmBna78IDCjSKtLjUPS_gUbE1az-H0UiOaen8O1UGc/s200/22644_101908713173048_100000617599313_51670_8377089_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436034858317464370" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTHH4iIDtEvqLP2zXhAZc4VlNv6RECsT8KiR1M4m5QTDDPI8BVJgjYR8zE5h7abex1HVz_c9PRpqL-HWlB2_Xmze3rr4pGmFRj1Zrx7O-vBRwEDEuAo4U9CNFmqN86ibhXVrv23prDFoq/s1600-h/19660_1210665986573_1226454079_30525265_4242779_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTHH4iIDtEvqLP2zXhAZc4VlNv6RECsT8KiR1M4m5QTDDPI8BVJgjYR8zE5h7abex1HVz_c9PRpqL-HWlB2_Xmze3rr4pGmFRj1Zrx7O-vBRwEDEuAo4U9CNFmqN86ibhXVrv23prDFoq/s200/19660_1210665986573_1226454079_30525265_4242779_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436033422759089442" /></a><br />Ohayo gusaimasu to all!<br /><br />Ladies and gentlemen, in everything, give thanks for all things work together for good. What else could make this Biblical verse more meaningful than what we have all experienced? After sharing with my co-participants in this Training Program for Young Leaders – Education Sector, for the last 18 days or so, I have come to understand that nothing came easy for us all but we were able to make it. Now, we have enjoyed all the days we’ve been in this program since the start in Manila during our Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar to this very last activity. <br /><br />Beyond the sessions, the sharing or exchange of ideas, the seminars and the regular programs that JICA, JOCA and the Coordinators have prepared for us, we also enjoyed so many experiences like getting lost at Ibaraki and at Yodobashi; not being understood since we can’t communicate in Japanese or we have forgotten what we learned; talking with our mouths shaking because of the cold so we came to end our statements with ho ho ho; talking with all the gestures because as if we can’t be understood anymore without all the sign languages we know and we don’t know but we have to use; the frustrations of not being able to communicate clearly; using inappropriate terms or phrases like, “kerei desu ka” to mean you are beautiful because in our language ka means you; greeting with arigato gusaimasu instead of ohayo gusaimasu or vice versa or konbanwa instead of konnichiwa; discovering the tastes of food which seems foreign to us but only to find out that it’s the very familiar rice; trying the “sushi bars” yet including in the orders the familiar French fries; walking as if all other people are racing with us; always beating the time just to be in time; withdrawing all our money at SMBC and feeling very rich but realizes that everything in Japan is so expensive that very soon we are poor again; getting noisy and loud when we forget that we are not in the Philippines then suddenly feels lonely even if we are many because we suddenly remembered the loved ones we have left behind; taking turns with the Japanese to laugh at a joke cracked in Japanese since we need to listen to the translation first; joining and watching the “Wadaiko”; playing in the snow like children; smiling to the non-ending last shot from so many cameras; cooking takoyaki through a Japanese friend of ours; buying gadgets and so many presents which we fondly call “pasalubong” and then realizing that we have exceeded the baggage weight limit; being amazed at the very systematic Japanese culture and their effective service; and so on. I can’t count all of them but all those for sure are very much a part of our experiences and they made our stay here in Japan more memorable and more enjoyable. Without even just one bit of it, our experiences will not be as complete.<br /><br />We have learned so much. We were treated as kings and queens, for sure if this is our education system, then I guess, all the Filipino people would like to go to school and we will not have a problem of illiteracy and dropping out. For, in the first place, who would be out of his/her mind to drop out from such a very good programme? I’m sure no one will be crazy enough to attempt.<br /><br />I would also like to thank all the people behind the success of the program like the Japanese Government, the implementing agencies as J ICA, JOCV, JOCA and JICE. Your contribution to the success of this program will be carried a long, long way. I truly believe that since you have accepted us, young leaders to this programme, then we will do something in return. That something may not really be directed to the Japanese but more for the Filipinos. What you have done for one will be multiplied to many. Just think that if we go back and help train even just five each, imagine the impact it would have – 16 x 5 would be 80 so you did not just train 16, you trained 80 and more because these will benefit more people. And, if we are to inspire and help another group of five then that would mean an additional 80 more and so on.<br /><br />Our gratitude goes to all the ones whom we have met and those we have not met but helped along on the implementation of this program. Our coordinators from JICE and JICA in the Philippines and Japan, the JICA Osaka Center Administration, Briefing, Kitchen, Reception and Cleaning Staff, we really thank you. Without any of you, our stay would not have been as smooth flowing as it was.<br />I would also want to commend JICA-OSIC since it is really an international home away from home. It is one of the best places to stay because you get the chance to meet all kinds of people all over the world. So we were given an additional bonus of befriending and interacting with people from Bhutan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Iran, Iraq, Bangladesh, Egypt, Germany, Brazil, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Pacific countries as Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, even Philippines and so many more.<br /><br />And, I would like to quote Buddha, “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” To revise it, I would say, let us all rise up and be thankful for we learned a lot in this JICA Training Programme For Young Leaders – Education Sector, but if we did not learn a lot, we experienced so much, and if we didn’t experience so much, we have observed too much and if we didn’t observe too much, we were treated with all the attention befitting that of a prince or a princess. Everything, with all its lapses or gaps or problems, was perfect. After all, all things happened for a purpose. And, for all of those, we are truly grateful. <br />To end this speech, we would lie to sing a song dedicated to all of you entitled, Thank you.<br /><br /><em>We hardly shared a glance<br />And learn to know each other<br />And now our time is up<br />The time is not enough<br />We find another chance to dream and be together<br />But now the time is up<br />The band is packing up<br />But there’s one more thing before the day is done<br />Before the nights are gone<br />Before the curtain closes<br />Let us….<br />Thank you for playing our music<br />Thank you for singing our song<br />Thank you for keeping us company<br />Coz with you we feel we really belong<br />Thank you for sharing your moments<br />Thank you for being our friends<br />And if our paths should cross somewhere, someday<br />We’d like to sing this song again.</em>banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-48402043822176771192009-10-17T14:47:00.000-07:002009-10-22T14:36:43.380-07:00Good-bye to a very dear brother<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-h6CrgNL7iN65YouRFFoV9_YuquFqvbGTit2uz8swUr9jMI0-PzPlImCZloMVQiX0hMlXpXtFTZCnWDuSk56RCB7Mu-u_YBbKoqP5RbDMfVQrLEBXjF4risXRK43Q6b2_lJecwYiIcTw/s1600-h/DSCN7866.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-h6CrgNL7iN65YouRFFoV9_YuquFqvbGTit2uz8swUr9jMI0-PzPlImCZloMVQiX0hMlXpXtFTZCnWDuSk56RCB7Mu-u_YBbKoqP5RbDMfVQrLEBXjF4risXRK43Q6b2_lJecwYiIcTw/s200/DSCN7866.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393700424330368530" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVqGr6wfqxFK9_ta-DR6m5QYjFKSeGwBgsOX6xqD2XYxVAUcmJmLVIFsaZeK3dcyjnULncjzIH4BlzX9CgZ18TWeRg56sMj9k0UuE4pyGm9-0OgIsfe-5p90abkzwwufB-tC-L3T5lgmF/s1600-h/DSCN7841.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVqGr6wfqxFK9_ta-DR6m5QYjFKSeGwBgsOX6xqD2XYxVAUcmJmLVIFsaZeK3dcyjnULncjzIH4BlzX9CgZ18TWeRg56sMj9k0UuE4pyGm9-0OgIsfe-5p90abkzwwufB-tC-L3T5lgmF/s200/DSCN7841.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393699761706916482" /></a><br />= These are shots taken during the retrieval operation in Kayan. Despite the sadness brought about by the incident, it was heartwarming to note that people all over Mountain Province came together to help each other in any way they can in cash, kind and service. It's a clear show of the "ob-obbo" values of the Igorot. The heart may be heavy but the thought that we are not alone in this world is very enlightening. = <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYNAZQAHU5VvP4AL8tnyzN74gRf0XK2CGGzpVjmZoUCWiyYfG9aXGZ425U6iawwjYjPFe4a9M_Vrxgu0Tp9rhrltSc0n73a9jljUhmg-jBwuego7qhq4dJqLoPfPqmhVpo7xoHZrqQvFH/s1600-h/DSCN7836.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYNAZQAHU5VvP4AL8tnyzN74gRf0XK2CGGzpVjmZoUCWiyYfG9aXGZ425U6iawwjYjPFe4a9M_Vrxgu0Tp9rhrltSc0n73a9jljUhmg-jBwuego7qhq4dJqLoPfPqmhVpo7xoHZrqQvFH/s200/DSCN7836.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393699272756046818" /></a><br /><br /><br />The first time I heard of the Kayan incident, I thought of Lesio but instead of the usual happy face, it was four coffins that passed through my eyes. I did not want to confirm my interpretation of the four coffins and I did not have the privilege of contacting Lesio my my cellphone on dead battery. It was really and truly heart rending to have the tragedy confirmed. Lesio and the whole of his family were buried in the land slide in Kayan, Tadian.<br /><br />Les was not just a friend to me, he was a brother, a very dear brother. Since we met in 1993, our friendship was founded and it flourished as the years went by. It was tested by fire - by intrigues, by cold - by non-communication, by time and by the countless experiences we met along the way. It was proven to have been with that of a strong foundation and on a firm ground. And even when our family circles expanded, still the friendship flourished extending it to our children and our relatives. We did not just consider each other as friends but as family members.<br /><br />He was a dreamer especially when awake. And, he works for those dreams. Even on his last breath, he was the Lesio I have ever known - loving and caring. His children were found hugging each other and he and his wife were found hugging each other. Beside them is a Bible, a wallet, an ID and a cellphone - items that symbolize so what really matters in life. It touched me that from the site also they were able to recover some pictures that showed and had me reminisce the happy times. I think it was not only I that was helped by those pictures but some of us also who viewed them. It reminded us of the happy times and helped bring back the picture of the happy Lesio and his wife. Now, their coffins are still clear, but beside the coffins are happy faces of the whole family. I can hardly even remember how they looked after being mangled by the debris, rocks, woods, soil and water. Now, I remember more their looks when our families got together to celebrate his promotion as principal and his wife's coming home.<br /><br />Until now though, it is still hard though to think of Lesio and just let his image float. It still hurts to think that he could have done more have he been given the chance to live longer. Yet, his time has come as all of us will. In their short span of life, they had been full of life, living life as it should be - fulfilling their mission. <br /><br />And now, from the Benguet State University Mountain Collegian family, we will continue to "write what is right" as we had shouted before. From DepEd-MP, we will continue to serve a life of service as you've modelled and pray that more will serve as you've done and even give more than what you have already given. From the OSCAR, we'll continue to live a life of excellence with the right attitue, saluting you for having done so. You may have gone before us, but you'll forever be in our hearts as a friend, a brother, a model, a family and even more. Our families will continue to be molded together with the love of God.<br /><br />And, personally from me, I did not just lose a friend, I lost a brother, a comforter, a statistician (Do you know that i have even told somebody that i need not learn statistics because i already have you??? what a very tactless statement but that is how proud i am to have you.), an all talented individual gift-wrapped by God for me and all others you have served. Yet, I know that with yor absence, God meant it for something else. I will miss you. Forever, you will remain in our hearts.banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-33988406159609383542009-09-29T13:46:00.000-07:002009-09-29T13:59:04.023-07:00"Gag-gag-ay Di Dumap-ay"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo2GG4gpBuzioL0p9f3kD7DPao6F3H9xjaGI_XFKpi3e-zVIRF8Syws62oIC-N61v-2LKK_X5Pd5KPCk2S90p-J1WLsISz_87jOttzI_h2AeC3x7jDsCShQrzn317Btud-f3ETWOIR3WO/s1600-h/DSCN6853.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo2GG4gpBuzioL0p9f3kD7DPao6F3H9xjaGI_XFKpi3e-zVIRF8Syws62oIC-N61v-2LKK_X5Pd5KPCk2S90p-J1WLsISz_87jOttzI_h2AeC3x7jDsCShQrzn317Btud-f3ETWOIR3WO/s200/DSCN6853.