The Challenge of Knowing Andres Bonifacio More

By:  Gilbert M. Forbes
DepEd Quezon
CALABARZON

We have known and learned about Andres Bonifacio as the brave poor founder and supremo of the Katipunan, that to support his siblings, he has to sell canes and fans.  He is a reader of Rizal’s writings apart from other classic books written purely in Spanish in his time.

Source:  Philippine Daily Inquirer, Nov. 30, 2012

In this regard, having lived so much in the myth about Abonifacio, we have forgotten to think otherwise that with his traits, Bonifacio must have had a good education.  And to have it otherwise, he must have been not from ordinary poor families but from a middle class one.

In a DZMM  recent interview with De la Salle University History Professor Michael Chua, he explained that he was born of a half Spanish mother and that he lived a life of a middle class until the death of his parents at the age of 14.  He also hold managerial positions in various capacities with an average equivalent income of Php38,000.00 today.  This was the reason why he is able to buy various books which he reads voraciously and learned from (11-30-2015).

Indeed, we know little about Bonifacio and as what Bryan C. Paraiso a senior historic sites development officer at the National Historical Commission of the Philippines said in his article entitled Bonifacio Reveals Fervor in Writings published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, made him an elusive character in the Philippines’ struggle for independence.

With this, Paraiso, repeated historian Glenn Anthony’s comment that “… Bonifacio has been posthumously re-created. He has been given a new personality and a childhood that may bear little resemblance to his real one … The national hero who has emerged from this process of re-creation—the Bonifacio celebrated in history textbooks and memorialized in statues around the Philippines—is, in reality, something closer to a national myth.”

Bryan Paraiso further explained that much of what Filipino students of history know about Bonifacio has been culled from the writings of historians based on firsthand narratives of witnesses and protagonists in the national uprising.

But those writings are colored by the historians’ subjective interpretation, such as the article of Epifanio de los Santos in Revista Filipina that aims to vindicate the Supremo against the “cold and hostile … to the extent of objecting to his being given due recognition”  and the view that Bonifacio was the progenitor of a “class struggle” that arose from the inadequacies of the Reform Movement and apathy of the educated gentry for the masses.

Since college, I was already thinking why many know little about Andres Bonifacio.  With his writing of “Ang Dapat Mabatid ng mga Tagalog,” “Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa,” and his translation to the vernacular of Rizal’s “Me Ultimo Adios” already put me to admire him and to put him on equal putting with Rizal on a different roles in the shaping of our nation’s history.

Analyzing these facts, we couldn’t avoid really thinking that he must have not from ordinary poor families in his time because other wise, he could not afford to have an education which matches the skills and prowess he shown.

Paraiso is saying the same.  He explained that snippets of prose and poetry may provide a clear picture of the personality and the rational workings of Bonifacio’s mind. “They reveal a man with an adequate education, adept at writing using an elegant hand and passionate about his idealistic and nationalistic principles,” he said.

Bulatlat.com author of Eight Things You Probably Didn't Know About Bonifacio and Katipunan Mong Palatino said that Bonifacio was an actor. He was a member of the Samahang Dramatista ng Tundó. He helped establish El Teatro Porvenir. As an artist, he knew how to effectively communicate with and use the language of the masses. Not surprisingly, his poems (Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa, Katapusang Hibik) are rated as among the best in Tagalog literature. Aside from being well-read, Bonifacio had deep knowledge of local narratives like Bernardo Carpio and Florante at Laura.

Mong Palatino furthers that It is not only Rizal who is considered the ‘pride of the Malay race’. Tan Malaka, one of Indonesia’s national heroes and founding leaders, recognized the heroism of both Rizal and Bonifacio. He specifically cited the revolutionary legacy of Bonifacio and his influence in sparking the anti-colonial movements across Southeast Asia. Professor Ramon Guillermo translated this quote from Tan Malaka: “Si Bonifacio ang pinakauna, hindi lamang sa Pilipinas, kundi sa buong Indonesia, oo, sa buong Asia na nanggaling sa, at edukado bilang, proletaryado, na nag-organisa ng mga proletaryo.”

Critiques and historians alike are validating our misconceptions and myth that surrounds the real Bonifacio which was compounded by the very symbol attached to him.

In an article written by Ambeth Ocampo for the Philippine Star entitled was Andres Bonifacio ambidextrous?, he made mention of how the popular mind commonly portrayed Bonifacio in a cameza de chino raising a bolo on one hand.  This portrayal of him was made into a symbol and immortalized by the work  of National Artist Guillermo Tolentino at the Caloocan Monument.

Teodoro Agoncillo said otherwise that Bonifacio never fought with a bolo. “I interviewed his contemporaries, like Pio Valenzuela and Guillermo Masangkay, and they insist that Bonifacio never fought with a bolo. As a matter of fact, Manila’s hero fought only in one battle—the battle of San Juan—and there he lost and nearly died. But he used a gun. That Tolentino monument is misleading. It compounds further an already popular misconception of how Bonifacio actually fought.”

“Bonifacio neither fought with a saber nor a bolo, as confirmed by minutes of the trial when Aguinaldo’s tribunal enumerated the weapons found on his person. The records repetitiously mention guns and revolvers, but never sabers or bolos.”

Bonifacio didn’t wield the iconic bolo, he didn’t wear the white camisa and screaming red pants, he didn’t shout what has come down in history as “El grito de Balintawak” (The Cry of Balintawak), he actually began the revolution in Pugad Lawin, not Balintawak.”

There is a persistent myth that Bonifacio didn’t win a single battle as leader of the Katipunan. But the Nagsabado sa Pasig event (which is still being commemorated up to this day) involving 2,000 Katipuneros who attacked a Spanish cuartel, proves that there were numerous local battles that Bonifacio and Katipunan spearheaded that eventually led to the military defeat of the Spaniards.

With these, we can safely say that indeed, there is much that we need to know about Andres Bonifacio.  Apart from a hero who met a tragic death and martyred not in the hands of the enemy but in the very hands of a fellow Filipino, we need to continuously reflect on the struggle that still exist between the ilustrados and the masses as clearly reflected by the kind of political leadership today.

Without the needed education in his time, Bonifacio could not have been what he is.   It is a stark reality that the poor's education is very important, and the poor educated ones need to continuously learn and think not for himself but for his country as he struggle to become a new ilustrado.  A new ilustrado and ultimately an elite who will work and struggle for change, good governance, end of political patronage and political dynasties to make the political environment inclusive, not exclusive to evil few.

This is the challenge of knowing Andres Bonifacio more, one of our two major heroes, who unlike Rizal need to be studied more so as in knowing we could do more in realizing his dream and desire for our beloved country.

(Mr. Gilbert M. Forbes had his Bachelors Degree and MA in Educational Management (CAR) from the Philippine Normal University.  A campus paper adviser and trainer for 13 years.  Currently, he is a school principal in one of the central schools in the Division of Quezon.) 

References:

Paraiso, Bryan C., Bonifacio Reveals Fervor in Writings, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Nov. 30, 2012

Ocampo, Ambeth R., Was Bonifacio Ambidestrous?, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Nov. 29, 2012

Mong Palatino, Eight Things You Probably Didn't Know About Bonifacio and the Katipunan

Balancing Act: School Leadership’s Theory and Practice

By:  Gilbert M. Forbes
DepEd, Quezon

For sometime now, I have already written quite a number of articles on school leadership on this portal.  There are just thousands of our readers and visitors who have had a glimpse on these articles.  In addition this site also provided syndicated articles on leadership from well known and trusted leadership gurus like Francis J. Kong and John Maxwell and other public servants and educators.

