MagazineAteneo de Naga UniversityCollege of EducationOfficial Student Publication

Meetthe

BEEDTopnotchers

U phold ing E xc e l l ence

Abellera: I HATE

FRIDAYS!

K-12 will it

make it or not?

Here Comes Ateneo: The Fault

in our Parades

What Keeps

You Teaching?

In This IssueNews |Highlights

Features|Spotlight

Opinion|Lights & Shadows

editor-in-chief VAL DOMINIC MONIT • associate editors JOSE ANTHONY ESPEJO, MARY ROSE VILLARAZA and JEMICA KESSIE SARTE • managing editors JOHN PAUL ANTIOQUIA and AILEEN IVY BAUTISTA • news editor JESSLEI GUERIBA • features editor CHARLEYMAINE VENUS BELMONTE • arts and designs director JOCELYN LANTING • research director ELOISA MARIE LUCIANO • researcher KIM EMMANUEL ROJO • layout artist JOCELYN LANTING • cartoonist MIKE BENSON CABALTEA and JOCELYN LANTING • photojournalist CECILLE SAN BUENAVENTURA • staff writers CEDRICK ALGUZAR, RANI ANDREA BACLAO, JOSELITO BELLEZA JR., BEATRIZ ANN BETITO, MARIAN CALLO, JESSICA JARDIN, LAINE JEN HUANG, JOMARI MANAOG, CZAR KENNETH DELA ROCA, GILBERT PADO, RICKLYN PANO and ERIKA JAMES ROXAS • contributor KIMBERLY MOSO • moderator MS. KRISTIANA MICHAELA EMBATE • consultant DR. ARNULFO AARON R. REGANIT

10 Meet the BEED Topnotchers12 A Good Day to Honor Teachers

14 Bloke ng Educ: Bloke ng mga Propesyon16 Abellera: ‘I hate Fridays!’18 Pasko. Pasko! Pasko?20 What Keeps You Teaching?

3 CoE produces three national placers in August 2014 LET4 Ama, Huang present papers in International Conference 5 Education students partake in the National Book Celebration5 CoE sends Student Delegates for ASEAN Summit on Giftedness5 STEP spearheads a tour North6 Physics majors move APS!6 E-WEEK 2015: An Event of Commemoration, Action, and Gratitude 7 STEP celebrates Xavier Day with Ponong Kids7 CoE spends Midnight in Paris

22 Gumising ka, Juan!24 K to 12: Will it be in or out?26 Here Comes Ateneo: The Fault in our Parades27 Is a Free Meal a Great Deal?

Information|Ember29 2014 LET Passers30 Alumni Whereabouts30 Boses Paratukdo

Kadunong. A name that comes from a character in the story of “Ibalon”. This Character ”Kadug-nong” is a wise-man singer or a bard; a person who tells stories of heroes in his or her songs. The term “Kadunong” means to be with students or with colleagues. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission. Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/kadunongpublication. Email: kadonungpublication@gmail.com

News|Highlights

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CoE produces three national placers in

August 2014 LETBy Beatriz Ann Betito, 3 AB BSE English

Three alumni of the College of Education became placers in the Licensure Examination for Teachers held in August 2014 as Ms. Tessa Nickaela SF. Noora got the 9th place for the Secondary Level; and Ms. Jeera Delos Angeles, 6th place and Ms. Gellie Ann Lomaad, 10th place for the Elementary Level.

With regard to the preparation for the said exam, Dr. Arnulfo Aaron Reganit, Dean of the College of Education, said that the academic advisement often given to students, along with the comprehensive LET review and the newly adapted strategy called Quarantine, where the examinees were quarantined to predispose themselves for the upcoming examination, were helpful in acing the test. He also mentioned that he made sure that all the major examinations such as midterms and finals in the professional education subjects were constructed in a LET-like manner in order to prepare the students in the rigors of LET.

In line with this achievement of the graduates and the college, Dr. Reganit pointed out five important things Education students should do if they want to be placers or topnotchers. First, maximize and use the four years in college as one’s training ground in equipping one’s self with the knowledge and the sufficient preparation for the examination. Second, be highly motivated and find inspiration in everything that one does. Third, find support systems such as the school, the college, the administrators, peers and family that will keep one inspired and focused in his or her goal. Fourth, pray always. Lastly, focus.