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386994547368244354" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I. Introduction <br />The “Gag-gag-ay di Dumap-ay” is an organization, as well as an activity, of the Supreme Student Government (SSG) of public and private secondary schools and Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) of public elementary schools and other personnel in the Division of Mountain Province. This started in SY 2008-2009 but was not yet christened as “Gag-gag-ay di Dumap-ay then.” It was this year that the organization is called such.<br /><br />“Gag-gag-ay” is a Kankanaey Igorot term in the Western Mountain Province which may be the same with “Gagayam” or “Gagyam,” a social activity that does not discriminate the young from the old but takes all ages together to share and learn from each other through activities such as storytelling, playing, discussions and so on. It had been a very helpful social activity that kept the Western Mountain Province Igorots intact through the years.<br /><br /><br />“Di” is the Igorot term for “of” while “Dumap-ay” is again taken from the root word “dap-ay.” The “dap-ay” also known in some as “ato” is the political, social, spiritual, educational center of the people in the Western and Central Mountain Province before. So, “dumap-ay” refers to the members of the dap-ay. Before, this is where the boys would be trained on how to cope with life. (Girls are being trained in the “ebgan”.) It is where they get their non-formal education that prepares them to face adult life. Moreover, this is also the center for political activities where the people would gather together to discuss matters that affect them, thus, decision making especially on matters concerning more people are done. It also keeps the people united in a way that no one wants to be considered an outlaw, everybody complies with the decisions of the elders. It is also a spiritual center since this is where their rituals are being done.<br /><br />There are things to note though in the set-up of the “dap-ay.” There is a council of elders who lead the discussion on matters presented to them and make a decision and lead everybody in the performance of activities. Nobody though is superior above the other. Direct democracy is a real practice.<br />Taking the concept of the “dap-ay,” the SSG and SPG advisers, officers and members are all “dumap-ays.” Their own SSG and SPG in their own schools are their own “dap-ays” and the “Gag-gag-ay Di Dumap-ay” is an assembly of all the “dap-ays” in the Department of Education - Division of Mountain Province. So the “Gag-gag-ay Di Dumap-ay” is the assembly as well as the main activity of all the SSG and SPG taken together.<br /><br />To have a more direct approach and to encourage more of the “dumap-ay” to attend, the “Gag-gag-ay di Dumap-ay” is clustered into six. The first cluster is Paracelis-Saliok, since Paracelis is the farthest, though biggest, municipality of Mountain Province and though Saliok is a part of Natonin, another municipality, it is nearer Paracelis. The second cluster is the municipalities of Barlig and Natonin; third is the municipalities of Bontoc and Sadanga; fourth is the municipalities of Sagada and Besao; fifth is the municipalities of Sabangan and Tadian and sixth is the districts of Bauko 1 and 2. As of the present, only the clusters of Natonin and Barlig and Sadanga and Natonin did not yet have the “gag-gag-ay” for this school year.<br />“Leadership is not developed in a day but daily. Activities that help develop self-confidence and leadership knowledge, skills and attitude are being initiated for all the young and old participants.”<br />The “gag-gag-ay” also stresses the fact that as leaders, the small acts of one can become an eye-opener for all. It can be a seed that can be a great plant someday. Moreover, that leadership is never the same with popularity. <br /><br />II. “Gag-gag-ay Di Dumap-ay” Activities<br />The “Gag-gag-ay” has several activities. These activities are divided into “dap-ay” activities and the “gag-gag-ay” activities. The “dap-ay” activities are what each SSG/SPG organization will plan for the betterment of their own school and community while the “gag-gag-ay” activities are what the different “dap-ays” will do at one time together in their own cluster.<br /><br />“Dap-ay” activities include Environmental Awareness activities, i.e. advocacy, tree planting; Solid Waste Management advocacy and practice; Peer Counseling / Coaching; Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign; Peer Mentoring; program sponsorships; fund raising for the needs of their schools; and so many more that they see as relevant in their own situations that will bring out the best in them as students and teachers and as a whole school.<br />“Gag-gag-ay” activities focus on developing the leadership skills, attitude and knowledge of the “dumap-ay.” It also helps the “dumap-ay” in gaining knowledge and skills on the focus programs as well as model possible activities they can undertake in their own “dap-ay” once they go back to their own schools. The focus programs though are not the only activities that they can do in their own schools but they can also undertake other activities relevant to their own needs. <br />The focus programs for this School Year 2009-2010 are Environmental Awareness and Solid Waste Management. In this regard, all clusters are required to prepare activities that would serve as samples that the participants can bring to their own school and apply. They are even encouraged to improve on what was shown them. As of the present, since February 2009, the participants were able to plant 1,250 seedlings of mahogany, pine, coffee, caliandra and others during the “gag-gag-ay.” The Solid Waste Management principles are being stressed in the training. In fact, the theme for the “gag-gag-ay” for this year is “Kataguwan di sasayangdan, kawwanan.” This is roughly translated to mean “Care for the source of living of the children.” And, the source of the living of the children is the environment we have. <br /><br />III. Search for the “Kagawisan ay Dap-ay”<br />It is by nature that people work for intrinsic as well as extrinsic rewards. One of the aims of the “gag-gag-ay” in the leadership trainings being held is to develop the attitude of volunteerism and of working not only because there is a reward but because of the thought that someone must act to be able to make this world in our own small way better – in other words, intrinsic motivations. Yet, to further motivate the different “dap-ays” to give their best, the students are encouraged to aim to be the “Kagawisan ay Dap-ay.” The search is conducted at the end of the school year on two phases. The first phase is the paper / document assessment and the second phase is the validation of the accomplishments of the top five contenders.<br /><br />“Kagawisan” simply means best and “ay” is the. So, the “Kagawisan ay Dap-ay” is referring to the Best SSG/SPG organization in Mountain Province. The basis for the selection are the accomplishments of each “dap-ay” vis-à-vis their action plans as well as their implementations of the focus programs and other mandated programs. <br />The search is also a way of campaigning for other “dap-ays” to be more active and work hand-in-hand will all stakeholders.<br />Last school year, the champion which is Paracelis National High School implemented most of the mandated programs but more importantly, the SSG extended their work outside of their school and helped save the Paracelis watershed by doing tree planting activities in the water sheds of Paracelis. Their activity has a great impact to the community since it is also a way of campaigning against illegal logging which is rampant in the said municipality.<br /><br />IV. Organizational Structure<br /><br />The “gag-gag-ay” is an organization of students/pupils and involved personnel in the Department of Education in Mountain Province. Being an organization in the Division of Mountain Province, it is directly under the Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Mary A. Lang-ayan. The Araling Panlipunan / HEKASI supervisor is automatically the overall SSG/SPG coordinator. This is in the person of Irene A. Bakisan, who formalized the organization. The Supreme Student Government Dap-ay in the different secondary schools are under the direct supervision of the advisers and the school heads while the Supreme Pupil Government Dap-ay of the elementary are also under Public Schools District Supervisors, school heads and advisers.<br />SSG/SPG officers and members are at the same level since “servant leadership” is the more dominant practice being emphasized. Moreover, servant leadership is what is being practiced in the “dap-ay” which is being modeled in the “gag-gag-ay.” In addition, to be able to attain success, it is so much easier for the SPG / SSG officers to join hands harmoniously if no one is treated as higher than the other but that all others are treated equal.<br />The council of elders in each “dap-ay” are the officers, advisers, school head and includes the Public Schools District Supervisor in the elementary. Meanwhile, the council of elders in the “gag-gag-ay” are the Schools Division Superintendent, SSG/SPG coordinator, Supreme Student Government Advisers Association, Supreme Student Government Federation Officers and the coordinators for each cluster.<br /><br /><br />No matter how gifted a leader is, his gifts will never reach their maximum potential without the application of self-discipline.”<br /><br />“Successful leaders are learners. And, the learning process is ongoing, a result of self-discipline and perseverance.<br /><br /> “To lead tomorrow, learn today.”<br /><br />Quotes from John C. Maxwellbanayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-74471365904583165212009-04-06T14:18:00.000-07:002009-04-06T14:25:15.268-07:00Graduation Message(This is a message delivered to 105 graduates of Paracelis NHS on April 1, 2009. Though there are several changes on the way it was delivered, i.e. medium of communication, and subtractions and additions on the content, the gist is here.) <br /><br /> April is the second month of spring, one of the four temperate seasons. The other seasons include winter, summer and fall / autumn. Of all these Spring is the most promising. It is seen as a time of growth, renewal, of new life for plants and animals being born. Spring ends winter, the severe cold and the days of bleakness and whiteness because of the snow. Moreover, the birthstone for April is diamond, the symbol for innocence. I do not know what tree you have here that follows the four seasons but in Sagada, a municipality on the Western portion of Mountain Province, we have the persimmon tree, the national fruit of South Korea. It has its four seasons. Picking of its fruits would be from August to September. By October, it’s leaves begin to fall leaving the branches bare. By December to February, the tree seems dead, with no leaves at all. However, starting on March, especially in April, the tree comes alive with fresh new leaves. And, for one who had seen how it looked when it had no leaves, looking at it would bring joy. Yes, it is a symbol of freshness and hope. Having your graduation in April, then, is a double treat. Again, April is a promising month, a month of diamonds and fresh leaves.<br /> <br /> The first day of April is known as April Fool’s Day – a day when you are excused to make white lies and get out of it. Though this is supposed to be the best day of the month since it is the beginning, it is also branded as a day to make lies, which if based on the Bible, is not supposed to be such. So, right at the beginning of your graduation, you’re already faced with a challenge – and the challenge is to prove to the world, that you are worthy to graduate from high school. And that, April 1 is not an excuse to make lies, for your graduation is never a lie. Challenge daytoy kadakayo – han nga gapo ta agtaltalon ti ama ken ina tayo ket han tayo kabaelan nga agturpos ti eskwela tayo. Panunoten yo nga ti panagturpos ada metlaeng idiay tao. Pito kami nga agkakabsat nga pinanawan ni tatang mi idi siyam paylang ti tawen ko. Maymaysan ni nanang ko nga mangmangged ti panagdait ngem nakaturpos kami met. Haan nga gapo ta nasuportaran na kami no diket nagtitinulongan mi. Ti panangtarimaan yo ti panageskwela yo launay ket dakkelen nga tulong ken pammigsa ti paryentes yo. Han gamin nga ununaen ti meryenda – unaen ti usaren ti panag eskwela. No anya man ti kasasaad mo itata dayta ti April 1 mo. Sanguem ken itakder mo ket tarimaaanem.<br /> <br /> The 2 in 2009 would stand for the need of others and God. In life, we need others to survive. We cannot be an island. If at times we don’t have any human warm bodies beside us, it’s the time to acknowledge the presence of God. Having nobody to turn to is the very reason that suicide incident is rising in developed countries. We all have times of depression and craziness. Psychiatrists say that everybody has a degree of craziness, we are then branded as crazy only if we cannot distinguish what is real and what is imagined. That happens if no one will be with us to help us stand when we are weak. Yes, we are no island. We need others beside us in our success or our failure. That is the very reason that we have friends and by nature relatives, and that we were born from parents. That is also the very reason why we seek for girl / boyfriends and then marry. It really takes two to tango. We cannot dance tango alone. Companionship, team work and socialization, my friends is the very design of God whom we can always turn to if human fails us.