Images courtesy of www.linkedin.com

I have also read books on leadership particularly that of Stephen Covey and a lot more.  This has shaped my thoughts, beliefs and ideas on what leaders should be.  These ideas are carefully seen on my articles.  Not to include the knowledge and skills I acquired from experience and from both my graduate and undergraduate studies.

These knowledge and skills have helped me along the way.  However, I have to rely most of the time on my instinct and personal judgment as I go along the way in my personal desire and preference towards educational reform and quest for quality learning outcomes and excellence.

I have to admit, but leadership theories and principles are easier said or written than done particularly if one works in the government.  Government service is different and far from the standards of the corporate world.  It is of course changing particularly now under the new regime but in comparison with the fast pace of changes in the private sector, government service is simply lagging.

Sad to say and admit but it seems to be the realities in the government service.  The Department of Education is not exempt from these realities. For sometime, even the current education secretary, Bro. Armin Luistro who himself came from the private sector felt dismayed over the slow pace of how things are getting done, and the reforms that have to get its way.

I feel the same thing as the DepEd Secretary.  One time out of sadness and may be of dismay, I kiddingly said a couple of times in some tit-for-a-tat with fellow school leaders and trusted teaching colleagues that there should be a way of firing erring and incompetent personnel in the department of education like in the private schools and companies and so in the rest of the government agencies.

I also exclaimed the same in one of the exchanges of ideas in one of our post graduate classes at the Philippine Normal University having touched some important issues in education.  Our professor who happens to be a fellow family at DepEd just smiled at me.  The challenge actually is how we could address not only the productivity of our personnel particularly both the teaching and non-teaching which is aptly describe in the so called ‘law of diminishing return.’  If this applies in the private sector, it is aptly more serious in the government.

Once a teacher or an employee got his permanent appointment, instead of an increased and improve quality of service, it diminishes over time.  It is a fact that nobody could deny.  At least with the implementation of the Competency-Based Assessment for Teachers (CB-PAST) it could be checked.  However, the lapses being made in its use, will not solve the problem, not unless corrected, it is there to continue.  (See Teachers and School Heads Tendency in Accomplishing the CB-PAST)  I am afraid that it could even worsen due to the type of young and new teachers who are entering the service which on the most part could be influenced negatively if they are not grounded on the significance of their profession and mission.

CB-PAST provides for the termination of the so called liabilities if used well.  The draw back however, is that it could serve as flat-form for abuses by corrupt leaders or the least, none at all.

On both sides, the Department does possess both corrupt and honest leaders.  It is just puzzling that the corrupt ones passes unnoticed by their respective stakeholders or may be because, they happen to be lucky to be assigned in places with highly apathetic stakeholders or they are too smart that they can control them in their favor.  The worst thing is that some or many of them are relatives of influential people in their respective localities or they themselves are influential or powerful enough to keep opposition at bay.

This blog alone has received a dozen of reports of corrupted MOOE’s by scrupulous school heads.  According to sources, they are able to liquidate these cash advances though nothing has been delivered to their schools.  In most cases, their teachers don’t know that their school heads are receiving cash advances for their schools.  The said thing about these reports is that, all are anonymous and so it could be regarded as a mere intrigue though on one way or another it could be regarded as indeed a fact in the field.

On the opposite spectrum, the straight forward ones however have to comfort themselves, with the slow pace of changes.  Many have to deal first with the institutional cultures and values that exist in their respective domains which vary from one place to another.  Call it the result of diversity which is both a boon and a bane.

This for the most part is bringing performing school leaders to the test.  Many have to choose between becoming populists so as not downplay many of their priority programs and create friction which could upset them emotionally.  We may call it win-win solution.  Others on the other hand have all the strength to choose the opposite of being stern and strict even when it would mean rejection or friction in the work place. 

In this environment, their colleagues have no choice but to follow the wish of their leaders and so all the things he wants for the institution.  I find these leaders admirable for changes could be abruptly achieved and programs implemented at all cost in this type of environment.  Whoever will succeed him or her will no longer have a hard time paving the way for the way has already been laden.  However, it could still be considered a great gamble if continuity of good programs is to be considered once he is replaced or transferred to another station.

On the other hand, populists have to settle with the slow pace of accomplishing things.  Experts say that in this case, honey moon period usually lasts for two years. Meaning, it needs two long years for a reformist leader to fully establish and position himself to his advantage.  This is the sad reason why change is quiet slow particularly in the field of education.  Even if the output is a sure success, in a rat race globalized society, we’ll simply not survive the competition and the demands that a corporate environment requires.   Like the private sector, it should and is expected to be the way of the government service, doesn’t it?

Certainly, school leaders and quality education and reform advocates should work hard to establish what they think is the ideal in their respective places.  Concerned citizens and stakeholders must lend their helping hands to support their leaders if they desire quality education for their children.  They must and should be wise enough to identify the gems in a heap of sand or straw.

After all, as an African proverb says, “It takes a village to educate a child.”  Problems and evil exists just because not a few dare to act.

(The author himself is a practitioner in the field of school management for almost a decade now.  He holds both the Bachelors degree and MA (CARMA) from the Philippine Normal University, Quezon and Manila Campuses.  This represents the views of the author and not of DepEd Quezon.)

Overcoming the Procrastinator in Us and Getting Our Brand Stand Out

By:  Gilbert M. Forbes
DepEd Quezon

According to Filipino Financial Expert and Leadership guru, Francis J. Kong in his article published in the Philippine Star entitled, ‘Are You the Late Juan dela Cruz,’ the way we particularly behave and show ourselves to others is our brand.  If we think that only marketed products need branding, we too need branding. 

Francis J. Kong said that “You are a brand, just as I am my own brand and your next-door neighbor is his own brand. Who we really are and what people perceive us to be – our brand – may be two different things, but as the famous line goes, “Perception is reality!”

Many of us couldn’t deny that many of us are constant procrastinator since time we could remember.  The reason why the word Filipino Time has become a negative connotation to less than we, the latecomers ourselves.   We simply love to do things between deadlines.  We always feel like we can do things better when it’s almost time.  We find it hard to start from scratch if there’s still enough time.  I don’t know but I find it easy to start and finish things while cramming.  I’m sure others would share the same experience.

However, we have to realize that it is creating a negative images or mark on our brand.  That brand is of being a peculiar procrastinator.

We may not be the only procrastinator in town but if we are popular, we would stand out as the leader of all procrastinators.  So, we have to slowly get away from this negative label.

Francis Kong reminds us that we have to remember that our constant tardiness costs the  company or the government  money, but we need to understand that it actually costs us more. It’s because our reputation is put on the line every time we are late.

“Habitually late people are usually procrastinators who have trouble resisting immediate gratification. Sometimes, they even enjoy putting something off until the last minute. Such habits become ingrained over time. Chronic lateness is like an illness – it begins with a few symptoms that grow into a full-blown sickness.”

“Despite the consequences, tardiness is often a difficult habit to break. Battling it takes more than setting the clock 10 minutes advance. That never works. Stop making up excuses, and start managing your time with these helpful tip that Francis Kong recommends:

1. Traffic is terrible, so why not simply set out early? You will never know what may go wrong while you’re off to work or to an appointment. And then there are days when just about e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g goes wrong. But if you’ve set out for work early, you can run behind yourschedule and still be on time for the call time.
2. Compute the time it takes to do other tasks.  Travel and traffic are just two things, but what about the time it’ll take for you to secure a parking space? If it’s your first time to go to a location, consider also the time you’ll spend looking for the right address and asking for directions. 
3. Better plan the night before.  The clothes you’re going to wear, the shoes you’re going to use, the things you need to bring – if all these were prepared the night before so that all you have to do is just grab them on your way out, you will definitely save a lot of prep time. So stay organized!
4. Let technology serve, not enslave you.  Cell phones, SMS, email. These things make us available to everyone 24 hours a day. Assign only a specific time for checking and returning them. Intermittent opening would take up a lot of your time without you noticing it. You should do the same even in returning clients’ phone calls. Keep in mind that there are more than two countries in this world of ours aside from “Rush-ia” and “Urgent-tina”. Don’t get caught up with long conference calls or last-minute memos. Keep it off and open it only during break times.  For emergency, give the emergency hotline of the office or the institution you are working for.  Inform your peers, friends and family members that you could only communicate with them during break time.  It would be better if your could leave your cellphones in a locker just like those working in factories and department stores.
5. Don’t just stand there… Do something!  When there’s a job for you to do, start it immediately. It’s really rare to find people who actually work best under pressure, so don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re one. Looming deadlines become less bothersome when you start working on the task early enough and when you keep at it until it’s finished.