The Dean has an advice for aspiring LET Placers: “Preparation starts with keeping your notes and examinations and finding other sources of information and most importantly, be serious with your studies.”

Photo credits to Aliza Marie Betito

Education students partake in the National Book CelebrationBy Ricklyn Pano, 3 AB BSE English

Last November 12-14, 2014, Education students, mainly ED11 and ED12, through the Pathways Youth Group and their SRA classes, participated in the National Book Month celebration organized by the College Reading Center (CRC) in collaboration with the University Library and other student organizations in the university.

According to Ms. Eileen Quitangon, CRC director, though the SRA blocks were not required to attend the stationary book caravan, Education students had helped in facilitating reading sessions for the kids. Moreover, there were education students who were also involved in other activities such as the Character Run and Book Fair since they were part of the participating organizations such as Pathways Youth Group, ACIL, ALA, SSG and others.

October 28 - 30, 2014 – Laine Jen S. Huang (3-BS BSE Physics) and Mr. Amante T. Ama, a faculty in the College of Education, presented papers in an International Conference for Mathematics and Science Education with the theme: “Implementing Curriculum Reform: Challenges, Successes and Opportunities” held at the University of the Philippines, Diliman Campus, sponsored by the University of the Philippines National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP NISMED).

Huang introduced her paper on the Integration of Fantastic Contraption™ in Classroom Instruction for Kinematics, while Mr. Ama presented the paper of Meagan Lueise P. Bertiz (3-BS BSE Physics) on BingOhm. Meanwhile, Mr. Ryan Garry K. Rey (3-BS BSE Mathematics) also participated in the said event.

The conference featured plenary sessions, parallel paper presentations, and lesson study open class. It aims to provide a venue for sharing innovations in the field of Education among educators as well as administrators; to sustain curriculum reform in Math

and Science; and to promote the exchange of ideas about the continuing professional development in raising the capacities of Science and Math teachers.

Huang’s paper proposes the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) through a flash-based game called Fantastic Contraption™. This game can be used to teach Kinematics. The game can be recorded in a video, then, the video will be transferred and interpreted by a freeware called Tracker™. This freeware is a video analyzer software that is used in data modeling that is presented through graphs and tables. Problems, trends, and relationships of quantities related to motion can be extracted with the help of these softwares.

On the other hand, Bertiz’s paper proposes BingOhm, an existing technique in solving electrical quantities of the components of complicated circuits such as series, parallel, or the combination of both that is not yet formally introduced, as a teaching tool, a game, which can help students in solving problems involving circuits in an easier manner.

Prior to the event, three individual researches were prepared and submitted by Huang, Bertiz, and Rey. All these researches were co-authored by Mr. Ama. Two of these were chosen and respective authors were invited to present their papers in the aforementioned conference. In line with this, their team was funded by the University as well as the College of Education through Kadunong Publication and the Samahang Tagapagtaguyod ng Edukasyong Pilipino (STEP).

Ama, Huang present papers in International ConferenceBy Marian Callo, 3 BS BSE Physics

News|Highlights News|Highlights

4 • Magazine

STEP spearheads a tour NorthBy Marian Callo, 3 BS BSE Physics

0n the 17th of December, 35 participants left for a 3-day tour to Ilocos Region with the theme, “Experiencing the ABCs of the North”. Ms. Imelda Sapiera, the STEP moderator, headed the group. They visited the various renowned places in the region such as the Balaurte, Calle Crisologo, Cape Bojeador, Bangui Windmill and many more.

Sir Ama presents his paper on BingOhm in Solving Electric Circuits

Together with Mrs. Jeanette O. Naval, BS Special Education students namely Donale Magno, Janica San Buenaventura, and Camille Minic Padilla (3rd year); Ma. Catalina Padua, (4th year); and Lyra Mangubat (4th year BS ECEd-SpEd) attended the ASEAN Summit on Giftedness in Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ortigas Center, Pasay City last 24-25 October 2014.

Ateneo de Naga University is the sole teacher institution from Camarines Sur that sent delegates to the said convention. Meanwhile, there were 25 participants from the province of Albay, which consists of mostly teachers from the Bicol University.

The conference was graced by the presence of Dr. Francois Gagne who shared the different programs regarding the inclusion of gifted and talented students from primary education in schools in Singapore, Korea, and India. A workshop followed the presentation of Dr. Gagne, where each group of delegates planned on how each school can nominate gifted and talented students to the Organization Batang Rizal.