<br /> <br /> The first <span style="font-weight:bold;">0</span> was invented by the Indians. Most ancient invention on counting number systems did not include 0. Yet 0 is very very important. Without it, there will be no 10, 20, 30, 40, 200, 700, 1000, 10,000, 100,000, to millions and zillions. Sometimes, we seem to be so insignificant. We seem to be doing nothing. We seem to be useless. But, we have to remember that like the zero, we may seem insignificant and unimportant but in truth, we are very much significant. Our small contributions and accomplishments add to a bigger accomplishment. Yes, one zero after a number makes a difference. If you add one 0 after 10, it will become 100. Add another 0 after it, then it will become 1000 and so on and so forth. That is how important we are though we seem to be so insignificant. We may be ignored or our actions may be forgotten but such actions will add to something greater. And, that my dear graduates, is the very characteristic of a zero which is shown in the theme of today’s graduation which goes, “My education: my contribution to the future.” Even our simple acts of giving our best in educating ourselves, is already an additional zero, to the future – your world tomorrow.” Again, “isang tuldok lang tayo, pero ang tuldok my salaysay,” sabi nga sa isang kanta. <br /> <br /> The next <span style="font-weight:bold;">0</span> is for us and our attitude towards life. Most if not all of the time we need to humble ourselves even to the extent that we seem to be in Level 0. This we have to do to learn. Some would learn a little and brag and think that they need not learn it again. However, we have to remember what Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher once said, “The more I learn, the more I discover that I know nothing at all.” In so many ways, life has taught me the truth in that. We learn from others, whether they are the lowest paid or the highest paid, whether they know how to read or not, whether they are younger or older. When we say that our cup is full and we have already mastered something, we might be surprised to discover that if you still listen, you will learn more for learning never ends. If you say that your cup is full, then you are ready to die. The last 0 then boils down to attitude. As they say, it is attitude, when put in a mathematical equation as a is 1 + t as 20 + another t as 20 + I as 9 + another t as 20 t u as 21 + d as 4 and e as 5 that sums up to 100% and with the love of God makes it 12 +15 +22+5+15+6+7+15+4 would be 101%.<br /> <br /> Nine is the highest single digit number. I therefore challenge you graduates to aim high. Aim for the 9 but always remember that your feet are on the ground. Reach your stars, reap them, gather them and use them to brighten not only your own path but also the paths of others as well. Don’t limit yourselves. It is in this place that I heard from you during the Cluster leadership Training, the chant, “What the mind can conceive, the body can achieve.” Live that and be true to that. Aim high. Aim for the nine. Aim not only for yourselves but also for others. <br />In summary, April stands for Spring in your life; 1 is a challenge; 2 is finding the right friends and companions and acknowledging the presence of God in your life; 0 is for recognizing that everyone is significant though they seem to be insignificant; 0 is attitude towards life; and 9 is aiming high. That is April 1, 2009.<br /> <br /> To the teachers, continue working for the betterment of everybody. Don’t take teaching as just a source of income for there is no money in teaching. Teaching is more of a mission. Teaching will only be your line if you stop counting your money at the end of the month and instead think of how you can improve the teaching-learning process. So, congratulations for staying in the teaching field – the noblest profession of all.<br /> <br /> To the lower years, you have seen the weakness and strengths of the people who came before you. Take note, they say that the best teacher is experience but you need not experience everything for there is such thing as history and vicarious experiences. Learn from the history and experiences of others for your life is not enough for you to experience everything. Give your best in all endeavors.<br /> <br /> To the parents, I know your kids have added gray hairs to you and many more before you will say your task is finished. I know there were so many times that you have asked yourself, “apay anak ko daytoy?” Apay ngata ngarod nga di nak denggen? Yet, I also know that despite all those questions, you still rocked your child in your arms and say, “I love you forever. I like you for always. As long as I live, my baby you’ll be.” Yes, there were times that you cannot understand them and they seem to be aliens to you not your own flesh and blood, makaited ti ado nga uban, yet, you still cradled them in your arms and said, “I love you forever. I like you for always. As long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.”<br /> <br /> Now, dear graduates, it’s time to stand and go to your mother and father and hug them as tight as you can and say, “Thank you for loving me. Thank you for liking me. Thank you for making me your baby forever. And, thank you for because of you I am now graduating from high school.” Then give your diploma.<br /> <br /> To all, God bless. Thank you for joining all of us here today.<br /> <br /> In summary, may I call on the graduates to say April 1, 2009. <br /> <br /> Thank you very much.banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-15069529643317216202009-03-27T22:23:00.000-07:002009-03-27T23:05:00.600-07:00The number 13 and defining "mayat"<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CIRENEB%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CIRENEB%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" 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font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>Many people generally fear Friday the 13<sup>th</sup>. This fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia. In practice, even popular personalities and institutions avoided the number. As taken from Pinoyblog, posted on March 13, 2009, many hospitals have no room 13, some tall buildings skip the 13<sup>th</sup> floor and some air terminals omit Gate 13. President Franklin D. Roosevelt would not travel on the 13<sup>th</sup> of any month and would never host 13 guest at a meal. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>As I never feared the number 13, not even Friday the 13<sup>th</sup>, I never placed any meaning on whatever happens to me on that day. I treat the day the way I will treat any other day. Yet, last Friday, the second month of this year with a Friday on the 13<sup>th</sup>, somebody pinpointed to me that the adventure we are having might be because of the date. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>We were visiting private secondary schools in Mountain Province for their recertification. We started on Monday at Saint Mary’s School in Sagada, Tuesday at St. James High School of Besao. That day, we started traversing the road to Natonin with a plan to stay at an inn in Barlig, a municipality half way to Natonin. Everything was perfect until we reached Poblacion, Barlig. Since we try our best to make use of all daylight time, we considered staying at Barlig a waste of time for there is still light so we decided to reach Kadaclan, a barangay of Barlig and stay there for the night. I agreed though I know that we will reach the place by night time for it was already 6:00PM then.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>I know that the Kadaclan Road is very steep and it is a road to avoid especially when it rains. Yet, on the other hand, it did not rain and so I agreed. Moreover, the only inn in Kadaclan is owned by a fatherly friend whom I have not talked to for some years, so reaching the place is a double treat for my companions and a triple treat for me. We will be able to cover more land, stay at Kadaclan dubbed as the Shangrila on the edge and I will be able to socialize with one of the wise men I have met in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >It did not take us too long to realize that we might have made the wrong decision. It did not rain before Poblacion, Barlig but it rained after it. And so our ride took its time to walk instead of run. I estimated we will reach Kadaclan by past 7:00 PM but we reached it by 8:30 with our hearts almost at our mouths. The steep and slippery road and the dark, hardly dispersed by our light, enveloping us made us reflect why we did not hire a jeep instead to take us to Natonin -<span style=""> </span>a ride that is used to traversing such. We remembered asking anybody we encountered at any chance we have if the Adventure car we have can traverse to Natonin. I have been there and I was a little bit doubtful but many of those we asked from would say, “Yes, your only problem is if it will rain.” I myself had been to the place for about four times already and hearing the assurance that without the rain, things will be fine, I agreed. But now, we are already contemplating that the car will not be able to make it back to Bontoc on the steep and slippery road, yet, we smiled and kept mum about it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >We slept at Kadaclan and whatever tiredness we felt was washed away by the warm welcome of the people especially the owner of Homestay Inn. The fear was completely forgotten when we woke up in the morning and took a view of the Shangrila on the edge. The view was fantastic making my companions vow to return and take a hike on the virgin forests of Kadaclan. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >The way to Immaculate Heart High School in Poblacion, Natonin from Kadaclan was smooth sailing. We reached Natonin by 10:00 AM. We were to sleep at San Roque Inn, a former hospital but now being operated as an inn by the Catholic Church. Though I have slept there already for about two times already, I have not met any experience with the “ghosts” stories that I have heard from many. That night has no difference with all nights I’ve been there for I still slept like a baby until I woke up and realized that my rubber slipper which I used when I went to the bathroom at around 7:00Pm was still wet by 4:00 AM and the night was warm. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >We decided to go out of Natonin not via the Kadaclan road for accordingly, the road to Paracelis is “mayat” in our dialect, meaning good, fine, okay. And, one principal even jokingly told me that I should have come when the road was still not fixed so I would have tried the real road situation before. I laughed and I said, “God knows His time so He knew the right time to bring me here.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >What a time it was. We did not travel for 30 minutes when we met our first tragedy. Our car stuck and we cannot move it until another car not really bigger than ours had to pull it out. Thinking things will be fine, I started walking telling them to pick me up along the way. Admiring the beauty that surrounds me, I did not really notice the murky road and the time. It was after I walked for about an hour that I started wondering why they have not yet reached me. I was about to turn around but I decided against it when I saw that I have been going down and hiking up is so tiring even if I have not yet started it. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >So, I continued hiking thinking to stop at the first sight of a house, but then, another hiker came. According to him, he hikes from Poblacion, Natonin to Tapao, a sitio of Saliok, Natonin for about three hours only. It was then a relief for me to have a company but after hiking for almost an hour again and the car is not yet in sight, I became too worried. So, I have to ask a driver of a jeepney on the way up to let my companions know where I am. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >When we reached Saliok, I had to separate with my companion since he was going another way and I am supposed to wait for the car and I also wanted to visit a public secondary school there. Yet, while I was talking to somebody, I heard and saw the car coming. I had to give up going to the school, relieved that the car was able to traverse accordingly, “the worst part of the road.” They stopped at the bridge to pick me up and when they came out, I feel guilty for not helping them. I already figured that they had a hard time along the way since the two guys are very muddy. To assure them, I had to echo what the residents said, that the worst is over. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >However, driving for less than 10 minutes, we came to a very slippery road again. The car cannot go up. The two guys with us, went down to help by pushing the car but since it’s so slippery and they themselves slipped, it had been more dangerous than helpful. They did all things they know, but even with all of them – the driver, the two guys and even the car – pushing themselves to their physical limits, the car did not move. And so, thinking that “bayanihan” is not yet dead anywhere in the Philippines, I went back to the community to ask for volunteers to help us and to get a spade. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >Yet, when we were coming back, wonder of wonders, the car accordingly moved and is running. So, I thanked the volunteers with me and proceeded. However, when I<span style=""> </span>reached the car, it was stuck again, in a bend about a hundred meters away from where it was stuck when I left it. This time, it cannot really move. As we were contemplating our next move, people began pouring in. Men in motor, men walking and a yellow car that seemed to have been sent by God on the right time. They said that the best way to remedy the situation is for the yellow car to pull our car. The problem? There was no big and sturdy rope that they have. And so, I had to go down to the community again to ask if not to buy. And then we met male teachers from the public high school who heard that somebody from DepEd was stuck at the road. I asked if they have a rope, big, sturdy and long enough for the purpose. They said that they have a rope made from abaca made by the students. They said that it could do the work and so we had to wait. Our car was pulled from that portion till Tapao, about four kilometers away. We were only able to move out because of the concerted effort and helpfullness of the people, including the students who made the project.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >We sighed when we reached Paracelis. After eating, we started again to Alfonso Lista, Ifugao. We were very much assured by the people (again?) that we will be safe till we reach Ifugao. All the roads are fine. We were laughing at our last adventure, assured that such kind is finished. Our laughter faded when we realized that our car cannot go up a slippery road again. It was a little bit hard, for my conscience was bothered, to ask the tired men from the field and those on their way home to help but then there came willing hands again. This time, they will not push the car for it is too dangerous and slippery. What they did was to pull the car, for it was a lot safer. They tied a rope and with all the men’s strength, pulled the car up to a safe ground.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >We were relieved for at last, we are on the road again but the Regional Director for FAPE who was with us was so worried with the car that we decided not to go directly to Mayoyao, Ifugao but to Santiago, Isabela to have the car checked. We were only able to sleep by about 10:30 that night – a normal five hour ride took us about 11-12 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >The next morning, Friday the 13<sup>th</sup>, we were assured that the priest in-charge of the school will pick us up on his way from Lagawe, Ifugao. However, we decided to just go in convoy instead. The two men with us rode with the priest while we stayed in the car. After riding for about an hour, the priest called us to come back and pick up our two companions for his car has a problem. Jokingly, our driver insinuated that they were the bad luck of yesterday and that day since the car they are in gets stuck. We took things as just plainly jokes. However after another 30 minutes, our car cannot climb the slippery mountain again. The car was not really built for such. The two were the butt of jokes again. We had to turn the car and stay at a safe place while thinking of our next move. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >When a truck came, we asked if we, the three certifiers, can ride with them so, we will be able to fulfill the reason that we were there. They agreed. However, when we were on the same spot that our car cannot traverse, the truck got stuck also. I looked at the two and tried to make a remark meant as a joke but also to emphasize that they really seem to be the bad luck but I saw their faces and I can’t continue. I saw how downfallen they are. I just smiled and tried to help them. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >Minutes flew and the car that was supposed to go and help the priest was coming up again with our other companions. Since the road was wide enough, the car was able to pass the struggling truck. They stopped to wait for us to change ride. The faces of our two companions can’t be spelled. They seemed to refuse to transfer but at the same time welcome it. They seemed not to have taken a breath until we reached the cemented roads of Aguinaldo. The two refused to take their lunch and one of them kept on puffing cigarettes. It was only when we were on our way to Mayoyao that they voiced out how they feel, that if the last car that took us got stuck, they will really believe that they are the “bad luck”. And so, thankfully, we were so happy to note that we reached our destination without further mishap only with me in rubber slippers ( I forgot to get my shoes which I removed when we first got stuck) and my companions are in muddy shoes and sandal. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >We rode the bus back to where we left our car. Everything was running fine except when we again reached another slippery road. We have to wait for a truck to pass through before we can pass. The truck got stuck there for almost 15 minutes but we were able to pass. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >We realized we had been on the road for more than 24 hours already with almost the same predicament in two provinces. Yet, I believe, things will be better in two or three years time since improvements on the road started already.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" >Relieved on our way home, somebody commented, “Have you realized it is Friday the 13<sup>th</sup>?” I have not thought of it, but now, . .<span style=""> </span>Of course, I still believe the date had nothing to do with our experience. I still consider that experience as one of the most fruitful ones. It had proven once more that Filipinos are more than what they are made for. And, after all, who would recent a 13<sup>th</sup> month pay?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 140%;"><span style="line-height: 140%;font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-41055233574194367432008-11-19T04:27:00.000-08:002008-11-19T06:13:17.081-08:00Sagada: A Perfect Example of Ecotourism<p align="right"> </p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE24-t0hiify6d371PZ6-FXDy160PEt4st7K8IuQ3yq5hsjz2p_5r-MhTVSL0T7oEp-eBD5pdV4lhLjr1-1Z3TM1Udx3X-bvO7rz8wh8-NTFjrSSgD2URgFRzPPVsRiYFokxYS0VTCZxnI/s1600-h/taccong+river+6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270352258347774850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 322px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE24-t0hiify6d371PZ6-FXDy160PEt4st7K8IuQ3yq5hsjz2p_5r-MhTVSL0T7oEp-eBD5pdV4lhLjr1-1Z3TM1Udx3X-bvO7rz8wh8-NTFjrSSgD2URgFRzPPVsRiYFokxYS0VTCZxnI/s200/taccong+river+6.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOP9NwIxxw6L2vJ6iws4DCWCn_q9JsXlLE8RHw6QhfnC-PebJsqtHksr7oHgINT5bDmckhqLtmJSsF1HygATFYN0Kwmmvfh1E_yh0svWnHh6Mf3KBJKDz4_CimadqrCUp0xRUmyxzY3Aa8/s1600-h/PICT0759.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#3366ff;">Ecotourism is probably one of the most abused words in the tourism industry.</span> It is the cry of almost all promoters of tourism in any place with natural environmental beauty.<br />However, ecotourism is not merely marketing the natural environmental beauty of a place. The United Nations described the general characteristics of ecotourism as (1) nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the appreciation of nature as well as traditional cultures in natural areas; (2) contains educational and interpretation features; (3) generally, but not exclusively organized for small groups by specialized and small, locally owned businesses; (4)minimizes negative impacts upon the natural and socio-cultural environment; and (5)supports the protection of natural areas.<br />Ecotourism then goes beyond what the eyes can see. It’s not merely earning money through the environment but making the least damage to it. While tourism is the most expensive industry, it is also the most destructive. Sometimes, even those claiming for ecotourism are the very ones violating the very same concept.<br />In ecotourism, it matters much who controls the resources because control of the resources ends up to those who controls the profit. In Sagada, all tourism amenities like hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops are owned by the Isagada. No non-Isagada, even by disguise, owns any business establishment in the town.<br />Even the Sagada Environmental Guides Association, which is the front liner of the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeTZtWSDMWiLbX4NNRftGxlOnJdE7OGKNptUkjfsT1T9PkWtWO9vYrBpmPdqTMvY-I8YzzrEmW7O80x2w4gu5q_KnnJgrK6dyZas3rkIoVz_rC-5qjMmteSSVelJMCDfEM8oh1AnXuP2V/s1600-h/pidlisan+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270346855653306114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 414px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeTZtWSDMWiLbX4NNRftGxlOnJdE7OGKNptUkjfsT1T9PkWtWO9vYrBpmPdqTMvY-I8YzzrEmW7O80x2w4gu5q_KnnJgrK6dyZas3rkIoVz_rC-5qjMmteSSVelJMCDfEM8oh1AnXuP2V/s200/pidlisan+1.JPG" border="0" /></a>tourism industry is one hundred percent composed of Isagada. The environmental fee of ten pesos which is now being collected by the Municipal Government was once under the care of the SEGA. And, from it, they had thought and implemented projects that improved the tourist spots but did not really removed the thrill or the natural beauty of the place. Yet, even when the collection was transferred to the Municipal Government, still the control is in the hands of the locals.<br />The projects that might have improved the tourist spots are conceptualized not only to serve the tourists but also the locals. And, it is only implemented if it incurs the least damage to nature. In ecotourism, it is very important that the voice of the locals should be heard and it is only with them that it is implemented. <span style="color:#3366ff;">This is based on the contention that the locals know what is best for them and the community.<br /></span>Almost 15 years ago, there was a proposal to build a five-star hotel in Sagada through the Philippine Tourism Authority. This was disapproved by the locals and the reigning Municipal Local Government Unit officials at that time. At first thought, questions such as why would they do such a thing when tourism is starting to be the lifeblood of some Isagada. It seems it was not right to do so. However, on second thought, it was after all for the good of the Isagada. It was ecotourism all along. If they would have allowed a five-star hotel, will the Isagada be in control? They say it generates more income and jobs. True, but what kind of jobs? The locals are not the owner of the hotel. They will for sure be there to work only to serve, and who will benefit from the income? In a way, they will but not directly.<br />Another point raised was, the Isagada sometimes lack water. If there will be a five-star hotel, of course, the concentration of the water will be on the hotel itself. One flush for the toilet bowl is almost enough for one to use to take a bath. And, will the five star hotel serve the locals? For sure it will not as a hotel but it would be for their eyes only.<br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">Such contentions may seem to be arrogant to some but it is ecotourism in the whole sense of the word. Whatever amenities put up should not only be serving the tourists but also the locals.<br /></span>Culture is not to be marketed. The culture of the Igorots had always amused tourists and even locals themselves. But, cultural practices were done only when they are supposed to be done. Traditional practices are not done for tourists’ amusement only. Old folks follow their calendar so if the tourists want to witness such practices, they have to adjust to the schedules of the locals and not vice versa. And, the practices are not done on artificial settings but on where such practices are really to be done like the “dap-ay.”<br />If there had been rumors on some locals being paid to perform some rituals, social ostracism, even oral ones, had righted the acts. In other words, the control of the locals and their way of disciplining the errant, even the older folks, had always been effective.<br />Though commercialization of culture is very rampant nowadays, Sagada is still not going with the flow. Again, this makes it an ecotourist destination in the real sense of the word – avoiding destruction of nature as well as culture.<br />Another feature of ecotourism is the motto of some guides, “if you are in Rome, do what the Romans do.” Putting it in context, if you are in Sagada, do what the the Isagada do. In other words, while the Isagada would adjust to the tourists in one way, the tourists should also adjust. It is a two way traffic and both parties should meet at the center. The Isagada should not adjust all through out to cater to the whims of every visitor as well as the tourists should not adjust all throughout to cater to the whims of every locals. Each party should share a part of him/her and each should understand each other. Both parties, in a way is partly educating the other. So, tourism is also a powerful way of sharing who you are.<br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3366ff;">Though there are still so many things that need to be improved in Sagada’s tourism industry, as of now, it is still what we call an ecotourist spot in the real sense of the term.</span></div></div></div></div>banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-27531351636365900052008-11-08T03:55:00.000-08:002008-11-08T04:29:03.045-08:00Paracelis will be green again<div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUf_xnsUyoEUQC0cF4pxsSWRBYF1Cq3wq59cNKkKAIFmG2YuXHHn7RSAmJxqtWspTB8pOR9olk8KeT1gpmrZ-51LWzTx02NLfxnB3SnNou3Fx-7Wpl4xG6zLOrOo1P-LXhZeFlqA5pQaR/s1600-h/PICT1712.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266258807648511154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUf_xnsUyoEUQC0cF4pxsSWRBYF1Cq3wq59cNKkKAIFmG2YuXHHn7RSAmJxqtWspTB8pOR9olk8KeT1gpmrZ-51LWzTx02NLfxnB3SnNou3Fx-7Wpl4xG6zLOrOo1P-LXhZeFlqA5pQaR/s320/PICT1712.