Kong further explained that every time we make people wait, we are communicating to them that they’re not important to us. we are robbing them of their precious time. We are silently announcing to them our arrogance. 
 
So, let us be punctual. It will reflect our character. It will build our brand every day of our life. After all since time immemorial, our forefathers, are known not only in their honesty but on punctuality.

If there is an American Time, there is Filipino Time because Filipino Time is on Time!

(Mr. Gilbert M. Forbes had his Bachelors Degree and MA in Educational Management (CAR) from the Philippine Normal University.  A campus paper adviser and trainer for 13 years.  Currently, he is a school principal in one of the central schools in the Division of Quezon.) 

Reference:

Kong, Francis J., Are You the Late Juan De la Cruz?, The Philippine Star

Forbes, Gilbert M., Getting My Brand Stand Out and Overcoming the Procrastinator in Me, A Reflection Paper Submitted at the Philippine Normal University as part of the requirements in Human Behavior and Management, First Semester 2012

Commentary: Martial law and the mis-education of our youth

 By:  Ricardo Ma. Duran Nolasco
The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sep. 21, 2012

When declared martial law, Ferdinand Marcos ushered in the bilingual setup of using two second languages (mostly English) in education. Marcos saw the education system as his primary vehicle to perpetuate the warped values of his so-called New Society, with disastrous historical consequences. Rather than promote genuine literacy, the bilingual policy only contributed to the miseducation of generations of Filipinos. The damage done to our national psyche is immeasurable. As it is, we are still a nation in search of our soul.

It took us 40 years before realizing the folly of this policy. We have replaced it with a new one called mother tongue-based multilingual education (MTBMLE).

Despite the change, functional illiteracy and low quality instruction continue to victimize us like the plague. The Philippines is missing targets for net enrollment ratio in primary education by 17.2 years, for primary grade completion rate by 10.2 years and for the literacy rate of 15-24-year-olds by 9.1 years.

I celebrated International Literacy Day 2012 with education stakeholders in Mindanao on two occasions, one at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, Cotabato, on Sept. 6-8 and the other at Ateneo de Davao University on September 15.

In Kabacan, where Ilocano, Binisaya, Ilonggo and Maguindanaon communities dominate, I delivered three talks. The biggest audience—close to 2,000—came on Sept. 8, International Literacy Day, which was also the 51st anniversary of USM’s College of Education, where I was guest of honor.

On that occasion, I encouraged the tertiary education institutions to help overcome the serious shortage of teachers for MTBMLE by designing at least four types of teacher training programs:

The incorporation of MTBMLE into existing professional teaching programs, where education majors learn how to apply second language acquisition theories.

One-year “fast track” certificate programs for graduates with nonteaching baccalaureate degrees that would equip them with the required pedagogical skills and knowledge for the MTBMLE classroom.

Three- to four-week intensive workshops for experienced certified teachers to become effective in an MTBMLE environment.

Training programs for teaching assistants who are fluent in the local language (L1) but do not have the educational background to qualify for the regular teaching profession.

These parateachers have proven to be effective in situations where the regular teacher is fluent in the official language but does not know the L1 of the learners.

On September 6 and 7, there was an assembly for students and a one-day seminar for teachers. Numerous queries on the whys and wherefores of L1-based instruction and doubts on the program’s effectiveness and sustainability were aired. I sought to dispel these doubts by citing the local and international evidence. I assured the teachers that there are available resources that they can access online, and referred them to education institutions that they can rely on for training. But I could not hide my disappointment over the Department of Education’s “early” exit policy as well as the haphazard implementation of this policy.

Other speakers at the one-day seminar for teachers were: Bonna Duron of Save the Children who talked about their pilot programs in South Cotabato that included B’laan and Maguindanaon communities; Mhawi Rosero of University of the Philippines’ Layap who spoke on language documentation and research; Cito Casquite who gave a lecture on the characteristics of stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 stories for learners as they progress from beginning literacy to fluency; and Noemi Dumalaog who gave a teaching demonstration using Ilonggo on the story about the big-mouthed frog.

I met with USM officials led by Jesus Antonio Dirije, president; Tony Tacardon, academic affairs vice president; and Leorence Tandog, dean of the College of Education. They liked the idea of USM hosting a 3-day national MTBMLE seminar-workshop in February 2013 in time for International Mother Language Day.

The Davao forum was a collaborative project of USM, Ateneo de Davao University, Translators Association of the Philippines and SIL Philippines. Pam Castrillo and Cecile Van Zante led the activities.

The following issues were discussed at the Davao forum:

Pilot programs in Cotabato City and South Cotabato by SIL and Save the Children show children in MTBMLE schools outperforming those in bilingual settings, becoming confident speakers in school, and beginning to write in their native language outside of the school setting.

Parents now participate more in the education of their children because they can understand the language used in school.

The question of Filipino identity is dependent on how Filipinos value their own ethnic identities.

The tertiary education institutions have their work cut out for them because on their shoulders rest the primary responsibility of training our existing and future teachers under the new mother-tongue-based paradigm.

Finally, I wish to invite the public to another forum-workshop titled “Math-talino sa Unang Wika: Teaching the Early Grades Math Curriculum in the First Language.” This will be held on Oct. 6, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Palma Hall 400, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

(Dr. Ricardo Ma. Duran Nolasco (rnolasco_upmin@yahoo.com) is an associate professor in linguistics at UP Diliman.)

Glimpses: Come home, sons and daughters

By:  Jose Ma. Montelibano
Originally Posted at Philippine Daily Inquirer Sept. 13, 2012

Does anyone know how much money Filipino-Americans send to their families in the Philippines? I am told it is $8 billion annually or about P340 billion. I am not sure if Filipino-Canadians are included in this amount. Either way, the amount is staggering.

Does anyone know how many Filipino-Americans remit money home? Well, the latest available study of Asian-Americans pinpoint Filipinos somewhere at the top with 52% of them sending money to the Philippines.

Does anyone know how many balikbayan boxes are sent to the Philippines by Filipino-Americans? I don’t, I simply do not have the data. But the Bureau of Customs may, and, of course, the forwarders doing business in the US if they can consolidate their business volumes. And then, there are more balikbayan boxes sent whenever disaster strikes.

Does anyone know how much Filipino-Americans earn in the United States? I don’t, but I have a good idea. Using the per capita income of Americans, and knowing Filipino-Americans earn just as much if not more, then we can safely assume that it is upwards of $160 billion.
Does anyone know how much Filipino-Americans spend to live in the US? In the year 2000 or 2001, a marketing study mentioned that Filipino-Americans spend $50 billion a year. That figure is estimated to be between $60-70 billion today.

Does anyone know how much the IMF, the World Bank, the ADB, and the US Exim Bank lend to the Philippines every year on the average? I don’t, but anyone can ask the Central Bank or get the figures from government reports. I am willing to conclude, though, that it cannot be more than $2 billion annually.

