Gag-gag-ay

Sadanga's communal bath

2010-03-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

It 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(published in the Mountain Province Exponent, dated March 7-13)

Farewell Speech

2010-02-08T16:19:00.000-08:00

Ohayo gusaimasu to all!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.
To end this speech, we would lie to sing a song dedicated to all of you entitled, Thank you.

We hardly shared a glance
And learn to know each other
And now our time is up
The time is not enough
We find another chance to dream and be together
But now the time is up
The band is packing up
But there’s one more thing before the day is done
Before the nights are gone
Before the curtain closes
Let us….
Thank you for playing our music
Thank you for singing our song
Thank you for keeping us company
Coz with you we feel we really belong
Thank you for sharing your moments
Thank you for being our friends
And if our paths should cross somewhere, someday
We’d like to sing this song again.

Good-bye to a very dear brother

2009-10-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

= 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. =

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"Gag-gag-ay Di Dumap-ay"

2009-09-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

I. Introduction
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.

“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.

“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.

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.
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.

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.
“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.”
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.

II. “Gag-gag-ay Di Dumap-ay” Activities
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.

“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.
“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.
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.

III. Search for the “Kagawisan ay Dap-ay”
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.

“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.
The search is also a way of campaigning for other “dap-ays” to be more active and work hand-in-hand will all stakeholders.
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.

IV. Organizational Structure

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.
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.
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.

No matter how gifted a leader is, his gifts will never reach their maximum potential without the application of self-discipline.”

“Successful leaders are learners. And, the learning process is ongoing, a result of self-discipline and perseverance.

“To lead tomorrow, learn today.”

Quotes from John C. Maxwell

Graduation Message

2009-04-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

(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.)

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.

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.

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.

The first 0 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.

The next 0 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%.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

To all, God bless. Thank you for joining all of us here today.

In summary, may I call on the graduates to say April 1, 2009.

Thank you very much.

The number 13 and defining "mayat"

2009-03-27T22:23:00.000-07:00

Many people generally fear Friday the 13^th. 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^th floor and some air terminals omit Gate 13. President Franklin D. Roosevelt would not travel on the 13^th of any month and would never host 13 guest at a meal.

As I never feared the number 13, not even Friday the 13^th, 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^th, somebody pinpointed to me that the adventure we are having might be because of the date.

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.

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.

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 - 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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The next morning, Friday the 13^th, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Relieved on our way home, somebody commented, “Have you realized it is Friday the 13^th?” I have not thought of it, but now, . . 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^th month pay?

Sagada: A Perfect Example of Ecotourism

2008-11-19T04:27:00.000-08:00

Ecotourism is probably one of the most abused words in the tourism industry. It is the cry of almost all promoters of tourism in any place with natural environmental beauty.
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.
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.
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.
Even the Sagada Environmental Guides Association, which is the front liner of the 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.
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. This is based on the contention that the locals know what is best for them and the community.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.

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.

Paracelis will be green again

2008-11-08T03:55:00.000-08:00

Paracelis will be green again.

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.

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.

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 realization of their cry.

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.”

The Municipal Mayor of Paracelis, Almeida, already committed the full support of the Local Government Unit to such an endeavor.
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.

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 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.

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.

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-Natonin 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.

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.”

Adventure in Sagada, Mountain Province

2008-07-15T05:09:00.000-07:00

I 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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

Below is a photostory of my hike around my town.

Sabangan, Mountain Province

2008-07-14T04:25:00.000-07:00

One 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.
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.

2008-07-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

Inayan and Lawa in Education

2008-06-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

It 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.

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.

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.

The terms denote that something is taboo and should not be done. Like, “Inayan di mang-is-isik is ib-a na ay ipogaw." (It is not good to do bad things to other people.) Or, “Lawa di mang-isasaa is nagapo sin baey ay napuowan." (It is bad to bring home things from a burned house.)

“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.

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. “Inayan, ayke way nanglayad sidi is maikkan." (Inayan, nobody liked that to happen.)