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3366ff;">Paracelis will be green again.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3366ff;">This is the cry of the 130 Supreme Student Government Paracelis-Saliok, Natonin Cluster participants to the SSG Leadership, Peer Counseling and Child Participation Training held at Paracelis National High School on October 11-13, 2008.<br /></div></span><span style="font-size:0;"></span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3366ff;">The SSG students and advisers committed to join hands to set a day for the whole student body in Paracelis and EBNAVHS-Saliok Annex for tree planting with the aim of restoring the watershed and the forests of the municipality. Thus, they are calling on all possible support to concerned individuals and offices to be one with them in one way or another in this endeavor.<br /></div></span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3366ff;">The cry was a result of the SSG officers’ realization and assertion of their rights to child participation and leadership. Eastern Barlig National Agricultural and Vocational High School – Saliok Annex who joined the cluster due to proximity also vowed to join Paracelis in the realizat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gymlmquC6RWc0jxUtuL5kTNFRrpYJQ5DLRboZyShi5yucKqD1nCGZ3LYaD_NPH0t1_F3MKfA9CaiySOgNRjN4wlnqeLlGvWcqEWXqcPyBbun_6pw5BNPTZdA0pQm-v4wNZ7r6vDr1-Ox/s1600-h/PICT1729.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266260475382174386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gymlmquC6RWc0jxUtuL5kTNFRrpYJQ5DLRboZyShi5yucKqD1nCGZ3LYaD_NPH0t1_F3MKfA9CaiySOgNRjN4wlnqeLlGvWcqEWXqcPyBbun_6pw5BNPTZdA0pQm-v4wNZ7r6vDr1-Ox/s200/PICT1729.JPG" border="0" /></a>ion of their cry.<br /></div></span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3366ff;">Asked for their reasons for supporting the regreening program of Paracelis, the SSG officers of EBNAVHS – Saliok Annex say, “ Paracelis is our neighbor, so we want to help them. Besides, we might be residing here someday. Moreover, it is our responsibility to take care of mother earth for we are all affected because, after all, we are in the same planet.”<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3366ff;">The Municipal Mayor of Paracelis, Almeida, already committed the full support of the Local Government Unit to such an endeavor.<br />With the theme, “Empowering SSG Officers and Advisers As Effective Leaders and Counselors,” the training is a joint effort of the Department of Education – Division of Mountain Province in partnership with the host schools, Youth Alliance Philippines – Northern Luzon, Outstanding Students of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Local Government Units and the UNICEF.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3366ff;">MPSPC, under the leadership of Julie Tuguinay, the guidance counselor and the Liwid Organization of Student Peer Counselors works on Peer Counseling for Students and Guidance Counseling for Advisers. DepEd, through the SSG<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNNA5dsFRiW9fZZp_uekGUg1nFCWeVCcRvuc1zYXpPL-3cSe1Q80FWPvWR6KK7i4VZEZd3vcmnOHXueWWScvBxs0Q7oX5tpWv2LkskG8cj8Jgv_6zTp29MfpbkdMPG2gobAv-6qWlKeLV/s1600-h/PICT1764.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266259772322039154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNNA5dsFRiW9fZZp_uekGUg1nFCWeVCcRvuc1zYXpPL-3cSe1Q80FWPvWR6KK7i4VZEZd3vcmnOHXueWWScvBxs0Q7oX5tpWv2LkskG8cj8Jgv_6zTp29MfpbkdMPG2gobAv-6qWlKeLV/s200/PICT1764.JPG" border="0" /></a> Coordinator, Irene Bakisan; OSCAR through Ronald Lopez, also an OSCAR; and YAPNL, through the leadership of Dazzelyn Zapata, a UP-Baguio instructor, work on Leadership Development Training. Other topics are as Parliamentary Procedure and Child’s rights and participation are tackled by the DepEd / UNICEF and LGU.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3366ff;">This training is a result of the Orientation and Consultation of SSG advisers and officers held at the Government Multi-Purpose Hall, Bontoc, Mountain Province on June 30, where participants voiced out the need of a Leadership training.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3366ff;">To cater to more participants and to lessen the hindrances leading to non-attendance of the said training, it was decided that the training shall be done by clusters on different dates. SABATA cluster (Sabangan, Bauko and Tadian) finished their training with DepEd, MPSPC and the OSCAR on September 27-29; Paracelis-Saliok Cluster with DepEd, MPSPC and YAPNL on October 11-13; Sagada-Besao Cluster with DepEd, YAPNL, and MPSPC on October 17-19. Barlig-Na<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZSfIlt9sgmLEV0FIm-YjdjTNHBf9nZEtmqUixku3apuqECI5PV3xI-gjeGk0x2IObh_iElx8qgQCKQ4RcH6eyw_OWoXnpkzh4gHLW4-3QEt6KbIHGqoEql9fwS1DJu_KVhvSFFMMLcOi/s1600-h/PICT1875.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266262442176055154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZSfIlt9sgmLEV0FIm-YjdjTNHBf9nZEtmqUixku3apuqECI5PV3xI-gjeGk0x2IObh_iElx8qgQCKQ4RcH6eyw_OWoXnpkzh4gHLW4-3QEt6KbIHGqoEql9fwS1DJu_KVhvSFFMMLcOi/s200/PICT1875.JPG" border="0" /></a>tonin Cluster will have to reset their training due to health reasons in some parts of Barlig. They will be having their training with DepEd, YAPNL and MPSPC. Bontoc-Sadanga cluster will have their training with DepEd, MPSPC and OSCAR.<br /></div></span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3366ff;">After the training, SABATA students were heard with words as, “We will do our responsibility as empowered students/officers in our own school by applying what we have learned.” Meanwhile, a Paracelis-Saliok participant mentioned, “I will share and apply what I learned so that others will see that this training is really helping. I will do my part as a leader to serve JOY – Jesus, Others, You.”</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266257161148532834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTP5cvG_lILZs5wTTVxlya62lVoXmwZpd6TPmzfZl-xdDXFd2K3fiwZHusUxPvqVR4aFvA9TzXP2SbnmR6SCIZRDra4CjVZ9KO08uXYK4MAIM2ISGcDMGaaCGpvfG3aKQpF1XAMus_Vi81/s320/PICT1854.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3366ff;"><br /><br /><br /></div></span></div></div></div>banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-63687061645821602632008-07-15T05:09:00.000-07:002008-07-15T06:12:47.211-07:00Adventure in Sagada, Mountain ProvinceI have explored the world before I explored my own town. What a shame!!! Though exploring the world was not so literally applied here, I realized that I visited places outside my hometown eventhough I have not visited all the barangays of our place. I may hiked to the north or to the south or to the east of my town but it was usually from Poblacion and back again. Now, when I was given this chance to visit the schools in the peripherals of Sagada, I took it with glee as a chance to hike around my town.<br /><br /> On the first day, I rode from Poblacion to Bangaan that's towards north. I first visited Fidelisan Primary School, then continued to Tanulong not via Bangaan and Madongo but via Guesang. I have never been to this part of Sagada before so the fear of getting lost was overpowered by the excitement I felt.<br /><br /> My brother once told me that you can always find your way if you have Magtanong. So, I would jokingly say that I have Magtanong with me so I will not get lost. Even if Magtanong is a Tagalog, he knows the ins and outs of our town and Mountain Province as a whole. Others would raise their eyebrow and still others would try to find Magtanong for they know full well that I came alone. Yet, still others would understand and laugh and say, "wen met-a."<br /> <br /> The hidden beauty of the man-made terraces of the Northern and Eastern part of Sagada really amazed me even if rice terraces had all been a part of my life.<br /><br /> Walking had been my daily habit for three days. Even if I had wanted to ride from Poblacion to Balugan, it would have taken me more than one hour than what it took me to walk. Why? The people of Balugan and even Southern Sagada have this habit of stopping at all stores they pass by and let the PUJ wait for them as if the ride is their own. But, that is one thing good in Sagada coz you don't do that in the city. So, I walked from Poblacion to Balugan then Peg-an which is an annex of Ankileng NHS. Well, I rode to Antadao ES and NHS after I hiked back from Peg-an.<br /><br /> Antadao ES is something to worry about. The ground cracked for a portion of it sank. A building is no longer in use with all its cracks on the walls and the floor. One room which is being used by the Grade IV and V has cracked cement floors which looks like it was an effect of faulting. Aaaaah, another problem for DepEd and a potent danger to all teachers and pupils.<br /><br /> Then on the last day, I hiked all the way to Suyo, then Nacagang, Taccong and lastly to Payag-eo. Aha the beauty is nothing compared with anything since all the places in Sagada have their own. But, I have this funny experience of having no other better choice but to remove my pants in crossing the Taccong river. If not, then I have to present myself at Payag-eo PS all wet and I have to choose to be dry since I still need to hike for another hour before I reach Malitep, Bontoc. I love the feel of the water and trying to be invisible knowing that other people might be watching since there are people harvesting in the fields above.<br /><br /> Below is a photostory of my hike around my town.<br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx88pkofGk4zxDwGZH8JsaPAiu7AKumVyn8kf-irWX6zU-eryTaXJPcAoKDAOsf1yVj7yIeh2ALRy3cw8KNAA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-9391269482428073642008-07-14T04:25:00.000-07:002008-07-14T06:31:39.213-07:00Sabangan, Mountain ProvinceOne of the things I really enjoyed in my new assignment is going around and exploring my own Igorot land - Mountain Province - Sagada, Sabangan, Besao, Bauko, Tadian, Sadanga, Barlig, Natonin, Bontoc and Paracelis. I love the feel of conquering its numerous mountains. And, I really thank God for giving me my sakamobile which I can use with or without gasoline and all its price increase. And the more I explore my place, the more I come to love it and the more I thank God for making me an Igorot born in the Igorot land.<br /> I have lots of interesting experiences but best are when I am with nature. Below is a video of my latest adventure in Sabangan, Mountain Province.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwLOTpB7iB4RHAJsUHtz95mMI4cyLlPQg4H7Eu1SoiNWjBlUTS_8VlccdnUaNom-sjact9QfRXMfVyPjJd_dg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-7511551891482135562008-07-08T14:17:00.000-07:002008-07-08T14:17:25.624-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJfcl1dD4Ewi6Z4_vgrYWuCEai8RqzuVVKTU9TxOPerfcnq2zwdZP4gSWWcZkl3eE8DsziJJf-gKBs5IUDg3MrX6rti8YT5VtEQCQVnURxpIaqcl5rdwKPsf5ipjqX36yuziJWNEvN2HH/s1600-h/mum+and+sab3.jpg"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJfcl1dD4Ewi6Z4_vgrYWuCEai8RqzuVVKTU9TxOPerfcnq2zwdZP4gSWWcZkl3eE8DsziJJf-gKBs5IUDg3MrX6rti8YT5VtEQCQVnURxpIaqcl5rdwKPsf5ipjqX36yuziJWNEvN2HH/s320/mum+and+sab3.jpg" border="0" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-17892190805305200882008-06-04T15:20:00.000-07:002008-06-08T15:15:04.044-07:00Inayan and Lawa in EducationIt is a general perception nowadays that side by side with more people becoming educated is the degradation of values. The Department of Education as well as other sectors had been finding ways to regenerate the “good old behaviors and attitudes” that had been practiced in the “good old years”. In fact the DepEd created Values Education as one of the subject areas. Working with other sectors in the government, like the Armed Forces and with private sectors, the government was able to launch the Moral Recovery Program.<br /><br /> Yet, with all these, one casual observer commented, “Why is it that the more they infuse Values Education, the more that people become greedy?” And one old woman once said, “You have all the undies and the clothes nowadays to cover yourself, yet why do more and more females get pregnant though still single? Before, we slept in the “ebgan” in groups with our suitors but no one got pregnant before her wedding.” Amusing but true.<br /><br /> In Sagada, they have two terms which is culturally welding them together. These are “inayan” and “lawa.” Practically these two terms mean the same though “lawa” has deeper inclinations into the traditions and ritual practices in Sagada.<br /><br /> The terms denote that something is taboo and should not be done. Like, <span style="font-style: italic;">“Inayan di mang-is-isik is ib-a na ay ipogaw."</span> (It is not good to do bad things to other people.) Or, “<span style="font-style: italic;">Lawa di mang-isasaa is nagapo sin baey ay napuowan."</span> (It is bad to bring home things from a burned house.)<br /><br /> “The use of “lawa and inayan” had been a great controlling factor to the people of Sagada. When a house burns down, the owners are assured that recovered things will not be brought home by anybody since it’s believed to be “inayan” that such acts will bring the same tragedy to the house where the things are brought home.<br /><br /> Same is true in tragedies like vehicular accidents. If other people are too vindictive to the drivers when one dies due to a lapse in judgment that may have resulted to an accident, the Isagada are not so. <span style="font-style: italic;">“Inayan, ayke way nanglayad sidi is maikkan</span>." (Inayan, nobody liked that to happen.)