What’s the point of all these questions?

We have our own people, Filipino-Americans, who left in search of a dream they could not see becoming true in the motherland. They struggled as strangers in another land, as minorities competing against a powerful mainstream, and decades later finally making it.

The cost was steep – separation, homesickness, cold winters, and often enduring being regarded as less than equal. Beyond the cars and houses and modern way of life, we often do not see the pain and loneliness.

And too often, too, we do not understand the longing they bear quietly for their people, their homeland. We see the material trappings but not what we take for granted – being where we are, the natural belonging with one another and the only land Filipinos can call their own.

Why don’t we make it easy for them to have their reunion? Why don’t we court them to visit, to stay, maybe even live out the rest of their lives here? Why don’t we roll out the red carpet so they can invest here, or give outright grants to the poor we do not know how to take care of anyway? Why not serve the needy and weak with their time, talent and treasures?

Why do we bow and curtsy to financial institutions whom we do not wish to be submissive to anymore? Why don’t we reach out to our own people in America and explain how a few billion dollars a year, as investment in our own people, land and future, can change history with them as the heroes they can be?

We spend so much effort and resources to reach out to other peoples and nations, yet give nowhere enough appreciation and importance to sons and daughters of our motherland. Ask the Central Bank and our Finance officials what $8 billion does to our economy? Ask the Secretary of Tourism what millions of Filipino-American tourists can mean, not just with their visits and expenses here, but more so with their promoting the Philippines. Ask the Secretary of Foreign Affairs just how an awakened Fil-Am sector can facilitate a truly friendly relationship with the US?

We can go down the line of departments and ask them how 4 million Filipino-Americans who earn more than $160 billion a year and send $8 billion of that to their families in the Philippines can do to make them achieve their goals faster and better. These are our flesh and blood, patriots in exile, comrades in the war against poverty, fellow dreamers for the future generations.

While we are at it, we can ask the Professional Regulatory Commission and the Department of Health why they are not rolling out the red carpet for Filipino-American doctors, nurses and volunteers who spend their own money and time to care for the poor through their medical missions that the PRC and the DOH cannot serve. We have to ask these agencies what they have done, and plan to do, with maybe twenty million Filipinos begging for medical treatment because they never had it.

The most important question that must be answered before the nation – why are Commissioners of PRC making it difficult for Filipino-Americans to help? If they cannot anymore attend to the poorest for lack of funds, the DOH should beg Filipino-American doctors to please arrange for more medical missions.

I plead to our brothers and sisters in America not to give up on our people, especially the poor. I plead for them to remember how they, too, stayed faithful to their dream against all odds. They must subordinate their distaste and revulsion for a bureaucratic attitude and give the welfare of the sick among the needy higher priority. They must not allow the poor to suffer by letting the PRC get away with the worst kind of behavior in a moment of great change in our country.

I ask Filipino-Americans to let their love for the motherland and the common good to be their highest motives and greatest joy to serve. If officials in the PRC can betray the public trust so casually, Filipino-Americans can teach them about generosity, humaneness and patriotism. Please prepare for thousands of medical missions and defy the selfishness of regulatory officials with your determination to care and share. If you can find the heart for the poorest among our race, and show it, many more among us may yet learn to do the same.

‘We are Making It Happen,’Luistro Says in a Letter Addressed to DepEd Employees

Originally posted at DepEd website, Aug. 28, 2012

DepEd Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro acknowledged and thanked everyone in DepEd for accomplishing important tasks in two years which benefitted the nations children and youth.  “As early as now, I thank each one of you for your contribution to the cause of education: to provide every Filipino child the opportunity to stretch her mind, broaden her heart, and nurture her spirit," he said.  Below is the complete content of the secretary’s letter.

We have been working together under the present administration for a little over two years now. Every one of you knows that the two years have not been all sweet and easy.

At the beginning of our service we inherited a long list of backlogs, received a fresh set of mandates, and accepted what perhaps can be considered as one of the most challenging assignments this department has ever dared to undertake: the reformation of our entire basic education system.

We encountered much resistance—both from without and within our department. In such circumstances, conflicts and arguments are inevitable. And we certainly experienced—even continue to do so—these confrontations.

Despite these challenges, we have proven thus far that we, here in the Department of Education, can work together and accomplish much for a larger purpose which transcends all our individual plans and agenda.

In two years, we have brought the Department back on track toward the fulfillment of all our backlogs in classrooms, chairs and textbooks.

In two years, we have efficiently rolled out, in phases, the K to 12 program, including the Mother Tongue Based, Multi-Lingual Education agenda.

In two years, we have effectively communicated the benefits and mechanics of all our programs to as wide a reach as possible, to all stakeholders and to the public.

All our progress and accomplishments cannot be credited to any one individual or group. They are all products of your collective effort, wherever you are assigned, whatever your role. We are all functioning parts of one complex body; every person fulfilling a task which is unique to him and beneficial to the entire organization.

As early as now, I thank each one of you for your contribution to the cause of education: to provide every Filipino child the opportunity to stretch her mind, broaden her heart, and nurture her spirit.

Our department has begun to become a true government for the people. One that is professional, competent, and committed, set on serving the needs of our countrymen.
Together with all the progress unfolding in the sectors of our economy, health, safety, public works, national defense, and private, the Philippines has clearly gathered momentum toward a better and brighter future.

We are part of this progress. We are making it happen.

This is an opportunity for all of us in the Department to make our mark in history. To leave a legacy for our children, and our children’s children. To make our families proud. This is the perfect time and opportunity to make a difference, and truly be agents of change. To change the face of government. To change the destiny of our people.

Let us work in synergy and convergence. Infect one another with renewed hope and optimism.

We do not deny the uphill climb that stretches out before us. The country we carry on our shoulders—our beloved home—remains huge and heavy. We would need all the focus, strength and determination we could muster to complete these improvements.

Let us revive the spirit of Bayanihan within each of us. Let us all do our part, share the load, that the burden may become lighter. And what seemed impossible can then become possible.

Today, we also join the rest of the nation in mourning the loss of and in laying to rest a true and dedicated public servant, Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Madaming iniwan si Sec Jesse na pwede nating pamarisan. May mga iniwan din siyang salita na may malalim na kahulugan. Aniya:  Hindi lahat ng matino  ay mahusay,  at lalo naming hindi lahat ng mahusay ay matino. Ang dapat ay matino at mahusay upang karapatdapat tayong pagtiwalaan  ng pera ang bayan.  Kailangan ng DepEd ng mahuhusay at matitinong kawani dahil sa ating mga kamay ipinagkatiwala ang mga kabataan ng ating bayan.  

Sec. Jesse’s commitment to uplift the lives of ordinary Filipinos through government is a real virtue all of us should remember and emulate. May the memory of his life and works inspire us, empower us and strengthen us. Like him, may we proclaim to our people that hope remains in government.

I have full faith and confidence in each one of you, and again, Maraming salamat!

We entrust all our efforts to the One who breathes new life into all that we do.

Mabuhay and DepEd! Mabuhay ang kabataang Pilipino!

Tsinelas Leadership

By:  Sec. Rene Almendras
Dept. of Energy
www.abs-cbnnews.com

(Excerpts from Sec. Almendras eulogy for Sec. Jesse Lobredo)

I have come to define tsinelas leadership as the pragmatic and more demonstrative version of servant leadership that Sec. Jess always talked about. I will tell you, I will explain to you four features of tsinelas leadership, Jesse Robredo version.