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.

Yet, “inayan” and “lawa” still helps a lot to control the greed of people. “Inayan di mang-ag-agaw is baken na kuwa. (It is ‘inayan’ to take what you don’t own.)” “Inayan di mang-iyal-alis is mohon / pegnad. (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.

“Inayan di adi men-i-wayang is daan di ib-a, ta ay mentayaw da. (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.”

“Inayan di mang-al-ala is baton di tuping di nagday ay kwan di ib-a. (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.

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.”

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.

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.

Around Mountain Province

2008-03-22T02:07:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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.)

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 tokak. Ulay iman basta men ipabulek et aped men imis ay kanen amed no ipangan isan binayo da. Aye pay di busog ko isdi.)

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hurray to the gold medallists!!!

2008-03-06T17:54:00.000-08:00

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.
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.
“We did our best,” Teddy Bawaan of Ankileng ES said.
“We concentrated,” Jaser Lizardo of Bangaan ES added.
“We were really disciplined,” Kevin Viray of Aguid ES volunteered.
“We worked with positive minds,” Franklin Baldo of Sagada CS added to the already growing reasons.
“We supported and cooperated with each other,” Jerry Marco of Tanulong ES and Jude Awingan of Ankileng ES excitedly supplemented.
“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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
“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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.

KIDSSSS...

2008-02-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

Kids . . .

are more than just what you see in them

they make you laugh as well as cry

they can teach you the most valuable lessons of all

they are the best to have when you think of changing who you are to the better

they can discipline you more than you can ever imagine

more lovingly than you will deal with them

yes, kids....

I LOVE THEM.

Facing Up to the challenges of life

2008-02-10T01:20:00.000-08:00

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.

AS WE CONTINUE TO BATTLE THESE CHALLENGES, LET US NOT FORGET THAT GOD IS OUR STRENGTH.

The best men in the Philippines

2008-02-08T22:57:00.000-08:00

Leonard Woods, a governor general of the Philippines during the American regime once said, "The best men in the Philippines are the women." Absurd for someone who would take the words literally but as i continue to ponder on it, i know, i agree with him.

I grew 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.

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.

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.

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 did that.

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.

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.

This then is a call for the women left by their men - BE A MAN. Tomorrow is a better day.

Life is death and death is life

2008-02-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

But, just as the sun comes up after it sets so will life sprout after death.

Righting the wrong of the generation you preceded

2007-09-10T02:58:00.000-07:00

Finding a dad and losing him again

2007-09-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

The 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why on earth am i teaching???

2007-08-23T03:02:00.000-07:00

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
There are more reasons, but as of now, I can say that those are the most influential reasons to me.

The Philippines...

2007-07-06T00:15:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My stay at Sagada National High School

2007-06-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

If there will be a school that i feel i will always belong to, it will be Sagada National High School. I have passed through other schools from my elementary to my graduate studies but those schools cannot supersede my love for this growing Sagada NHS.

Sagada NHS was just established in 1996. I entered the school as a teacher in 1997 just fresh from college. Since then, it became an inseparable part of me. I am part of its past and its present and that thought alone jerks me to reality that together with my co-teachers, parents, students and the alumni, we have gone a long way.

And though, until now, Sagada NHS can only be proud and yet humbled by the fact that there are only two buildings that they can call as their very own. One is a two-storey building which was built jointly by the 1st two batches of students (BAtches 2000 and 2001), teachers, parents and lately for finishing with the aid of the municipal government. It is now being utilized as a faculty room (upstairs) and a computer laboratory (downstairs). The other one is still unfinished which hopefully will finally be finished within this year. It had been a project which was started in 1997 (or 1998? - i am not yet so sure) but was stopped due to lack of funds (accordingly). It is only last year that the provincial government, DepEd and now the Municipal government all joined hands to finish it.