The main sponsors of the summit were also invited to conduct seminars in the different colleges and universities, including Ateneo de Naga University.

CoE sends student- delegates for ASEAN Summit on GiftednessBy Mary Rose Villaraza, 3 AB BSE English

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6 • Magazine 2014

The College of Education with the ACLC faculty, STEP officers and student volunteers reached out to the elementary and high school students, teachers and parents of Ponong Integrated School in Magarao, Camarines Sur to conduct various activities as part of the University’s celebration of Xavier Day last December 1, 2014.

The STEP officers and volunteers conducted a feeding and reading activity to the elementary pupils while others facilitated a module on “Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships” to the high school students.

News|Highlights News|Highlights

by Aileen Ivy Bautista, 2 AB BSE English

It was a night of the monsieurs and mademoiselles as the College of Education held its MidSem Socials Night last August 23, 2014 at the Doña Dolores Hall, Villa Caceres Hotel, Naga City with the theme “Midnight in Paris”.

According to Dessa Mae Broncate, STEP Secretary and one of the project heads, the event aimed for the students to be acquainted and be engaged with the college. “Preparations have been filled with pressure brought by expectations, yet hopeful as well because of the student body’s and administrators’ support,’ she added.

STEP celebrates Xavier Day with Ponong KidsBy Mary Rose Villaraza, 3 AB BSE English

Loud cheers fron each cluster. Sporty and competitive Education students. Varied academic and non-academic competitions. All of these were absent in this year’s Education week celbration; far from the usual boisterous E-week we know. The SY 2014-2015 STEP officers, headed by Ms. Denise Francisco and Ms. Rhizza Mae Binamira, English and ECED-SPED representatives, respectively, opted to make this year’s E-week as a time for commemoration of certain worthy acts, action to some societal issues, and gratitude to people whom students are interdependent. No cluster competitions, academic and non-academic contests, sports festival, and the like were held this year.

The 4-day E-week celebration commenced last February 04, 2015 with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Christ the King Church. The second day of the celebration was mainly allotted for the photo shoot involving the college administrators and faculty, students, and the Ateneo Child Learning Center (ACLC) teachers and pupils. With ADNU’s celebration of its 75th founding anniversary, the college formed a human 7 and 5. Aside from forming 7 and 5, the participants also made a human 1 as a symbol for the college’s famous mantra, “One Top Choice”, and the college’s trademark human heart. The third day of E-week 2015 was given to the 44 slain PNP-SAF officers through a talk on the

COE spendsE-WEEK 2015: An Event of Commemoration, Action, and Gratitudeby Charleymaine Venus Belmonte, 3 BS BSE Mathematics

Physics majors move APS! By Marian Callo 3 BS BSE Physics

To orient the freshmen of the advantages of taking up Physics as a field of specialization, the upperclassmen Education students major in Physics organized a general assembly for all Physics majors at AR218 last August 20, 2014.

When the number of students who took up Physics as a specialization grew after the enrolment for the academic year 2014-2015, the talk about creating an organization for Physics majors intensified. During the assembly, with the support of Mr. Amante T. Ama, acting adviser of the Physics majors, the plan of creating an organization was opened to the group of which everyone agreed. On the same date, the officers were elected.

According to the officers, the APS generally aims for the betterment of teaching in their field of specialization by changing the students’ perspective on the subject and for the development of holistic Physics teachers that are competent enough to answer the demands of the future. It will be an organization under the umbrella of Samahang Tagapagtaguyod ng Edukasyon Pilipino (STEP). However, for the organization to be recognized, it had to undergo various process in the Office of Student Affairs. The needed forms were submitted five (5) days after the assembly and are currently in the process.

The following is the set of officers for the starting organization:

President Laine Jen Huang • Vice-President Marian Callo • Secretary Gilbert Pado • P.I.O Angelo

Espenocilla • Treasurer Jonila Grace Mortega • Business Managers Bryan Santiago Benjie Saludes

life and experiences of a police officer. Two police officers from the Naga City Police Office (NCPO), SPO3 Virginia De Quiros-Cobales and NCPO PIO, SPO1 Tobias Bongon III, shared their experiences in their field. The talk bore fruitful insights from the students as to how police officers and teachers can be great partners in the community. Before the celebration, the college has paid tribute to the slain police officers through black ribbons posted on the walls and bulletin boards of the Dolan Building. On the last day of the celebration, a seminar-workshop on first aid was held in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection. It aimed to equip future teachers with necessary first aid skills important in handling certain unfavorable situations i the classroom. The celebration ended with a short program centered on giving thanks to the college’s faculty members.Although not the usual E-week celebration, the fruits and insights made from the activity were as loud as the cheers in the traditional E-week we know.