Tsinelas leadership is about the willingness na lumusob sa baha; to be willing to go where you normally do not go—to the most remote areas just to be with the most disadvantaged people. We all know Sec. Jesse rarely said “no.” That’s why he was one of the most well-traveled Cabinet members. He went to many places where some of us could not go to. Last night, I stood here for several hours. Ang dami pong taga-Mindanao na pumunta dito to honor Sec. Jesse. Lahat po sila pagdating sa amin, nakatayo kami doon: maraming salamat po. Sir, taga-Mindanao kami; Sir, taga-ano. It was just amazing that he has been to many places in the Philippines just to reach people.

A second characteristic of tsinelas leadership is breaking down the barriers between us and the people we serve. Many years ago, a young architect told me: “I will design it so nicely na mahihiya pumasok ang naka-tsinelas.” Nandito po tayo sa Malacañang, nandito po tayo sa Kalayaan Hall. Look around you. This place was not designed for tsinelas. And yet last night, and throughout most of today, how many thousands of slippers came into this room to pay tribute, to pay homage and honor to Sec. Jesse. Naiilang lumapit ang naka-tsinelas sa naka-barong. Leaders must be acceptable, accessible to those they serve. That was Sec. Jesse Robredo.

Third point about tsinelas leadership. Personally po, meron akong relaxation trigger. When I go home, I start relaxing when I take off my shoes and put on my slippers. Marami pong miyembro ng Gabinete ng Pangulong Aquino ang hindi nakakatulog na naka-sapatos. Tuwing bumabiyahe po kami, naghuhubaran po lahat ‘yan ng sapatos sa eroplano. Hindi ko po pinapatamaan si Sec. Cesar Purisima. Pero the minute pong maghubad ng sapatos si Secretary Cesar Purisima sa eroplano, within five minutes tulog na po ‘yan. Alam po ‘yan ng Pangulo kasi ‘yan ang sinasabi ng Pangulong “the concert starts.” But really wearing slippers is the most casual form. Being casual is being warm. Leaders must be casual with the people they serve so that they can listen, hear, and empathize with the people that they serve. That was Secretary Jesse Robredo in his truest form.

Tsinelas leadership is about back to basics—base-level transformation. Sec. Jesse and I share the same problems. He was pushing for good governance in local government. I am still trying to push good governance in electric cooperatives. In the last two weeks of Sec. Jesse’s life, I talked to him or texted with him everyday because of common problems that we shared. He believed and I shared in his belief that good leadership and governance structures in the barangays will naturally result in good leadership and governance structures in the whole republic. It’s about transforming the expectations of people from their leaders so that the next set of leaders will be better than the good ones we now have.

Tsinelas leadership is about working on the basics—no frills, no kaartehan; something as uncomplicated and casual as the tsinelas but with a very, very clear vision. That was Secretary Jesse Robredo.

My last conversation with Sec. Jesse was on Friday morning. He called me up at about 8 o’clock in the morning. Sabi niya: Sec. Ren—Rene po ako but tinanggal niya ‘yung “e.” So tawag ko rin sa kanya Sec. Jess. Binawian ko rin po siya e. Sabi niya: “Wala na ba talaga tayong pwedeng gawin tungkol sa baha sa Bulacan?” And the reason for that was Sec. Jess, Sec. Singson and myself at the back of that coaster kept on looking for ways and means to mitigate and bring down the water levels as fast as we can. We talked about Angat Dam, we talked about changing some protocols, and I said: “Sec. Jess, ako na bahala. Tatawagan ko si Sec. Babes mag-uusap kami then we’ll update you”. The very last line that Sec. Jess told me was: “Sige, Pare. Kawawa talaga ang taumbayan.” That is tsinelas leadership—a genuine concern and care for the people that we serve. That is Sec. Jess Robredo in its true context.

These five characteristics and many more is Sec. Jesse Robredo and his legacy to all of us.- abs-cbnnews.com

Click READ to see the complete text of the eulogy.

‘A tough act to follow-’Excerpts from Abad’s eulogy for Robredo

By:  Sec. Florencio 'Butch' Abad
DBM Secretary
Source: abs-cbnnews.com

(Here are important excerpts or parts of Budget Sec. Florencio Abad eulogy for Robredo.)

Jesse is indeed a tough act to follow — not just in the way that the nation reacted to his death. He also set an extraordinary standard in the manner he lived his life as a public official, as a family man, and as a servant of God.

Although many of us would rather gloss over the political aspect of our duties or ignore it entirely, it is impossible to do so if we aim to set our priorities right and foster good and effective governance. This is because politics is inherent in our work as well as a key component in our reform agenda of “daang matuwid.”

And this, I believe, is where Jesse stood out. He bravely immersed himself in the competing confluences of governance, of politics, and development. Even more remarkably, he would emerge from these turbulent currents with his integrity intact, his optimism as boundless as when he began, and his actions a source of inspiration for everyone to follow in his footsteps.

More important, he was able to produce concrete results including, as Lou said, his work in setting higher standards of performance among local government units through his Seal of Good Housekeeping program. His efforts at introducing reforms in the bureaucracy such as the culture of transparency he injected in the procurement activities of his department especially in the PNP spoke loud and clear for him.

Many of our peers in development and politics were determined to do the same with utmost sincerity. Some of them began their terms with the most noble of intentions only to find themselves consumed by the same corrosive culture of patronage and partisanship they sought to change. Others who would later recover their bearings became embittered cynics, convinced that there is really nothing anyone can do to transform this country.

But, Jesse managed to remain largely unscathed in a bureaucracy notorious for its moral casualties. He defined his political acumen without losing sight of his goal of widespread reform, showing his constituents what true leadership and public service were made of.

He did all of these without engendering acrimonious relationships with his colleagues and stakeholders. In fact, he regularly dealt with people often deemed too dangerous: drug lords, crime syndicates, warlords, rogue policemen, among others. He calmly mediated between the government and urban informal settlers facing eviction even as tempers rose and violent clashes broke out. He brought his mediation efforts to bear on the difficult process of establishing peace and development in conflict-ridden communities in the ARMM.

Furthermore, he dealt with political opponents squarely with astounding skill and candor. In other words, Jesse could talk to just about anybody with frankness and sincerity. The doors to his heart were swung wide open to practically anyone—from state leaders to government staff, all the way to the lowliest of people in Naga whom he dutifully served.

How was Jesse able to do this? What made it possible for Jesse Robredo to accomplish so much without compromising his ethical and political responsibilities? I am sure Leni is in the best position to give us an explanation.

Still, we try to answer these questions without realizing that Jesse’s work is exactly what public office requires. The principles he remained faithful to, the unique way he empowered Filipinos all over, these are precisely what effective public service and what daang matuwid is all about. And this is even clearer when we see Jesse’s qualities that formed his work and his decisions: his humility and compassion, the way he pursued excellence, and the way he was passionately driven to make this country a better place for all of us.

In the end, however, the sum of his achievements is founded on a basic truth: mabuting tao si Jesse. Jesse was a good man. This may seem an oversimplification but oftentimes, we fail to recognize how hard it is to be good, to remain honorable in the face of unrelenting challenges. This is especially true when one has to work and survive as we must in a political environment that does not always embrace the values that we promote.

Although we continue to wrestle with Jesse’s untimely death, this nation’s grief is tempered by a renewed sense of hope that Jesse’s legacy of reform and integrity will grow timeless, sustained by a new culture of honest, compassionate, and competent governance that he championed in his lifetime; that Filipinos will honor the choice of right over wrong in the face of adversity; that there will be no shortage of good men and women in this country.

In ending this tribute to a dear friend and colleague, the words of the late President Vaclav Havel of the Czech Republic in his "Summer Meditations" come to mind—words which I believe eloquently and aptly describe Jesse and his liberating politics and I quote: “If your heart is in the right place and you have good taste, not only will you pass master in politics, you are destined for it. If you are modest and do not lust after power, not only are you suited in politics, you absolutely belong there.