<br /><br /> One of the growing problems in Sagada is land grabbing especially so that economically speaking, ecotourism in the place is drawing thousands of tourists every month. This, of course, helps upraise the price of land in the place and the mere fact that the Isagada are growing in number are reasons enough to understand such happenings.<br /><br /> Yet, “inayan” and “lawa” still helps a lot to control the greed of people. <span style="font-style: italic;">“Inayan di mang-ag-agaw is baken na kuwa. </span>(It is ‘inayan’ to take what you don’t own.)” “<span style="font-style: italic;">Inayan di mang-iyal-alis is mohon / pegnad.</span> (It is ‘inayan’ to change the boundary.)” And, it worked for a number of years, and it’s working to most Isagada even until these days.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> “Inayan di adi men-i-wayang is daan di ib-a, ta ay mentayaw da.</span> (It is “inayan” not to give a way for people to pass through in your property.) The right of way is also culturally imbedded. So, no one is excused. Whether you are the owner or the benefactor or the owner of the land, both are bound by the “inayan.”<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> “Inayan di mang-al-ala is baton di tuping di nagday ay kwan di ib-a. </span>(It is “inayan” to take the stones of a destroyed stone wall.)” Just like in house fires, it is also considered “inayan” to get the stones from a corroded stone wall most especially if you use it to strengthen your own riprap. It had worked for generations and the rice terraces in Sagada are a noted example of such a practice. When a stone wall gives way, other people who need stones cannot just go and get the stones from the destroyed wall even if they too needed the stone too much. If they can’t help, then they are not supposed to add to the misery of the owner. The same thing applies to all stone walls which are numerous in this municipality found on top of mountains. The Supreme Being is not asleep.<br /><br /> Yes, the “inayan” and “lawa” are words which do not have exact translations in English or Filipino. It means to say, it is culturally imbedded in us, the Isagada, whether we are educated or not, whether we are somebody in the society or not. Having stayed out of the place for years is not a reason to forget the values of “inayan” and “lawa.”<br /><br /> These are some of the culture which should be retained and taught to all generations, be they digital natives or just techno-migrants. These are things which should be taught and caught in Values Education.<br /><br /> And, if such had been successfully practiced for years and years by our ancestors, infusing “inayan” and “lawa” with Christian values should weld people further, as unbreakable as iron, not the other way around.banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-422602626693011062008-03-22T02:07:00.000-07:002008-03-22T03:29:16.179-07:00Around Mountain Province<div><br /><br /><div>I remember something I read that says, "Whatever you do, you have to choose to be happy." Whether you know that the next 24 hours will be a lot different from what you were used to. That is exactly what I did. I chose to be happy even before I started my journey visiting Grade 1 students in Sagada, Besao and supposedly Natonin but was reassigned to Paracelis. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I really enjoyed my first assignments outside of the usual daily work. I enjoyed giving posttests for Grade 1 and i observed different kind of pupils. Really, Grade 1 teachers should be the best in attitude, especially in patience, and in teaching. Imagine teaching children who would sometimes just look at you as if you are talking of Mars. But, Grade 1 is also one of the most rewarding grades. In this grade, teachers can really see their outputs - whether they have done something or not.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>In Sagada, I went to Tanulong Elementary School and Fidelisan Primary School. It's not just to lift Sagada up but these schools topped the posttests I administered. (Well, I have not yet checked the test given to the other schools.) </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I saw the beauty of Panabungen being the part of Mountain Province very near the boundaries of Mountain Province, Abra and Ilocos. In fact, the Tirad Pass is so clearly "natitirad." I have been to Besao but never to Catengan and Panabungen. So, going there had been an adventure and I truly enjoyed every minute of it, especially including the great snacks and meals prepared by the very hospitable teachers and school heads in the person of Madam Semon and Madam Agnaonao. (In fact, the teachers of Panabungen ES even went to get fresh shrimps, wading ya toka<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDoacqrh3a5dzbzbLaG2cry446BfbuhZ_6LsxQZ4n8qqx3-29th8wpEsJLY1Y447FXXp8EcPEXAIpdOIilhdcQijMCO7Z0EI-3kW8DUXzzGv1Zx5K2DAVKLsad-K-0K-Lg7yRx5CxL-YC/s1600-h/PICT1237.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180510343461664898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDoacqrh3a5dzbzbLaG2cry446BfbuhZ_6LsxQZ4n8qqx3-29th8wpEsJLY1Y447FXXp8EcPEXAIpdOIilhdcQijMCO7Z0EI-3kW8DUXzzGv1Zx5K2DAVKLsad-K-0K-Lg7yRx5CxL-YC/s320/PICT1237.JPG" border="0" /></a>k. Ulay iman basta men ipabulek et aped men imis ay kanen amed no ipangan isan binayo da. Aye pay di busog ko isdi.)</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The difficulty of multi-grade classes is very clear in Camparadi, Paracelis. Imagine a complete elementary school, meaning they offer Grade 1 to 6, with only two teachers. One teacher will teach Grades 1-3 and another for Grades 4-6. Wow, they have to be superwomen to do that and they are. Though the pupils are very few (there are only 10 Grade 1 pupils) still it is hard to prepare for three classes with all the subjects. Added to that is the hardship in going there. It entails hiking. And, though it did not rain for two days, the road is still unpassable by vehicle. Accordingly, a motorbike can but the motorbike can carry you as well as you need to carry it too when the going gets too rough. We preferred to hike for almost six to seven hours to reach Camparadi, which is a combination of Camfiangan and Paradi (the school is in between these two sitios).</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I saw several problems in my visit here. Aside from the multi-grade classes, it is so hard to reach the school. Even if the soil is already dry, it is still slippery. If adults find it slippery, how much more to pupils? They also need to cross rivers which get really turbulent during typhoons and rainy seasons. The ili helloare far from each other and the people keep on moving as we have seen along the way. When the soil is not so fertile anymore, they move to a greener pasture. They still have a percentage of nomadism. As I said a while ago, the people are very far from each other so it follows that they have to walk very far distances to reach each other.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNPDEej9DT9L5qQpeRtHdS7G4wa_AfrWi4OXDSIB2OrUVv-tOoLgo9TQWPnMtIk4SbZbgjBbASSWMKjmOP_Y7OYZZIKwYT0CjyHp1WpNKZQHi3W3EkASWF2wspGDHwQt1hmb-TbdNLrzD/s1600-h/PICT1253.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180509192410429554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNPDEej9DT9L5qQpeRtHdS7G4wa_AfrWi4OXDSIB2OrUVv-tOoLgo9TQWPnMtIk4SbZbgjBbASSWMKjmOP_Y7OYZZIKwYT0CjyHp1WpNKZQHi3W3EkASWF2wspGDHwQt1hmb-TbdNLrzD/s320/PICT1253.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The road is not even a road at all. There is a road that reaches the place but it's not usable. It can only be serviceable during the summer if it does not rain for five days or more but there are more rainy months (about 9) in Paracelis than summer so the road is basically useless as a road. By the way, the road reaches kalinga.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The case of Camparadi is not new in Paracelis. In fact with the 30 plus elementary schools, only seven has a 1teacher:1 grade ratio. The rest are combining two or three grades at a time.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I learned a lot and though i earned some wounds i will never forget the lessons that experience taught me again. Experience is really the greatest teacher of all time. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyuk7TNkxDNNrU0lVwmjtw7ldgMYYEeIdm-96jfUkj6f0PEVVlrROGABMkFmKXKhJz5ZjCc12hQVhQwsHiDUQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-35275161628063523182008-03-06T17:54:00.000-08:002008-03-16T00:38:28.940-07:00Hurray to the gold medallists!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKXLmRYUAg5CTOWd7F2CCDRojjIFFWvFZNRBa-Y3WtXXgi72KoduLywpzGzlP2nMNV7pKo87MfGA1CLzUQmO031RQtbY4Rck1Pj6CoxDHxdMO_M2YMKcOUg4Wz6bhbvlnHLLYK7xZtnP2/s1600-h/PICT0283.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178234983033595138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKXLmRYUAg5CTOWd7F2CCDRojjIFFWvFZNRBa-Y3WtXXgi72KoduLywpzGzlP2nMNV7pKo87MfGA1CLzUQmO031RQtbY4Rck1Pj6CoxDHxdMO_M2YMKcOUg4Wz6bhbvlnHLLYK7xZtnP2/s320/PICT0283.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>They were ordinary students. In fact, like all students, they have some problems with their grades like whether they will pass or not or whether they will still make it to the honor roll. But, in spite of that, they were able to excel and grabbed golds for Mountain Province during the 2008 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet held at La Trinidad and Baguio City on February 24-29.<br />The Little League (Elementary) Baseball boys, after the championship row against the Abra, excitedly reviewed their play. When asked why they tuouth they were able to win, the boys unanimously raised their hands, each willing to be the first to give his answer.<br />“We did our best,” Teddy Bawaan of Ankileng ES said.<br />“We concentrated,” Jaser Lizardo of Bangaan ES added.<br />“We were really disciplined,” Kevin Viray of Aguid ES volunteered.<br />“We worked with positive minds,” Franklin Baldo of Sagada CS added to the already growing reasons.<br />“We supported and cooperated with each other,” Jerry Marco of Tanulong ES and Jude Awingan of Ankileng ES excitedly supplemented.<br />“We had strategies and we really keenly watched the ball,” volunteered the other members of the group. And the list could have gone on and on have no one started to sing their team song.<br />After singing their team song, “No panggep di baseball (originally di ayat), anusan di rigat,” the boys shared the typical hardships as a baseball player that they have met already. One pointed out missing class for practices and games which was chorally seconded by members of the group.<br />Their discipline in their games extended to their interview session for they supported each other’s statements, piping out additional information to whatever one said. Nobody contradicted what the other said. Asked for hardships that they need to endure as baseball players as they have sang, one said, “Our coach would sometimes get angry for he would be saying the same things every now and then but we would always commit the same error but we know that his anger is for our good.”<br />And, what do they still need to improve? “Best running. We need to practice running the fasters and best way we can,” one piped in. Another said, “We still need to improve our grades. When we go back, we still need to cope with our lessons.”<br />When asked for any additional reasons they can attribute for their win, one said, “We always pray. We pray before and after a game led by our coach, Allen Angway or his co-coach Frenzel Doligas.”<br />Jeanine Pearl Cariño of Abatan ES also experienced so many difficulties before she finally forked the gold in the table tennis individual category with her coach, Romeo Lacbawan. She had been to the CARAA twice placing third in the same event last year. “The support of my parents as well as my desire to go to Palawan helped me edge my opponents.”<br />Composed of students from Sabangan and Sadanga, the secondary boys team championed in the 4 x 100 Medley Relay and 4 x 100 Freestyle relay. Lido Modcharang of Sadanga NHS garnered the gold in the 200 M Breast stroke.<br />“These they were able to garner despite only one week practice in Bontoc just before the CARAA,” explained their coach, Jess Chomaran. “We need longer period of practice if we want better performance especially if the swimmer came from different districts, so we could also culturally and socially adjust to each other,” he continued.<br />Asked for their reflections on why they won, Noel Amboni of Betwagan NHS and Jose Yagyagan of Sadanga NHS claimed, “While we swam as fast as we can, we really gave our best. We supported each other. It was really team work.”<br />Madle Con-o of Betwagan NHS mentioned their swimming spree along the Betwagan River during their leisure time as a further contributory factor to their win despite their very short training period.<br />A family that plays together, wins together is the case of the Alawas brothers, Merv and Erwin, 2nd and 4th year respectively of MPGCHS, who gained gold in the Lawn Tennis Team Category. Coming from a family where almost everybody plays the game, these two openly admitted that they really worked hard for they wanted very much to go to Palawan, the venue for the Palarong Pambansa.