Sometimes, it grieves us that millions and millions of pesos were budgeted but we are only realizing the building as something to be used now. Jokingly, we would sometimes say that if only they will give the money directly to the school so the school and not the DPWH will work it out, we're sure that we're already using a first class building. But, trying to examine and critically think about it will just make my head ache and make me hate the system we are in. What consoles us, however, is the fact that the provincial as well as the municipal LGU's heard our plea. Now, hopefully before the end of this year, the new building will be ready to use.

Since its second year, i have been a part of this school's ups and downs, including how it grew to become one of the schools which other people look up and recognize. Until now, what infrastructure we have is nothing compared to what established schools have but we are proud to say that what we have are things we really worked for. They are symbols of how we worked as a team - all the teachers, parents, students, alumni and the community.

Yet, one factor could also be attributed to the very fact that all the teachers in this school never stops to learn. they are always willing to learn something new. They always want to try something new. They are an epitome of what we call, "educators are forever learners."

I entered this school when it was still an annex of Bangaan National High School. It had nothing then. I was honed in this school and whoever am i as a teacher will forever be because of this school and my co-teachers whom i worked with. I will not move out from this school without my own contributions whether those contributions will be recognized or not and even if those contributions will not be seen nor sensed by the normal eye.

Sagada National High School, you will forever be a part of me.

Parents, teachers, students, alumni and the community, let us continue to support Sagada National High School. It is still a very young school but like a person, whether young or old, it needs people to support it. And, with that i guarantee you that Sagada National High School will always give its best to serve you.

MABIAMABIAG NAN SAGADA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL. Matago-tago tako am-in. WITH YOU SNHS WILL ALWAYS FLY LIKE AN EAGLE.

Yoghurt and start of school

2007-05-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

One of the visitors who came to Sagada (he knew me through another friend) last Monday told me, "Let's go out and have coffee so we can talk." I was about to say, "why not?" when he said, "Ay, di pala uso kape dito, yoghurt pala uso." So, he amended it to "Let's go out and have yoghurt so we can talk." Yes, in fact about 70% of my friends here all know how make yoghurt with their own way - with flavor or without.

Enrolment is almost over and the start of school is here. By Monday, every teacher and student all over the country will be busy with the usual stuff. However, i pray that the usual stuff should be an improvement of the past not just a repetition of what happened, including the mistakes. Though, in truth, i am not yet ready for the new school year since my mind is still on vacation and my body longs for the beach, the mountains and the sunshine, i have no other choice but to put my feet on the ground again. And, whether i like it or not, condition myself for monday and the rest of the year.

WORK... WORK... WORK... and no play - play will be during the vacations only (he he) but even if that is the case, when we enjoy what we are doing, we are already playing. That is, make work a play.

ict integration and webpage designing

2007-05-20T17:23:00.001-07:00

I'm here in a training in baguio again. at last, kasi we (that includes my computer buddy at school) have been looking for a training like this for the past year. we already have a website but it was only through the help of Mr. Kent Sinkey, an American who opted to stay in Sagada, that our dream came to reality. But, we have been trying to look for a seminar like this kasi we do not know how to update our own web. It is not good if we will always be a parasite when we can be the host ( he he). now, our wish came true. i hope we can finally produce a 100% web of sagadanh'ers. i know and i believe that this training will bring us a hundred steps forward and we can really make our web the best that we can make it, with our own tastes and with our own flavor.

i met rossana valdez, ms. olongapocnhs (bastos ko ano pero this i think is a sign of pagtanda), marinella, zenaida, vernice which i have already met in other trainings sponsored by smart before. i met new faces again to add to my growing lists of contacts all over the philippines - my room mates lorna and juvy ann all from la union. ms mildred dapliyan who came all the way from olongapo city national high school though she is from pingad and married to ernesto dapliyan of sagada.

my gosh, i arrived late yesterday. i came all the way from tabuk, kalinga. we started in tabuk at 9:00 am and reached bontoc at 3:30 so i have to board the last trip from bontoc. i stayed in two different vehicles for 13 hours. i opted to go to bontoc instead of boarding straight from tabuk coz their first trip is at 1:00pm and i will stay in the bus for 12 hours so that means to say, i will reach baguio by 1:00 am. that's why i did what i did. new routes, new experiences, new experiences, new learning. way to go, irene.