The College of Education (COE) received a lot of new recognitions and achievements this year. Beginning the year right, the college maintained its Level III status after PAASCU granted reaccreditation to COE. Just few months later, COE’s fresh graduate, Mr. Lyndon Amaza, was named as the 9th National placer in the April 2014 Librarians Licensure Examination. This feat was shortly followed with another achievement as the Philippine Business for Education (PBED) identified COE as one of the Top Ten Teacher Education Institutions in the Philippines. After which, Ms. Anna Bella Abellera, an alumna of COE, was named by Metrobank Foundation as one of the 2014 Ten Outstanding Teachers of the Philippines. Three fresh graduates made the latest success of COE as they were included in the National Top 10 of the August 2014 Licensure Examination for Teachers. Two of the three, Ms. Jeera delos Angeles and Ms. Gellie Ann Lomaad, got the 6th and 9th place respectively for the Elementary level. The other one was Ms. Tessa Nickaela Noora, 9th placer for the Secondary level. It is the first time for both the college and the university to produce three national topnotchers at the same time in just one board examination. With all of these achievements, no doubt, COE considered 2014 as its Golden Year.

True to its famous mantra, One Top Choice!, these accolades are products of COE’s continuous effort in providing high quality education for teachers-to-be. It cannot produce the finest graduates if without its well-designed programs. The college does not only have well-structured programs but as well equipped with passionate and well-trained faculty line-up. Helping out in the campaign, the college also provides avenues for experiential learning and reflective thinking and organizes seminars and workshops beneficial to the students. This paradigm proves that COE does not only provide high quality education but as well as holistic education.

But, this is not yet the complete equation to

success, to excellence. The most important in the equation is the one who will actualize success and excellence –the students. The cooperation of the students in letting the designed paradigm operate in them is the real key to success. For the paradigm to be judged as successful, the students who underwent the said paradigm must be successful first. If you will ask teachers on how they gauge their success, they would usually say that if their students succeed, that’s the time that they consider themselves successful.

Now, how will the students make the designed paradigm operate in them? There is only one answer: Whatever is asked by the paradigm, do it with Magis! Upon entering Ateneo, students are repeatedly told about Magis. All Ateneans know Magis. But, sad to say, not all Ateneans do Magis. Some settle for mediocrity; sacrificing quality because of deadlines. Truth be told, Magis can do magic, even for those who are not Ateneans.

The accomplishments COE had for 2014 are all products of Magis. All of these are pictures of doing more than what is expected from them, seeking for growth and development, and pursuing continuous learning. Let us all be inspired by these remarkable victories. Let us remember that all of these have one thing in common: they allowed the designed paradigm operate in them. They all coupled the great paradigm with great discipline, hard work, perseverance, creativity, and passion. All of us have the ability to replicate their achievements. We just need that extra push and confidence that will make our strengths more compact and allow us to maximize our potentialities. If we are able to imbibe all of these, no doubt, success will surely come our way, not just for the college but as well as for yourself. Let us remember: Magis can do magic!

Magicians as we may seem, COE evidently had a monstrous, great 2014. Now that we are turning a new page in the college’s journey, can COE’s 2015 be as bright as its 2014? Or will the Golden Era of the college continue no more? The answer is in you.

Editorial

U P H O L D I N G E X C E L L E N C E

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Features|Spotlight

10 • Magazine 2014

“Never put limitations to yourself, do whatever you think you can do.”

Ms. Gellie Ann Lomaad ...

“There is always a way.”Ms. Jeera delos Angeles

...

Passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers is, no doubt, every Education graduate’s aspiration after spending rigorous, yet vicarious years of delving into the different concepts, theories, and ethics of teaching, intensive lesson planning, numerous classroom demonstrations, and ultimately, a semester of training in the actual teaching process, or the so-called “practice teaching”. Moreover, this merely serves as an essential indicator that one is already a certified teacher – one who can, at present, be addressed formally as “Teacher”, “Ma’am”, or “Sir” by his/her students.