The sine qua non of a politician is not the ability to lie. He only needs be sensitive and know when, what, to whom, and how to say what he has to say. It is not true that a person of principle does not belong in politics. It is enough for principles to be leavened with patience, deliberation, a sense of proportion, and an understanding of others. It is not true that only the unfeeling cynic, the vain, the brash, and the vulgar can succeed in politics; such people, it is true, are drawn to politics. But, in the end, decorum and good taste will always count for more.”

Even as we bid you farewell, Jesse, we know you will always be here to guide us. You in your signature polo jacket with your eyes disappearing in your smiling face. Maraming, maraming salamat, Jesse.- abs-cbnnews.com

For the complete text of the speech, click HERE.

DepEd joins the nation in mourning for the passing of Sec. Jesse Robredo

Office of the Secretary
DepEd, Aug. 21, 2012

In a statement issued yesterday by Sec. Armin Luistro, DepEd joins the nation in mourning the passing of an icon of good governance and faithful stewardship. 

Robredo and Luistro even before they were named as Cabinet Secretaries.

"We in the cabinet mourn Sec. Jesse's passing as an icon of good governance and faithful stewardship."

"As a fellow Lasallian, I mourn an outstanding alumnus who has been an example of what it means to use one's gifts for service."

"As a Filipino, I am urged by Sec Jesse's legacy to continue to believe that there are good men and women who are willing to sacrifice and give their lives for the sake of our nation."

With this, he called the Filipinos to live by the examples started by Sec. Jesse.  "Isabuhay natin ang sinimulan ni Jesse!"

The statement emphasized that, with deepest sympathy, the DepEd family joins the nation in mourning the passing of untiring public servant DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo.

The statement also extended DepEd family's deepest condolences to the families of his companions, Capts. Jessup Bahinting and Kshitiz Chand.

"We stand in solidarity with their families and friends at this very difficult time of their lives," the statement concluded.

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Robredo’s Legacy on Education as Local Governance Champion 

Jessica Marie 'Aika Robredo's 2003 Grand Prize Winning Piece in the Ramon Magsaysay Student Essay Competition, High School Category

By Jessica Marie Robredo 
www.rappler.com Posted on 08/20/2012 6:27 PM | Updated 08/21/2012 1:05 PM

Secretary Jesse Robredo's eldest daughter, Jessica Marie 'Aika' Robredo, then a 15-year-old high school student at the Universidad de Sta Isabel in Naga City, won the grand prize for the high school category of the Ramon Magsaysay Student Essay Competition in 2003. We are reposting it here from www.rappler.com which the latter took permission from Ramon Magsaysay Foundation to make it available on their website.

www.rappler.com FATHER AND DAUGHTER. Aika Robredo thought highly
 of her father even as a15-year-old Photo from Aika's Facebook page

I was only 12 years old in August 2000 when Jesse Manalastas Robredo was proclaimed as the recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service. I was a witness to how honored the man felt with the recognition given to him. But it was not until I was asked by my English teacher to go over the list of past and present Ramon Magsaysay awardees and write an essay on one of them that I was able to fully understand the great significance of the award. The awardees, I quickly learned, were exceptional men and women who bravely dared to make a difference in making Asia, and maybe the world, a better place.

It was easy for me to pick Jesse Robredo from the list of 229 awardees because he was one person who truly inspired me, and who continues to inspire me to make a difference. To write about his life and his work, however, is a very daunting task, because he is very close to my heart.

Much has been written about his outstanding work as mayor of Naga City from 1988 to 1998 and how he bravely fought corruption, vice, poverty, economic stagnation and dramatically transformed Naga from an inefficient and dispirited city into one of the most progressive in the country. When the euphoria brought about by the Edsa People Power Revolution started to wane and people were starting to doubt if a more authoritarian leadership would work better for the Filipino people, Robredo showed us all that the people are still the most important resource and restored our faith in democracy. He not only worked for the poor but worked with them and involved them every step of the way. He has always pushed for growth with equity, transparency, integrity and he brought honor to his office. But the most essential part of his accomplishments are those that are invisible to the naked eye.

I am 15, but I must admit that to this day, the lessons of democracy, of fiscal management, of people empowerment, are still quite difficult for me to comprehend. What I do understand is that the people of Naga look up to him because he succeeded in making them feel he is just like any one of them. He is simple and humble in his ways. He wears the city government uniform to work. He is in his office before eight o’clock in the morning. He goes around without bodyguards, and he does not believe he is entitled to special perks just because of his office. He lives very modestly as his house and office would reveal.

He is a very dedicated public servant and practices what he preaches. No task is ever too menial for him, whether it is driving around the city at night to check busted lampposts or joining street cleaners and garbage collectors in performing their regular chores.

People see the best in him during the worst of times. He is always the last man on the street during typhoons, making sure that people are safe, and the first one to shovel the mud out of the city after the floods.

In 1998, after serving his third consecutive term as mayor of the city, he stepped down quietly, ignoring suggestions for him to seek higher office or perpetuate himself in power by asking a family member to run in his stead.

Now that I know what the Ramon Magsaysay Award is all about, I feel truly blessed that I happen to be his daughter. I was born exactly six days before he was first elected mayor and I spent the first 10 years of my life with him at City Hall.

If there was one thing that convinced me that he is truly deserving of the award, it is this: He has never made me feel I was different from others just because he is my father. As he goes about serving others, I have never been left wanting for his time and attention. He eats lunch and dinner with us seven days a week, even if it means he has to take two or three more meals because he has to attend a constituent’s wedding or birthday reception. No occasion is too trivial for him. He is there for us not only during PTA meetings or piano or ballet recitals, but even when my math homework gets a little too difficult.

Now that I am a little older, sometimes people would come up to me to tell me what great things my father has done for them. I feel proud. But what puts a smile in my heart is knowing that he also did small things for some people – things like bringing back a wayward son to his distraught mother, helping a male employee patch things up with his wife, or playing basketball on a street corner with the neighborhood kids. Such things may appear inconsequential, but they have brought great joy to others and made them feel important.

His decision to continue serving his native city and resist the lure of national prominence, which a higher elective post could have brought him, had the deepest impact on me and imparted to me life-long lessons: that no deed is too small nor too big if it makes other people’s burden lighter and their lives better; that greatness of spirit can be achieved not through wealth, power or popularity, but by living your life with quiet dignity and by becoming a man for others. By his example, I have been truly inspired to dare to make a difference, break ground, stand up for my own convictions and serve others selflessly and with integrity in whatever field I will find myself in. - Rappler.com

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Major Challenges to the Attainment of EFA and MDG Goals: Politicians Bias Treatment to Education

Robredo’s Legacy on Education as Local Governance Champion

By:  Gilbert M. Forbes
DepEd Quezon
posted 8/21/12 7:06 AM updated 8/22/12 11:10 AM

For the many, he is simply known as a DILG Secretary.  But his more than that.  Prior to his appointment to the Cabinet of Pres. Noy Aquino, he was an accomplished and respected local executive who has made a lot in Naga City's turn around.  He's by far an alternative politician.  A jewel among political leaders who profess and masquerade as champions of the people.  He is not only identified as local governance champion but as an education reform champion too.

The late DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo while on a school visit.

In one of the papers he presented entitled Reinventing Local School Boards in the Philippines, he described how governance reform efforts was able to bring about large-scale systemic reforms in a centrally managed public education system in Naga City.

Robredo’s love for education was illuminated further when he explained his wit on the importance of education in a speech he delivered during the 2011 DEPED NUEVA ECIJA EDUCATION SUMMIT with the theme "Bridging Education Resource Gaps Through Stakeholder Partnership," held on May 18, 2011 at Nueva Ecija Convention Center.