by the way, i met my "twin" again. though she is a little older than i am, how can i not say that. so many people have mistaken me for her and her for me. just at breakfast i was greeted by stories of how they have mistaken me for her last night, calling her my name and she gamely let them think of what they are already thinking. that's soraya and she's our project manager.
i came to note that joretze, cesar and lauren are together at lipa. go, go, go the smart mentors.

Election Fever

2007-05-13T01:10:00.000-07:00

Election fever. Have you caught it already? I am still proud to say that election in Sagada had always been cool. (I don't know if it is a proof to Montesquieu's (?) climate theory.) But, though there are many people killed due to politics, no one in Sagada is ever known to have died due to the "dirty" game.

Tomorrow will be election in the Philippines. They say that there is a raise for the honorarium of the BEI's who will be serving. Others say it is too much, others complain. Looking at it though, i could say that the amount is fine if you are here in Sagada or in places where politics is not a dirty game but, it is too little for those who are going to serve in the "hot" areas for their lives are also at stake. Yet, i greatly hope that this year's election will be as cool as the climate here in our place though it had already started with a lot of killings. May the election fever in other places subside and may the wisdom that comes from God and the wisdom of the election overrule the fever that had attacked others to the extent of killing and even destroying others morally, spiritually or even physically. This is my prayer, in Jesus Name, Amen.

So, back to business again

2007-05-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

It's been more than a week since we separated ways with the other smart mentors. my plan then was to take a very deep rest (not really sleep but do things which does not need my mental processors, physical maybe, but for sure not mental) so, when i went back to baguio, i took my kids (Manev & Sab) gallivanting - the malls and Asin Hot spring before we finally came home to sagada. Again, i refused to see the computer for some time - then slowly i started reading the past lessons and those that we have done. i had to pick the diamond nuggets i dropped along the way when my mind refused to take anything anymore. so far, i had picked some but not all. i know, i have left even some bigger nuggets somewhere.

when i was ready to face the computer again, i was too disappointed for the MOPRECO (Mountain Province Electric Cooperative) was not ready for me - WALANG ILAW. too bad. the next day, the light came when it was already high noon. i have to go to school kasi walang internet sa bahay. hapssss, another disappointment walang internet. it took me (and some helpful hands through the phone) the whole afternoon (and we even continued it the next day) to diagnose the problem. Until - taraaan- i can now post again.

i came to realize how blessed we are again to be in that training that we had. it was in fact, the most comprehensive, mind and stomach fulfilling and even the most luxurious training i've ever been. it will forever put a mark in my life. just to have our closing program away from the venue of our training is already a luxury and to have it in tagaytay adds to the imprint. i am too overwhelmed. WHOA SMART.

i just had a nice chat with my colleague yesterday. i shared to him what happened and encouraged him to join the next screening if there will be (of course, there will be. this is too good a program to stop). i know he will grab the next opportunity and if he will not grab it, i will grab it for whoever is interested but i know basing from experience that he will be one of those who is the most interested.

there are other things i need to sort out but that training already gave me a headstart on whatever direction i need to take.

to our benefactors and to all those behind this, be assured that what i learned will not only be head knowledge and that it will not just stay within me. in fact, we already had an initial plan of when to have the 1st mentoring for a few teachers - yes, that will be before the end of May.

congratulations to all my co-smart mentors. let's live to what we have bitten.

Research

2007-05-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

Super men is what i call this group. we took methods of research and statistics in just a half day. then made our thesis title and chapter 1 in the afternoon. tapos nagdefend sa gabi. wowoweeee. talagang supermen sila. (nakalimutan lang ilabas ang mga undies nila)

but i congratulate all of you people. galing niyo. sana totoo iyan forever para graduate tayo lahat sa Cebu next year. I really admire all of you. Be the best of who you are.

i learned a lot from this and i hope you did, too.