This year, all cheers up to the College of Education as they incredibly produced not only one, but two national topnotchers in the Elementary level, namely: Ms. Jeera delos Angeles (6th) and Gellie Ann Lomaad (10th). Both of these young and unswerving ladies, and now teachers, are products of Camarines Sur National High School.

Let us altogether find out what make these two come into the field of teaching, their treasured experiences before, during, and after the LET, and what the future awaits them.

What made you choose teaching?Ms. GELLIE: “Teaching was my childhood

dream. Although when I was in elementary, I also consider other careers, but I end up thinking that being a teacher --- I think, that’s the best profession!”

Ms. JEERA: “Being a teacher was my childhood dream. Then, I’ve got a scholarship. I also want to help my hometown by teaching the little kids, so that they can make some change there, someday.”

Wow! Both of you are really destined to be teachers. It’s just amazing to know that ever since you’re still a child, there’s already that passion and that core of teaching within you. What do you think made you top the LET? What are your motivations?

Ms.GELLIE: “Actually, during the exam, my mind-set was to surely pass the test. And to reduce the anxiety, I just considered it like any other classroom examinations. During our review, I re-evaluated my goal and I decided to aim high, to be part of top 10.”

Ms. JEERA: “My motivation was my fear to fail the LET. So, I studied harder and asked God for His guidance. When we had major exams in the professional subjects, I took them seriously because they serve as preparation for the LET. And after I’ve got the results, I felt happy, yet anxious, for it is really a big responsibility.”

By Joselito Belleza, Jr., 3 AB BSE English

• 11Magazine

Totally true! Seize all the efforts and exhaust everything, and never forget God for guidance. How about your expectations or apprehensions about the exam?

Ms. GELLIE: “Few months ago before the much-awaited exam, I was aiming to simply pass the LET. But I realized and asked myself that why should I limit my dream with just passing the exam if I can be one of the topnotchers? Nag-aaral na rin lang naman ako para sa exam, lulubusin ko na sayang din ng effort. And I thought that topping the LET was close to impossibility because I knew there were questions I didn’t answer correctly. And waiting for the result, for almost two months, was an agony.”

Ms. JEERA: “I expected that it will be difficult. Then, I thought that my rating will just be enough to pass, or I might fail.”

And yes, we need to study by ourselves also, because not everything can be covered by the in-school review. The real weight is really in our own feet. Anyway, do you have any message to the undergrads?

Ms.GELLIE: “Take advantage of the opportunities offered by our college and university. Step out of your comfort zone and try new things that can give you new and meaningful learning. Join organizations that will help you grow professionally and personally.”

Ms. JEERA: “Always do your best so that there will be no regrets in the end. Also, set a goal for yourself. Most importantly, know your study habits.”

Already noted. So, what are the plans now? What’s next?

Both: “Of course, have a master’s degree and hopefully a doctorate also!”

May their tremendous feat be an inspiration to all of us to replicate their success and keep in mind that nothing really is impossible with hardwork and with God.

“If you can read this, thank a teacher.”

Features|Spotlight

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Teachers —they do not only teach us lessons on Trigonometric Identities, Subject-Verb Agreement, or Symbiotic Relationship, nor do they teach practical life lessons alone; they are also the ones who inspire us that no matter how hard life is, it still goes on, and that studying and learning may be difficult but leading a life without any experience of learning is worse – and can also be the worst of all. We all know for one that had it been not for our teachers, we will not be who and where we are today. Most of us have found inspiration from our former elementary and high school teachers, or even from our parents who are teachers themselves. With all the sacrifices and compromises that they have done just so the children who they already treat as their own would learn and enjoy learning, teachers absolutely deserve to

be honored and to be appreciated.It was for the reason to give honor to

teachers far and near that the 5th of October was officially hailed as the World Teacher’s Month. P-Noy, furthermore, declared September 5 to October 5 as National Teacher’s month where the gift of having teachers is celebrated. This is the time of the year when students go out of their way just to show their teachers how grateful and loved they feel for having teachers who are there for them every step of their journey towards success. It is also the time when the whole school population communes in the school activity center or pavilion to witness the short program the students have prepared for their beloved teachers and administrators. It is when teachers feel extra special that their efforts in educating their students are appreciated and acknowledged by the latter.

