Young Girl's Heroism, a Testament of the Value of Character Education

Late parents and former teachers of Janela, a 12 year old teenage girl from Albay must be proud after she heroically saved the Philippine National Flag during the onslaught of typhoon Juaning.  The said action could be considered extremely rare for teenagers even adults that's why it has become an inspiration for the many particularly those who are still hopeful for the motherland.

Reports say Janela, who is now an orphan and only has her brother and other relatives for a family has lost her house as Bicol was greatly battered by typhoon Juaning. But despite all these misfortunes, this brave Bicolana still managed to recover the Philippine flag – unharmed and in shipshape. 

President Noynoy Aquino himself expressed his admiration over the laudable act of Janela. On PNoy’s official Facebook account, the President thanked Janela for showing the Philippines that patriotism and heroism is still alive. 

 

The Department of Education expressed its admiration saying that they salute Janela for exhibiting a deep sense of citizenship and patriotism given her age.

DepEd is now studying as to what needs to be done in assisting Janela with her studies now that she and her brother are already orphans. “Ako’y isang Pinoy sa puso’t diwa, Pinoy na isinilang sa aking bansa… Proud to be Pinoy,” were Janela’s inspiring words that truly inspired and touched the hearts of many Filipinos. 

This heroic action of the young girl from Albay is a testament of the importance of shaping the character of an individual which is being played by parents at home and the teachers at our schools. 

Janela's parents and teachers efforts in implanting in her the value of patriotism and nationalism have not been wasted which is enough for us to believe that Character Education is really a must and its value not only as a separate independent learning area could not be disregarded but in fact, integration to the rest of the learning areas be strengthened.

See also Enhancing Character Education in Our Schools