Day 9

2007-05-02T04:30:00.000-07:00

Peer Mentoring and Conflict Management is a very needed topic which not only Smart Mentors will use but is applicable to everybody. I'm glad i had more time to be with myself a while ago. i had been in touch with myself, then with others. now, i realized i have more in my hands than just being a Smart Mentor.

Now, other things are cropping up. i'm worried about my action research but i know that with people who are willing to teach, i will be able to do it.

Day 8

2007-05-02T04:20:00.000-07:00

Technology of Participation - It seems something foreign but looking at it deeply it had been a practice perfected by some in the earlier years but was given a name that seems so foreign to understand. I have nothing against what it is but i was not cleared on the fact of why it was called a technology of participation. What is clear to me though is its use - in fact, it's very flexible use.

it's only my second week of using a blog (thanks to Fr. Jomar for introducing it to us) and i am now enjoying its use. i am now starting some concrete plans on how to use it in my classes this school year and the years to come.

ORID and workshop methods are really needed not only by facilitators. It can also be applied in everyday life.

My mind is starting to digest most of the info that were able to be retained in my mind and now, things are becoming clearer. i hope then that i will be able to successfully finish all the requirements before i go home.

Day 7

2007-04-30T02:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we had our teambuilding. It's nice to be a child again. Though there were prizes at stake, we joined the activity as if we don't have any cares at all. It renewed our strength as a team. Thanks to all.

Today, the work and the lecture was not too gruelling but as usual, Fr. Jomar gave us enough food to chew and enough time to digest. That's the way to go father.

Realizing it, what have i been? Was i a behaviorist, cognitivist or constructivist teacher? I think i have been a little of each. But now, i have to start working more to be a constructivist. Of course, i have to be a behaviorist teacher if the competency and the tasks calls for it but i will really try my best to be more of a constructivist.

Telecollaborative Project

2007-04-28T03:22:00.000-07:00

At last, my mind was unclogged after i took a nap (at a seat somewhere up there), ate lunch, and after listening to Ms. Estoque. So, i was more receptive on the next sessions.

Ms. Estoque's story is really inspirational - it really inspires me to really give my best given the scarce resources that we have. i was inspired enough to finish my activity for the day.

thanks a lot ms estoque.

Day 6

2007-04-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

The session on Telecollaboration is finished but my mind was unable to process even half of what i heard a while ago. I realized in the end that i had been too busy trying to digest what is being brought out by our speaker that in the end i got indigestion of the mind - or is it mental constipation. i do not know if my processor is too weak or that i should have taken things in bits but i took it in chunks.

I even have a hard time realizing what we are doing. the activity is finished but i cannot yet place the use of it in the classroom. Maybe i have an idea but the idea is not yet concretized.

i hope i will really learn this again and by that time appreciate it. how i wish the speaker had been more logical in the presentation of the topic - or maybe, she had but i was unable to follow. poor me.... as selalyn,of Baguio City NHS says, "di ako makarelate," in my case, kanina.

Day 5

2007-04-27T02:38:00.000-07:00

My mind seems to have been clogged with too much information that i can hardly comprehend the rest of the lessons in the afternoon. but one thing is clear, i learned so much on rubric preparation and use. i have been using rubrics for some time already but the discussion a while ago cleared me of my several questions regarding the use of it.

though we were not given enough time to make our rubric in the afternoon, still i cannot count all those things that i have learned on authentic assessment. AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT - as if there are assessments which are not authentic - but whether we accept it or not, we have been using unauthenticated (he he if there is such a word) assessments in most of our classroom teacher life.