<br />Playing together on the same game since elementary, these boys developed team work and trust in their own selves as well as to each other. This accordingly helped them snatch the gold after placing third in the 2007 CARAA in Kalinga. Yet, they also championed in the 2004 CARAA in Kalinga when they were still in the elementary. Interestingly, their small brother also placed third in the Lawn Tennis Individual Boys Category while their older brother is a Lawn Tennis varsity player in St. Louis University. Coming from a mother and a father who play tennis, can we say that being a player is genetic? (Hups.)<br />Determined to win the gold after garnering silver in the last CARAA, Ruben Bibat of MPGCHS, finally landed first in the 400 M Low Hurdle. “I was so challenged by my loss in the past that I really aimed for the gold this time,” he said.<br />Still having one year in high school, Bibat with his coach Regina Codpayas, still aims for the gold next year. And, when Bibat was asked for his secret weapon, this lanky fellow said, “Ipapati yo anggay nan ay-ayam yo.”<br />Alvoredo Polic-ew’s hobby of constantly throwing stones from home to school has finally paid off when he grabbed the gold in the javelin throw, elementary boys level.<br />Polic-ew is from Natonin Central School, one and a half hour walk from their house. So, to amuse themselves while walking to and from school, they would always challenge each other to aim at the “bulong ti atifangran (as he puts it).” That experience, he says had contributed to his win when he concentrated in his play, “It was like concentrating for the bull’s eye on the newly sprouted leaves of the atifangran tree.”<br />Aside from these, Mountain Province also championed in the last day of the CARAA in Lawn Tennis Girls Elementary in the person of Ayra Joy Alingawad of Besao Central School with his coach Peter Bangsoy.</div>banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-6467350627619819972008-02-10T19:12:00.000-08:002008-02-10T19:50:53.634-08:00KIDSSSS...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWe39RnxkuaDAlQKBEtQJ6jevzQgkhtR-F9-1KUHpI8a9P2xyDILlLj3oWZCNSZ2zvDRVCAzRCsYxNiMvJOzXUwSiLOFfhTpGi2fSUoGIsPasrLWb5Kk2YWaLuC3nDTVIFI5qaiVBi4SPu/s1600-h/PICT0136.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165560576927471698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWe39RnxkuaDAlQKBEtQJ6jevzQgkhtR-F9-1KUHpI8a9P2xyDILlLj3oWZCNSZ2zvDRVCAzRCsYxNiMvJOzXUwSiLOFfhTpGi2fSUoGIsPasrLWb5Kk2YWaLuC3nDTVIFI5qaiVBi4SPu/s200/PICT0136.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DSiDM3vg0Ien_JxBwteptiNV4w03f873QIcos-P5EjWH1_go0qvi88SGidfORYBTlGJ7_Ep30t9FPPyOUZ4_ALON357UGMkhvtomUm56wMx6WraNeoFdYPoPNbjH7cq6CcVM2TgnKCDv/s1600-h/PICT0044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165556788766316610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DSiDM3vg0Ien_JxBwteptiNV4w03f873QIcos-P5EjWH1_go0qvi88SGidfORYBTlGJ7_Ep30t9FPPyOUZ4_ALON357UGMkhvtomUm56wMx6WraNeoFdYPoPNbjH7cq6CcVM2TgnKCDv/s200/PICT0044.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Kids . . .</div><br /><br /><div>are more than just what you see in them</div><br /><br /><div>they make you laugh as well as cry</div><br /><br /><div>they can teach you the most valuable lessons of all</div><br /><br /><div>they are the best to have when you think of changing who you are to the better</div><br /><br /><div>they can discipline you more than you can ever imagine</div><br /><br /><div>more lovingly than you will deal with them</div><br /><br /><div>yes, kids....</div><br /><br /><div>I LOVE THEM.</div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwG5d8BQ0WZPmTJGJ6C4dhrJAcMlqyOifa632olASC-aeoUh2q9m58LdesyD8FM2GegclYeF741LXe-yafFZw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzA-oC3XD7F6B0IuTNq7XPrsfGWREX5z1sXd6t4qbXslQKfWEdD8Hhm1YdL_thHmOTLG04Za1rWrD7J1PkEgw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-41818892141070526382008-02-10T01:20:00.000-08:002008-02-10T01:39:35.694-08:00Facing Up to the challenges of life<div></div><br /><p><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy0CFdrF59Urwgg1dMOU0CZlKsyTMCkq0gSDFRnWMNTCjb20abpLXfL0PQUG_YJd7Df9D_vxX1FtOjBn4BsPQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGS6SIX-ZNjprlQ5QPM4oZEFcj-EF8Z1zr_qh5ZeuoXRpk9p-4SeD0h8NwcwK0SCtMoOI3PyiA8kWdrJN7aXOK6S5i_JjrVd6l3mf5DaZ0vsUf9ejAT_6DZxkQ1Q4x4TrfA8lUDN3GR84/s1600-h/PICT0291.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165281992463751218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 204px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px" height="170" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGS6SIX-ZNjprlQ5QPM4oZEFcj-EF8Z1zr_qh5ZeuoXRpk9p-4SeD0h8NwcwK0SCtMoOI3PyiA8kWdrJN7aXOK6S5i_JjrVd6l3mf5DaZ0vsUf9ejAT_6DZxkQ1Q4x4TrfA8lUDN3GR84/s200/PICT0291.JPG" width="200" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="justify"><strong>There are so many challenges that we face each day. Sometimes, these challenges are everyday decisions that you have to make thus seems so normal. But, there are other challenges that would really make us feel so alone, so small and so useless. Yet, we are more than conquerors.</strong></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">AS WE CONTINUE TO BATTLE THESE CHALLENGES, LET US NOT FORGET THAT GOD IS OUR STRENGTH.</span></p>banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-43702726104599294222008-02-08T22:57:00.000-08:002008-02-09T00:45:50.979-08:00The best men in the Philippines<span style="color:#3333ff;">Leonard Woods, a governor general of the Philippines during the American regime once said, <span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">"The best men in the Philippines are the women.</span>"</span> Absurd for someone who would take the words literally but as i continue to ponder on it, i know, i agree with him.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLJe_sRQFS0rz0ClGYcfAVvSXk8XkVADJ50aZotrq65FVFyDMiLUEucKX_LNdce5ypXU-PTefQ7CYC62_lrd0aMezBUoRBHngRh22M-VpVLiovc92wBMu7SBQ3NIQVj8TP9I4RA5zto01/s1600-h/a+(21).jpg"></a><br />I gr<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZjZre6t_UEWphtLvLTs9efk_2WZqinXOywCjofyqfQ6McPCWmOcx54R1YOWmb-Ii2WMRYAU-3cX2gr05dG-9-uaSRij-N3M3nfonz2RDQqaazdYa8Kt8UT6YYhmmIFdRVKPM-MCLPEse/s1600-h/a+(21).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164895767529658370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZjZre6t_UEWphtLvLTs9efk_2WZqinXOywCjofyqfQ6McPCWmOcx54R1YOWmb-Ii2WMRYAU-3cX2gr05dG-9-uaSRij-N3M3nfonz2RDQqaazdYa8Kt8UT6YYhmmIFdRVKPM-MCLPEse/s320/a+(21).jpg" border="0" /></a>ew up in a family with my mother as my mother and my father. She raised us up as normal kids and was even able to send us to school given the very limited resources that she had. And the man of the family - our father - he was somewhere making another family which will later on be under my mom's care. He died leaving nothing for his children even the children he bore down in Mindanao.<br /><br />When i married, my husband had to go abroad to find work as a factory worker though he had been one of the best student teachers during our time. He abhorred doing the papers and so he went. I was left with a girl barely two years old and i was pregnant with our second. For most of my married years, i was alone raising my kids though of course, he usually sent financial support.<br /><br />I hated it at first. I would terribly miss him and my only consolation was having my kids around to distract me from falling into a great depression. But, i also learned to depend on myself. I learned to stand on my own and not depend on a husband who may not be around to hammer the nail or even to carry bed. I may be a woman but i can also do the work of a man.<br /><br />Yet, while i was glowing in my achievements as a man and a woman of the house, i forgot that my husband is but a man in need. Until one day when i came to realize that he was calling less and less until less is never even for about two or more months. I contained myself and prayed that things will be fine and things will go back to normal. But then, what is normal to us may not be normal to others. Yes, a normal family would come together in the morning for breakfast and in the evening for dinner but we never <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ_Nyx4ry-Wc8xvXDyj1oh0N3AAqwIhV_FMA_PFTQS5T7KbdmjTR_nevs_Ueo1lH3W1KtgbtdZ_yf3KCDhY_fNKL0ZkSBpDoucB5t6dCj_-MpzqRSVPdX7pGbE7_7fkuv_ltbKoVkpYfS/s1600-h/a+(20).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164896506264033314" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ_Nyx4ry-Wc8xvXDyj1oh0N3AAqwIhV_FMA_PFTQS5T7KbdmjTR_nevs_Ueo1lH3W1KtgbtdZ_yf3KCDhY_fNKL0ZkSBpDoucB5t6dCj_-MpzqRSVPdX7pGbE7_7fkuv_ltbKoVkpYfS/s200/a+(20).jpg" border="0" /></a>did that.<br /><br />Until last night.... I was about to go to bed when a sudden realization slapped me right in the face. I was in Grade III when my father left us. My daughter is in Grade III now. Will it be history repeating itself? At least for me before, it was a great relief when my father finally went coz my mom can now lay down to rest at night not afraid of somebody waking her up with a punch in the wee hours of the morning. However, how about my daughter and my son? They can't say it's a relief. Even if their father had not been a physically present father, they have been in touch with each other so much so that i know they are hurt more than i am.<br /><br />However, i am still one of the best men in the Philippines. Women can stand up and still prioritize their children more than their hurt. Yes, that is why they are the best men - an example of strong faith, muscled responsibility, cushioned comfort and so on. They don't just rely on tomorrow, they work for tomorrow whether the man of the house is present or not.<br /><br />This then is a call for the women left by their men - <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">BE A MAN</span>. Tomorrow is a better day.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxJ0FLLKHnd-Dlua1QJQHRuhHv5yrc6yWP0ZKP6qpKwYyGXjMQEe2DQuAvmSJ46uCt5Sb-ySLe0hx8MMwglEw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-91892542140059484712008-02-08T19:30:00.000-08:002008-02-08T22:51:38.332-08:00Life is death and death is life<em></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">The past year had been a year of deaths that touched me not only outwardly. In February, my cousin died of cancer in Bicol. I had to leave my student attending the National Schools Press Conference in Baguio just to attend to attend the burial in Daet, Camarines Norte. That was my first time to go to Bicol - but what a reason to visit. We really thought of visiting him during the summer but he did not wait for us.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">By the end of August, my father was murdered and robbed in Masbate. I was not really emotionally affected by his death since he left us since we were children. But, i was horrified by the way he was murdered. He was hog tied then was hurt with a pointed knife, afterwhich, he was shot in the eye. He did not die because he was shot but he died because of bleeding and because nobody took the heart to help him.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">By the end of September, another woman in my life bade farewell. I had been planning to visit her but the short span of time i spent in baguio never allowed me to do so. i was so sorry when i learned that aunt rhoda bondad died. in a way, she had been a mother to me since she had been helping my mom in so many ways especially financial when we were still going to school.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Then another tragedy happened again in November. Another father to me died. Uncle Francis Buyagan who rode the Besao jeepney from Bontoc died on arrival at the Bontoc General Hospital when the jeepney they are riding fell upon a ravine along the Pegew Road. Whoever will see where they fell cannot truly explain what happened. There were other eight people who died either on the spot or in the hospital and one died later this january.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">December did not leave us with no death. My cousin, the last first cousin i have in my father's side, died due to internal bleeding. We just reached Baguio to attend a cousin's wedding when the news reached us so the next day, we came back straight home. Good, we had a free ride from Baguio. We buried my cousin, Dante Degyawi, the brother of my cousin who died last February on December 31.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Then the tragic news of our batchmate zennia aguilan was heard. of all people, she was killed by a stray bullet when guards were trying to block the suicide bombers who were entering the serena hotel she was working at afghanistan. what a tragic way to die. she died so far from us. but i hope it will not just end as a death but i hope it will further bring us to realize the extent of the terrorism. she was the first death victim due to terrorism in Sagada, Mountain Province and in CAR.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Just after the fiesta, we were taken aback by the news that one of our students who had been missing for two weeks was found rotting already in "Baw-eng." We passed by Baw-eng last fiesta and sometimes a smell would overwhelm us but it never occurred to us that smell is a rotting body. He was directly brought to the cemetery. Whether it was really suicide or with a foul play, it is still to be investigated.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">I hope March will come and go without any other unnatural deaths. My heart is already stoned with so many deaths that i don't know now what to expect. But life is here to be lived - let us live it always ready for the sting of death knowing that death is a door opened for us to enter heaven.</span></em><br /><br /><em></em>But, just as the sun comes up after it sets so will life sprout after death.