Since time immemorial, teachers have been looked up to as the ones whom to trust when it comes to educating young minds. They are the ones who untiringly taught us the lessons that we have to learn and understand – both academic and life lessons. Who has not even experienced being summoned by the teacher at the end of the class or during lunch break for a remedial session in Reading or in Mathematics, or experienced seeing the teacher conduct remedial sessions, on the least? These are our great teachers who spend even their supposedly break just to make sure that their students learn and to make the latter feel that their learning is very important for their teachers. Absolutely, the teachers we have known since Kindergarten are the ones we are indebted to for

A Good Day to Honor Teachers

having their boundless energy and effort to teach, inspire and motivate us.

However, with all the different expectations, commitments and responsibilities that the society has set for teachers, to satisfy in addition to not being properly compensated, it seems that teachers are having a hard time coping with particular circumstances in their teaching life, but then their passion in teaching still remains. Their love and

will for teaching the youth and seeing those happy smiles on their faces are what drives them, still, to continue with what they

have started. At the end of the day, seeing a genuine or getting

a simple yet sincere “Thank you!” or gesture of appreciation smile from their students – who they now treat as their own children – is what drives them to share what they know and what they have experienced to their beloved students.

Features|Spotlight

BLOKE NG EDUC: BLOKE NG MGA PROPESYON By Czar Dela Roca, 1 AB BSE Filipino

Ika – 26 ng Setyembre 2014 – isang ordinaryong araw ng Biyernes, kung saan ang bawat estudyante ng Ateneo de Naga University ay masayang nakikisabay sa magandang panahon, nang biglang umusbong ang apat na kulay kahel na mga bloke na makikitaan ng mga letrang E, D, U at C ang bawat isa nito. Ngunit, maaari mong mapagtanto, para kaya saan ang mga ito?

Ang bloke ay napagaalamang piraso o mga piraso ng isang matatag na materyal na bagay na siyang ginagamit sa pagtatrabaho upang maghatid ng isang partikular na layunin. Ang isang bloke, bago pa man maging isang bloke, ay inilalaan ang oras, panahon, pawis at tiyaga sa paggawa at upang mabuo ito. Tandaan nating hindi biro ang maghalo ng graba, bato at buhangin para lamang mabuo ang isang “hallow block”. Huwag rin nating kalimutan na ang isang bata ay gumugugol ng mahabang panahon upang mabuo ang isang tore ng mga bloke o “tower blocks”. Tulad ng edukasyon, hindi isang biro ang pagpasok sa propesyong ito. Sino ba naman ang magsasabi na madali ang magturo?

Makabalik tayo sa umusbong na bloke sa silid – pahingahan ng Dolan. Ito ay tinaguriang “Building blocks of any profession”, kung direkta nating iisipin ay nangangahulugan ito na ang apat na blokeng ito ay ang pamantayan o gumagawa ng bawat nagsisimulang trabaho ng bawat tao. Karagdagan pa, kung sa perspektibo ng hindi pagiging literal ay ito ang sandigan ng bawat nabubuong pangarap, tinitingala ng mga nagsisimula pa lamang sa buhay at pundasyon para sa isang magandang bukas. Ngunit, ayon nga sa nanguna sa pagpapasimula sa mga blokeng ito na si G. Ryan Garry K. Rey, nasa kanyang ikatlong taon at kumukuha ng BS BSE, medyor sa Matematika, kung gaano karami ang kahulugan na maaaring mahinuha sa mga blokeng ito ay ganoon rin karami ang ginugol na oras para mabuo ang pinal nitong ideya.

Dagdag pa niya, nagsimula ang ideya nito sa paggwa ng isang “standee”, isang uri ng materyal na poster na nakatayo upang ipakita ang isang pangalan ng grupo o layunin. Ngunit, kung gagawin nila ito ay magmumukha silang manggagaya, sapagkat sa bawat kanto ng ADNU ay hindi mo maiiwasan na makakita mo ang mga standee ng ATENEO, ABBS, GABAY at marami pang iba. Makatapos

ang pagkakalap ng mga suhestiyon at makolekta ang lahat ng opinyon ay napagkasunduan ni G. Rey kasama ang iba pang nagpasimula nito na styrofoam na lamang ang gamitin at sa halip na standee ay mga bloke na lamang ang siyang gagawin. “Sa ideya na unique na, at least, matipid pa”, dagdag pa ni G. Rey.