Being a teacher, i think i have to start compiling my prepared rubrics so that it will be easier to revise and refer to in the coming days. I also need my own portfolio so i could also assess my own self. I still believe that before i will require it from my students i need to be an example.

thus, i have to end this so i could finish my rubric. but before that, i really thank the people who had been behind me so i could come to this training, our trainers who had effectively and efficiently imparted to us their topics, to Smart for giving us this chance and to our families who is behind us despite the fact that we are not with them even if it is vacation time. And, to the Lord Almighty who gave us a chance to grab this opportunity and who, despite the fact that we cannot understand some things in our life, He encompasses all understandings and so i am assured that everything will be alright. i love you all.

Day 4

2007-04-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

Problem based learning can truly be an alternative component to the traditional classroom learning situation. It is student-centered, thus, eliminates boring situations in the teaching-learning scenario. I had been using a somewhat similar strategy in some of my classes but learning this gives me a better direction of where i am leading.

i just realized that yesterday and today, i enjoyed being a part of people who are willing to disagree to agree. And though, we may not have made something perfect, the output is still a product of the whole group who had disagreed on some points but ended up cooperating and helping one another to produce an output.

So, to my group mates yesterday: Dave, Alfred, Zhen, Daylin, Evelyn and Cezar; and today, Cezar, Daylin, Joretz I do believe that what we did is a very good example of what we are preaching - cooperative learning. Disagreements are but spices to make our work better. Keep up.

Aha, and i ended the day laughing my heart out. Thanksd to laurenza, and my room mates Daylin and Virgie, the tensions of the days were released. He he heeee

Day 3

2007-04-25T00:44:00.000-07:00

Things are getting better. First, i woke up refreshed and ready to face another day. The nauseatic feeling yesterday is history and today i am determined to learn as much as i can while i still have the chance.

Father Jomar again opened a closed door in my mind and i really realized that i have been so busy teaching so many details that i forget to focus on the competencies the students will meet along the way. 10 questions/problems? wow, i once had a professor who talked to me that way years ago but i realized that i only applied it for a few weeks then i forgot (or was just unconsciously immersed into the traditional teachings again) all about it. Now, it's hitting me again. i hope i will not be caught up with traditions again so as to be hit harder the next time this reminder will come. By the time (i hope) that this reminder will come again, it will not hit me flat-footed again but it will make me a better teacher improving in my teaching skills.

integrating ict in our learning competencies is not that hard now and though we were the first group to finish, we found out through casual sharing with friends each group had a unique way of approaching their own activity in their own field. our group was the jolly one where we came to ralize that social studies can perfectly and seamlessly join hands with technology and livelihood education to harmonize teaching competencies. WOW - making thematic teaching a reality not just a dream.

i know the day is hardly over but we were already able to accomplish much. thanks again to all our sponsors, especially smart and our speaker, Fr. Jomar.

Day 2

2007-04-24T02:38:00.001-07:00

It humors me to think that i never got sick in my hometown when it was near freezing point. But this day, i feel, i am really sick. yet, i know that whole night of rest will make me very much alive and kicking tomorrow.

yet, sick or not, i awakened from my deep slumber a while ago. Though most of what was discussed a while ago was not completely new to me, i was struck by the very thought that i have forgotten taken the focus of learning away from the students. this realization makes me excited to start a new school year.

busy or not, i will try my very best to be more effective aided by the technology we have. Furthermore, it makes me laugh to note that sometimes we are so engrossed on updating our technology without perfecting its use in learning competencies. We focus more on the outside appearance not on the inside.

starting today, however, awaking from my slumber, i will not allow myself again to forget the fundamentals of the learning environment.

Day 2

2007-04-24T02:38:00.000-07:00

Day 1

2007-04-24T02:32:00.000-07:00

Today is our first day as student Smart Mentors. I was really grilled knowing i know nothing. I have learned things i would never have if i have stayed inside the classroom. But, the most important thing i learned is how to filter throuhg the millions of information in the net and how to critically analyze the credibility of each article. This, for sure, will not only be for my own consumption but which for sure will benefit all my students this coming school year (which, by the way is making me excited to meet them).

as i move on, i know that there will always be people to support and institutions to help me bridge the gap of ignorance of the students and most especially myself.