<br /><em></em>banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-26124081854737891062007-09-10T02:58:00.000-07:002007-09-10T03:17:04.494-07:00Righting the wrong of the generation you precededbanayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-70327357503820893582007-09-06T20:12:00.000-07:002007-09-06T20:57:49.390-07:00Finding a dad and losing him againThe call came when i was too busy preparing for a seminar-workshop we will handle the next day (Saturday). My dad's dead? The stocky man i've known as my dad is dead, one that i never really came to know much since he left us when i was just about 10 years old. The way he died is not clear. There were just some mention of gunshot but the other things were fuzzy.<br /><br />I left everything, went to the bank and took the last trip to baguio from bontoc. I planned to take my brother Chris or Mng. Ming to accompany me so we could reach Masbate earlier especially so that there was no one in there to check on what's going on. But,Chris was nowhere and Mng. ming has to do some emergency arrangements in his work place. So, we got a van that took 11 of us (Uncle Ab, Mama, Mng Ming, Mng Med, Gaud, Chris, Uncle Tanong, Uncle Esteron, Uncle Gol, Lolo Baclangen and I) to Daet, Camarines norte to pick Uncle Felix Degyawi. From Daet, we proceeded to Legazpi City where we spent the night in Camp Ola as visitors of Inspector Arauco, a batchmate of Uncle Gol.<br /><br />At 3:00 AM we drove to Pilar, Sorsogon where we took the 5:30 trip to Aroroy, Masbate. The trip was uneventful except that my eyes got blurry - sore eyes which i might have caught from Km 3 from my cousins who were suffering such. Well, the flying fishes were a beautiful sight to behold everytime they spread their wings and fly.<br /><br />We reached Goldbug Syndicate (even the name has a sinister sound) after about 20 minutes ride on tricycle. There i saw my pa in his coffin. though he left us when we were still kids, still his dying seems to break my heart. Not that he died, but the way he died. He was a victim of hold-up. They tied his hand at his back, and maybe to get information from him had to knife his chest with x's until he gave up and showed them where he kept his money. But, they did not spare him and so they shot him on his eyebrow and the bullet passed through his cheek. It really made me cry to think that people would do anything just for a small amount of money.<br /><br />When i sat down and talked with the people i found out another side of our dad, he at least at the very least had done something good before his death. He has a neighbor named Walter Bagtang, who had been crippled for about 8-9 years already who testified that it was dad who helped feed him in all his years there since he was crippled since he cannot do much work. Another family who lives on the other room testified that he also helped his children. And, he tried his best to help one man who was returned to his family after he cannot work anymore. It makes me happy to think that really even if he did not feed us or let's say he was afraid to feed us before so he left us, he at least did something good for others.<br /><br />One thing more, accordingly, he was planning to come home so he was keeping his money. But, home to him was not with us anymore but somewhere beyond what eyes can see.<br /><br />When i was working for his death certificate, i chanced on someone named Bella who was also taking the birth certificates of her children. Why? so they could leave the place.... Almost everybody in the place is afraid. In fact as one confided, or when night time comes, she does not feel at ease and she's so afraid that she is always shivering of fright; another confided that she goes to sleep with other neighbors at night. It was made so clear when it was still five o'clock but my companions who went down to town were so afraid that even if it is only 20 minutes from town to goldbug, we already need to go home.<br /><br />But, i also found out that the perpetrators are being cuddled by a stronger force that it is hard to pin them down. The neighbors cannot even open their mouth to tell what they know to the police and the police easily accepted reasons as they were dead drunk and that they did not hear anything. Knowing the place of the crime, it is really hard to believe their alibi but the police just accepted it as is. The people are so afraid but the witnesses are even more afraid to testify.<br /><br />The only witness who was not so afraid to testify was one who was not really from the place, Walter. But, Walter cannot just testify there and though he gave leads as the last words of my dad before his death, he did not give it in full - he ommitted the name knowing that it will be too dangerous for all of us if he will tell the name. So, it was only after we were already on our way (we have to bring him with us coz we know that if we will leave him there, they will kill him), he told us the full words which are, "Minye, akala ko ba magkakapatid tayo?" The full impact even caught us by surprise coz Minye, whose full name is Herminio Abunda, is the kagawad who tried helping us. He was there trying to help but i found out that his aim was not really to help but to make sure that his plot will work according to his direction. It's so frustrating.<br /><br />My pa's case is not the first but no one was ever caught. Will it be the last? We were thinking of filing a case but will it be worth it? As of now, we are still on the process of contemplating our next action.banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-82283171523721856722007-08-23T03:02:00.000-07:002007-08-23T03:04:33.067-07:00Why on earth am i teaching???I entered college at a time when most high school graduates were lured into the medical professions as Physical Therapists and Nursing. I always remembered one of my teachers who asked me why I did not also take up Physical Therapy or Nursing.<br /> Looking back, I have several reasons for taking up Teaching though it was not my first love until the last months of my fourth year class in high school.<br /> First, I came from a “hand-to-mouth” family with my mom as the only one fending for us. Without a dad to help my mom in raising us and with seven children in the family, we learned to help our mom in all ways we can. Of course, one thing is always to consider our financial situation and to look after our means in making decisions. I enjoyed a scholarship when I was in college but all the expenses a “pensionada” incurs will greatly bury my mom in debt if I would have chosen courses out of my mom’s financial economic range.<br /> At first, I enrolled at a private school where I needed a ride or two to reach. I computed how much I am spending and so for the second semester of my first year in college, I transferred to Benguet State University and opted to stay at the dormitory. At that time, the dormitory was not a first rate choice to us who came from Sagada since they would rather prefer to stay at boarding houses. I think with all those who stayed in the dormitory, I was the only one who came from our town who was able to endure for three years. But, I considered it as my way of helping my mom.<br /> Moreover, when I came to the city, I entered it with guts. I did not ask my mom to come with me for I know that it will mean more spending for her yet she could use the money for more useful things like buying my other brother and sisters’ needs. So, I employed the help of one senior student of the private school where I first enrolled to help me. I did not even know what course I am really to take, if it is Elementary or Secondary Education. It makes me laugh to recall that we enrolled in Elementary Education without me taking its full implication. But, when I transferred, I had to fend for myself again and single-handedly worked on all necessary papers for my transfer. Sometimes, when my classmates asked me how I transferred, I cannot even tell them in detail since when I did it, I was so engrossed with all the necessary papers that I did not even have time to reflect on what I was doing. I also shifted from Elementary Education to Secondary when I transferred to BSU.<br /> Secondly, I found out that teaching is one way of molding the younger generation. I started teaching Sunday School for Children when I was in high school. And, I am so thrilled to see their reactions to whatever we are discussing. Moreover, I had smaller brothers and sisters (I am the third of the seven brood.) whom I always teach.<br /> Thirdly, I have a goal. The goal was to finish my studies at the appointed time and help my mom with my brothers and sisters. I know she is hard-up but I never heard or saw her complain. That goal to finish in time drove me to take teaching since I believe that I can finish it in time unlike when I take other courses such as Accounting.<br /> Fourthly, I came to admire the potentials of each person. I found out that each one has his own potentials and the teacher is always the one who is able to bring out such potential in any person. He/she has the power which he/she does not even know of. Proof? I had some teachers in high school and elementary who were able to influence me without even telling me to take up education. I remember one batch of graduates we had. I always admonish them in jest never to take up teaching if they believe that “what they are doing will come back to them.” They were not really a “naughty” batch but they were full of pranks. I considered them my “sons and daughters” for most of them had belonged to my advisory class from first to third year and all them in fourth year. However, I found out that many of them took teaching. And, to top it all, two of them came back to our school to teach. So, I asked them in jest why they took teaching after all that I told them, and they said, “Well, there was somebody who told us not to take teaching in high school but unknowingly, that somebody did the other way around for she inspired us to take it.”<br /> Fifth, I never really understood why they always say that teaching is such a noble profession until I entered it but at that time I knew no other way to be noble (He He). However, I could say that those words did their magic before so I enrolled and learned to love the noblest profession of all – teaching.<br /> There are more reasons, but as of now, I can say that those are the most influential reasons to me.banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694122388838315486.post-40191085592672505822007-07-06T00:15:00.000-07:002007-07-06T00:46:52.288-07:00The Philippines...I just read an email about the Philippines being a host to pussy ladies who purr and treat the whites as kings. Of course, usually with the hope that these white men would look at them not just at a glance but as potential wives.<br /><br />Well, I am a person who have some foreigner as friends. I really observed that when i am with them and we go around like in Baguio City or Olongapo City, people would look at me queerly. Their eyes have a slit that i can hardly understand. Sometimes, it occurs to me that maybe it is because i am with a foreigner. judging though from their looks, i see that some see me with the eyes of admiration as if i caught a big fish (i saw that look in olongapo) but others would look at me with (if i would be allowed to interpret their looks) "how were you able to hook him?" or looks like i am with a king. Of course, i'm irritated with it especially with the fact that i am already married to a Filipino who is more gorgeous than any foreigner.<br /><br />In Baguio, after eating in a restaurant, i opened my wallet and made the waitress bring a question of "why you?" in her eyes. Of course, my foreign friend brought out a bigger bill but i paid the extra.<br /><br />One time, i have to get boxes of books from an office. It so happened that my American friend who was with other Americans at that time was with me. They offered to help so i said of course since i really needed their help. The people in that office looked with awe at my friends and even scolded me a little for having them carry the heavy boxes.<br /><br />So many times have i been with my American, German, Korean friends around. In all those trips i tried to show that we need not treat them as kings for they are but normal people like us. They need not be treated with royalty. Of course, we can always do that if that is how we treat all people. I tried to show to all kababayans who see us that foreigners are not royalty in our own country. They are also people like us. We don't look down to them but we also don't need to strain our necks to reach and show them what we are not if we know our own selves.<br /><br />That is one thing that i like with Sagada, Mountain Province. Locals and foreigners are treated equally. If there are treatments which are otherwise, they are isolated cases. You don't see girls parading around foreigners even if the foreigner is known to be a very eligible bachelor. Nor do you see foreigners treated as royalty. It is in this small town where it is the foreigners who will adjust to the local ways not the other way around. As visitors usually hear from the locals, "if you are in Rome, do what the Romans do," not the Romans to do what the foreigner does. Of course, due to the natural ability of influence, there are some positive and negative changes that they bring.<br /><br />But i am proud to say that Sagada is still free from negative influences as prostitution which are very common on places where the foreigners usually go.banayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704299648634184413noreply@blogger.com1