Siyempre, sa paggawa nito, hindi nawala ang mga problema lalong – lalo na sa aspektong pinansiyal. Dahil dito, nagsimula ang mga gumawa nito na maglibot – libot at manglikom sa bawat estudyante ng barya – barya man lang at nakatipon nga sila dito ng PHP 350.00 na siyang malaki ang naitulong sa pagpapaganda ng nasabing bloke. Ngunit, hindi nga naman maipagkakaila na matalino ang pagkakaisip ng ideyang ito. Ayon sa mga nagpasimula nito, maaari itong gawing isang kabuhayan, na sa bawat indibidwal na magpapakuha ng larawan kasama ang mga ito ay magbabayad ng limang piso. Ayon din sa kanila, ito rin ay nabuo dahil sa malikhain at malikot na pag – iisip. Ngunit, sa likod ng mga ito, ay mayroong dalawang rason sa pagkakagawa nito. Una, ito ay isang sorpresa para sa mga miyembro ng pakultad na siyang magpaparamdam sa kanila ng pagpapasalamat sa iniambag nilang kontribusyon sa larangan ng pagtuturo. Pangalawa, ito ay ang magsisilbing motibasyon sa bawat estudyante ng kolehiyo ng edukasyon at mga propesor sa Ateneo de Naga na gawin pa ng mas kaaya – aya at kagilagilalas ang mga bagay – bagay para sa ikauunlad ng bayan.

Kilala ang edukasyon bilang primera klaseng kurso sapagkat ang mga produkto ng nasabing kurso ay ang pinagmumulan ng iba pang klase ng kurso. Ang kurso ring ito ang humuhulma sa mga darating pang mga propesyunal ng ating bansa. Sila ang nagtuturo kung papaano lalabanan ang bawat pagsubok sa buhay at kung paano ito hahanapan ng solusyon. Nasa kamay rin ng mga guro ang tamang pag – uugali na siyang babaunin ng kanilang mga mag – aaral hanggang dumating pa man ang mga ito sa yugto ng totoong kahulugan ng buhay. At ang mga guro rin ang mga tao na siyang hindi lang nagtuturo sa atin ng mga kaalaman, sa halip, sila ang bumubuo upang magkaroon tayo ng malambot na puso at sila rin ang dahilan kung bakit nagbabago ang buhay ng bawat kaindibidwalan.

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Abellera: ‘I hate Fridays!’By Charleymaine Venus Belmonte, 3 BS BSE Math and Rani Andrea Baclao, 3 AB BSE English

1995 graduates. She is a certified Ignatian teacher who graduated with the degree of Bachelor in Elementary Education. Currently, she is teaching English at Naga Central School I.

Who would believe that a 17-years-and-counting outstanding teacher did not consider Education as her first choice course. She really wanted to be a nun, a social worker, or a missionary. Seeing the disadvantages of these jobs, her parents suggested that she take Education as her course in college. Her parents also added that Education is, after all, the combination of her three dream jobs. She took the suggestion of her parents and enrolled in the Elementary Education degree offered by the Ateneo de Naga University. The genuine innocence of the children and her love for them were her reasons in taking the degree. “When they give a wrong answer, it’s because they don’t know the answer. If they did something wrong, they also don’t know that it’s wrong unlike in high school,” she said.

In her first 13 years in teaching, she had a hard time imposing rules to grade 1 pupils mostly because they are innately playful and partly because their parents meddle with the way she disciplines their children. Apart from her disciplining issues, she also had difficulty in choosing between work and studies. She was once invited to be a scholar in a certain school but she did not take the opportunity because

she was not yet prepared for it and because she was busy with her grade 1 students. After she

declined that opportunity, she was given another chance. This time she took it

and was able to travel abroad such as to United States of America, Macau,

Singapore, and Indonesia. Having 17 years and still

counting as a teacher, she is surely molded by experience. It is also without doubt that Ms. Abellera is one dedicated

TGIF! Thank God, It’s Friday!

Most of us like, no, looove Fridays. For most students and employees, Friday is an indicator that a week full of stressful work is almost done. It means that they will have more time for rest and

recreation. As much as we love Fridays, Ms. Anna Bella F. Abellera is

a total opposite. She hates Fridays.