There he explained how Local School Boards (LSBs) can start initiating reforms by considering indicators at the local level such as the drop out rate, achievement level of children, availability of basic four services such as water and electricity in schools, teacher to student ratio and the quality of teachers, among other indicators, to guide the school boards in the allocation of financial resources. 

Emphasizing and explaining how politics often result to misuse of Special Education Fund (SEF), he called on that IT’S HIGH TIME FOR OUR SCHOOL BOARDS TO MAKE GOOD USE OF THE SEF FUND.

The value he attributes to education isn’t surprising because he believes other wise that participation rates in primary education by regions is inversely correlated with the incidence rates for food and overall poverty. 

He explained in his keynote speech that regions with the highest participation and cohort survival rates and lowest dropout rates showed lowest poverty incidence rates. Furthermore, according to the study (UNDP 2010), the correlations support the importance of adopting progressive approaches in fighting poverty and investing in primary education.  Such an approach raises the likelihood of accelerating the realization of the MDG targets.

As such, he is certain that investment in primary education is promising to reduce poverty.  For this, he said, there is much to be done.

According to Ched Azardon of MLE Philippines, in 2009 when mother tongue based multilingual education (MTBMLE) was still unknown, Mayor Robredo was the first to send a contingent to their first MTBMLE summer trainin.  "He openly expressed his love for the Bicolano language," Ched said on short tribute she posted on the group's account.   "When we went to Naga City for MTBMLE advocacy, he met us at the airport at 7:30am and later convened the city council to pass a resolution supporting MTBMLE," she added.

She narrated further that  she admired his deep concern for young pupils and his relentless efforts to empower the community. "What struck me though was his humility and perseverance in facing resistance from local education officials. That somehow inspired me to go out of my small world and engage with the system no matter what," she wrote.

This particular value that the late DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo gives to education isn’t surprising because for one, he has done significant gains when it comes to education in his turf, Naga.  In an article featured by beta.taopo.org, a web engine manned by a group of professionals of various discipline who believes that we can determine what we can change and how, former Naga  City Chief Executive is louded for the gains made by the city and its people.

Accordingly, the article says that before Jesse Robredo became the mayor, Naga City was an impoverished third-class city. All that changed when, in 1988, Mayor Jesse left his corporate job in Manila to run for mayor in Naga. He won, becoming the youngest person in the Philippines to be elected city mayor.

Both the mayor and the city have become multi-awarded, winning over 140 local and international awards. Among Mayor Jesse's personal accolades are the 2000 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service, the 1996 Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) Award, the Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM), 1998 Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence as Most Outstanding City Mayor of the Philippines and the first ever "Dangal ng Bayan" Award of the Civil Service Commission.

He was also cited by Asiaweek Magazine in 1999 for transforming Naga City from a lethargic Philippine city into one of the Most Improved Cities in Asia. His program "Kaantabay sa Kauswagan" (Partners in Development) gave priority to the impoverished people in Naga, cited by the United Nations as one of the Top 40 Best Practices in 1996. The city piled on so many awards in the Asian Institute of Management’s Galing Pook Awards that, it was eventually elevated to the Hall of Fame.

In 2004, the city’s I-Governance program was chosen as one of the Global 107 Best Practices at the Dubai International Awards. The city was also a recipient of the United Nations Public Service Awards for applying information and communications technology in governance.

I-­Governance is essentially about making the budget and all the services, contracts, transactions, revenue collection, as well as names of accountable officials and employees of the city available to the public.

This is done either through the city’s website, www.naga.gov.ph or through a directory of sorts that the city government published and gave away for free to all the households and establishments in Naga.

Certainly, his legacy should leave an imprint and a signal to us that there is still a lot to hope for given the example held and left by the former DILG Secretary. 

It is a challenge for us all how we can find another gem, actually more gems among current public servants who remains unnoticed but whose genuine hearts and untarnished principles and dignity are just their main wealth.

Being the torchbearers of knowledge, we in the teaching, training and education world should follow the lead to insure that not a few but many likes of Jesse Robredo will come into being. 

Repeating the quote of Herbert Spencer which our beloved Jesse Robredo take note of, “THE GREAT AIM OF EDUCATION IS NOT KNOWLEDGE BUT ACTION.”

How do we take our actions then?

There could already be unknown individuals who are threading the same path as Jesse Robredo has traveled.  The main challenge is how to continue against all odds particularly those who are either misunderstood and thus unpopular and often regarded differently.

Usually, it happens, but once fellow men realized your good intentions and have seen the fruit of your labor through the help of the few who dare to believe, they will surely be our side.

Yes, not every one of us could be us great and popular or multi-awarded as Jesse Robredo, but we can certainly do our share which when combined, impact would be unimaginable.  There are simply lots and lots to hope for-- that this nation shall be great and so its citizens.

The time to take actions is now!

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How Teachers Can Motivate Students in the Classroom

An article originally posted at www.depedteacher.blogspot.com with the same title

An old saying moves, "When the student is ready, your teacher will appear." While that's correct, I believe we can increase the process.

Imagine such pupils like them who battled their way to school
 only to find out a boring lesson and teacher.

Following are generally 12 suggestions each teachers and mother and father can implement to get children motivated this coming university year.

1. Develop curiosity
Curiosity could very well be the greatest of all motivators. Here's the difference between American and Japanese styles of teaching: In Japanese schools, students are instantly introduced to a problem or even challenge. They cope with it. Curiosity is of course engendered. By contrast, in United states schools the main thought(s) are presented, the solution is taught, and then students training. Where the awareness is engendered using this approach?

2. Teach students to question themselves 
Promote students to ask on their own questions. The asking process starts your thinking process. When individuals begin to ask on their own "Why?" and "How? Inch questions, both performance and interest increase. There are only a few things we are very likely to answer than a question-the cell phone, the doorbell, and e-mail.

3. Create desire
College students are constantly wondering, "What's In It For Me?Inches Since they're tuned to that particular radio station, WII-FM, devote a little time at the beginning to discuss what the lesson provides in it for them-long and/or short-range. Think about asking why the lesson would be worthwhile, how students will manage to benefit from it, and how they can make use of it. In fact, begin by asking these concerns of yourself. Caught? Put it on the stand for students to cope with. You will be pleasantly surprised about (1) how imaginative they will be and (2) how it helps them take up the lesson.

4. Structure experiences to make use of to life outside of institution
Theory is important, nevertheless interest will increase the far more you tie this into practice by simply showing how the studying makes life easier and better. Share what sort of content will help pupils make better decisions, resolve more problems, get along better with others, and make them more effective.

5. Develop a sense of private responsibility
Remember the simple principle of motivation: consciously or nonconsciously people motivate themselves. Every individual is responsible for learning, but it is the teacher's accountability to create the best possible environment in which that learning can take place. An effective way to achieve this is to give college students an opportunity at the beginning of the course to indicate:

What expectations they have
What benefits they expect
What they are willing to do to attain those results

6. Use acknowledgment and also recognition
Acknowledgment/recognition/validation simply asserts. "I see you did your current homework" fosters reflection along with feelings of self-competence. Furthermore, consider repeating the comment you have heard as well as that someone has told you. "Evelyn made an interesting comment, the one which applies to what we're exploring. I think it bears repeating."

What has been accomplished by making use of this simple technique?

Anyone gave recognition.
Explore only encouraged Evelyn however, you encouraged others being more involved.
You demonstrated that you are open to feedback and kids' comments can help with their own learning.

7. Encourage
One of the most successful techniques is to allow student know that you imagine s/he can accomplish the task. Anything of encouragement throughout a failure is worth greater than a whole lot of reward after a success.

Stress that learning can be a process and that there is no-one to learn something and become perfect at the same time. Undertaking something one way rather than being successful is another factor learned; don't consider it failure.

8. Use collaboration
Competition boosts performance, not understanding. Yes, some college students will practice for a long time spurred on from the competitive spirit-be it within music, athletics, or perhaps performing arts. But these students are motivated to compete.

And also competition can be fun for short periods, yet competing with others will be devastating for the little one who never finds himself/herself in the winner's circle. As opposed to compete, the student lowers out by giving way up.

Every time a teacher asks a question of a group, students are competing for the teacher's attention-and normally only one student wins. A better approach is defined learning buddies. A good very shy student will share with one other person. So, instead of asking a question, cause the question. Asking implies a correct solution, whereas posing invites thinking. Have students discuss the answer with one another. Using this approach, every student participates.

9. Get yourself excited
You mustn't expect others to get excited about what you are teaching if you are not excited about it yourself. Show your current enthusiasm for the session. When lecturing, use somewhat more enthusiasm as compared to when you are conversing, facilitating, or reviewing.

10. Intensify interpersonal relationships
Connecting with your individuals on a one-on-one basis is quite valuable, but supporting them connect with one other on a one-on-one basis might be even more valuable. Give students an opportunity to get friendly for short periods ahead of learning activities start off. Establishing relationships are extremely important to young people.

11. Offer choices
No matter age, everyone likes to be able to feel control over your own life. When we will make choices, we feel we have that control. Offer a choice of activities-and that includes house assignments. By providing two, three, or even several activities and letting students choose included in this, you give them an opportunity to select something that engenders enthusiasm.

12. Use assortment
A myriad of visual strategies can be employed including maps; cartoons; selected parts of films, video audio cassettes, and/or DVDs; PowerPoint masterpieces; and overhead transparencies. Dressing up the part of a character (instructor and/or student) qualifies.

Many audio techniques works extremely well such as playing music, recording music, rapping, making verse-or anything that has rhythm. Remember how you learned your ABC's? "Twinkle, Spark Little Star" is the beat for "the alphabet song."

A myriad of kinesthetic techniques can be utilized. Examples are sketching the spelling of your word in the air, browsing a small group swaying together to sense seasick on the boat crossing your Atlantic Ocean as immigration, and just giving a higher five to get interest (two eyes on teacher, two ears listening, one mouth area closed).

Other strategies include large team discussions, case scientific studies, and relating personalized experiences to a learning buddy on the topic.

An additional technique is to use handouts for students to complete through the presentation. This activity keeps them included and also gives them some thing they can refer to later on. This simple technique furthermore allows you to cover a lot more material in less time.

Conclusion
It's a wonderful experience to have in our session’s eager, young people who will be there because they want to be, not because they are obliged to be. Unfortunately, this isn't the case in many school rooms today. However, by focusing on these ideas, we can create lessons that produce better results for both individuals and teachers.

Challenges to Puerto Princesa as the Lone Green City

Lynch May H. Ulsano
Palawan State University
Puerto Princesa City

Looking at the City’s Current Situation
Recent media reports state that the inclusion of Puerto Princesa’s Underground River as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature has increased the arrival of tourists from 160,000 in 2007, to 514,000 last year.  Mayor Edward Hagedorn said that it would likely hit 625,000 this year and 1.2 Million a year by 2016.  From only four flights daily, the city’s small airport, now has to accommodate twenty flights daily.

Hagedorn attributed this not only to its jewel, the underground river but but also to other places of entertainment being developed in the city.

“Dati wala kaming zip line, ngayon ang dami na. Dati hindi masyadong popular and trekking, ngayon popular na,” Hagedorn said, adding that the city now has floating restaurants, and shark and dolphin watching facilities, among others.

He said that while not all of the 514,000 visitors recorded in 2011 actually went to see the underground river, around 60 percent to 70 percent did.

With the sudden influx of tourists is the question and challenges of sustainability.  Tourists are now every where.  One out of every three vehicles on city streets is a van packed with tourists, crawling behind tricycles buzzing around like flies.

To accommodate them resulted with the construction of new tourist facilities which are going on simultaneously all over the city.  Dust has no time to settle.  Rapid change is everywhere; the city is aggressively in expansion mode.  I fear that time will come that I could no longer recognize it.

Already evident are the traffic, urban congestion and visual chaos that follow the rush to build up a city known to be the greenest in the country.

Puerto Princesa nowadays has that boomtown feel.  The city is changing right before your eyes, and in a year or so it will be practically unrecognizable.

Borrowing from my reference, the Puerto Princesa that I know way back in my elementary days and a few of my high school days as they say and I could compare based on what I can see on TV and movies is a unique city.  It is city with a rural identity because it is green unlike others.  Fully grown trees shaded its broad main avenues, a perfect green foil to the low-rise structures along the streets.

Now, those endangered avenues are harder to find now.  New development is homogenizing the look of the city, soon to look like all other newly developed areas in any other Philippine city where one-strip mall after another lines streets with no sidewalks and no trees.

I fear that current changes have also affected the life style and norms of the common folks.  With this is the fear that the introduction of mall culture might endanger the simple life style and morality that Palawan people are known for and that with this, because of materialism, the environment is highly at risk particularly the southern part even the northern part even when the law is strictly being implemented.

How will they go against the temptation of wanting more? Of over stretching their budget just to buy this and buy that? Or, so that their will be more money to finance unnecessary wants, to look for other sources commonly against righteousness.

Recommendations
Strict planning and zoning should be instituted and implemented to preserve Puerto Princesa’s identity that sets it apart from any other place in the country and that makes the city a tourist attraction.

It should maintain what is it known for, the green city and the province on its part, worthy of being called, the last frontier.

Aside from allowing maximum development to happen in a regulated manner to prevent overdevelopment, zoning and planning measures control traffic, pollution; and while allowing the city to grow, control measures maintain growth at sustainable levels.

Determining and maintaining sustainable levels to effectively manage tourism growth are essential to keep alive the goose that lays Puerto Princesa’s golden eggs.  The goal is to sustain rather than deplete tourism resources.

The question of the human impact particularly on the underground river should also be studied and of primordial concern.

How does the increased carbon dioxide from human exhalation impact on the ecosystem balance within the cave?  There were reports that the number of bats living in the cave have decreased, an indication of a change in the ecosystem balance within the cave.

Humans introduce lint that flies around, attaches to the cave walls, and impedes the natural formation of stalactites and stalagmites.  Think of how much lint an average of 45,000 humans who enter the cave per month can give off.  How do the rock formations combat lint?

Being inscribed on the World Heritage List requires managing and maintaining the natural equilibrium of the park, assuring its sustainability and its future, while allowing tourists and visitors to enjoy its natural beauty.

A Management plan to protect and guide all impacts in the entire Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park is what the city is committed to.  And it should insure by all its might and of the law that it is strictly implemented without pause.

The tourist buzz is expected to bring more benefits to the Puerto Princesa community, and it should.

However, unless sustainability guides the tourist boom, in the end the benefits could turn out to be not only short-lived, but also harmful to the city’s tourism assets, providing only temporary relief for the community.

Tourism is normally double-edged:  beneficial when well-managed, and disastrous when tourism assets are exploited.

If not hatched sustainably, those golden eggs may turn out not be golden in the long run.

References:

Elona Jamie Marie, Tourist arrivals in Puerto Princesa likely to hit 700,000, INQUIRER.net
5:16 pm | Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

Villalon Augusto F., Augusto F., Is Puerto Princesa’s tourism boom sustainable? Philippine Daily Inquirer 1:08 am | Monday, March 12th, 2012