Abellera is one of the 2014 Ten

Outstanding Teachers of the Philippines by the Metrobank Foundation. She is a member of the Ateneo de Naga University – College of

Education Batch

and passionate teacher for sustaining the love for teaching. In an interview, she shared some points that teachers must keep in mind. First, if this is your chosen profession, you should love your profession and the students. Do not just work for the salary. “You cannot be happy in this profession if you don’t love your children.” Second, it is okay to aim for promotion but you should always be engrossed to your students. Focus on them and not on your promotion. Lastly, work unconditionally. “In God’s perfect time, if you really did your best, something will really come out of it and you’ll be rewarded… You don’t have to do many good things just because you are waiting for a reward, for me, you just have to work unconditionally. You don’t have to think of anything in return. Kasi Somebody is a better judge, and He knows what would be the best gift for you and I think I’m enjoying already the gifts.”

She also shared few points to the future teachers. First in her list is to enjoy the profession. Enjoying it lessens the pressure the profession puts to teachers. Second, adapt the best practices of your teachers. “Sometimes you are not very sure that the people you are going to talk with are good influences, so ilingon mong maray ang mga good practices, and that is something you should adapt.” Third, set goals. Know where you are going. “Work on it pero do not think of any reward yet and do not be in a hurry.” Fourth, be a good parent to your students. Teachers are considered to be our second parents. Lastly, continue to grow and learn. “A teacher should be a little bit of everything.”

No doubt she was recognized as one of the outstanding teachers of the nation. “I love teaching,” she happily said. She has also shared her personal gauge which allows her to determine whether a teacher really loves teaching. “For me, if the teacher hates Fridays. I hate ‘TGIF’ because I would miss my students, my children. By Monday, nasa alapaap na naman ako kayan kasi kairiba ko na naman ang mga aki ko… Siguro iyan ang dapat mong mafeel para masabi mo na love mo talaga ang teaching.”

So, what if we have a lot of teachers who hate Fridays? A better educational system, indeed! No more mediocrity. A beautiful picture, right?

Now, the question really is: Are you ready to hate Fridays? Ms. Abellera hopes you do.

Photo credits: facebook.com/Anna Bella Abellera

Ang huli naming napagtanungan ay isang bata na akay-akay ang kanyang lola na bulag at medyo mahina na ang pandinig habang nanlilimos. Nang tanungin namin siya tungkol sa Pasko, isang nakakabiglang sagot. “Ano po ang Pasko? Dai ko po aram ang Pasko.” Sobra-sobra ang pagkabigla naming dahil may mga tao palang hindi man lang alam kung ano ang Pasko lalo pa at isa siyang bata. Magtatanong-tanong pa sana kami ngunit sobra na kaming nabagabag at napaisip sa sagot ng batang iyon.

Sa aming paglilibot-libot, marami kaming nakuhang mga perspektibo tungkol sa Pasko. Ngunit, nakakapagtaka at nakakalungkot lamang na wala man lang ni isa sa kanila ang nakaalala na kapanganakan ito ng ating Tagapagligtas. Nakalimutan na ba talaga natin ang tunay na halaga ng Pasko? Masakit man aminin, ngunit, mukhang mas mabuti pa ang batang aming nakausap na wala man lang kaide-ideya tungkol sa Pasko. Sana hindi dumating ang araw na tuluyan nang makakalimutan ang tunay na rason kung bakit may Pasko.

Sa may dako ay may isang guwardiya na amin ding nilapitan. Ito ang kanyang naisagot nang tanungin din namin siya tungkol sa Pasko. “Para sakuya ang Pasko, dai man gayo maugma. Dai kaya kumpleto. Suruhayan kaya kami. Nakaduty pati ako pag Pasko. Pero maugma ang Pasko, dai kamo mahadit. Kaya lang malungkot talaga ta syempre dai

kami kumpleto. Syempre pag Pasko baga kaya importante na iribanan kamo.” Natuwa kami sa kanyang sagot dahil kahit na may bahid ng kalungkutan sa kanyang mga sagot ay naramdaman pa rin namin ang positibo niyang pananaw sa Pasko. Sadyang nabahiran lamang ng pangungulila ang kanyang Pasko.

Isang miyembro ng PSO na may mga kasamang estudyanteng magpu-pulis ang pangalawa naming napagtanungan. Kakaiba ang pananaw niya sa Pasko. “Ang Pasko para sa mga aki, sa may sweldo. Sa mayong sweldo, mayong Pasko. Maka-Pasko ka man daw pag mayo kang kwarta? Pag mayong kwarta, mayong Pasko. Makikihiling ka lang sa kataid? Maaara ka lang. Ang Pasko para sa may trabaho lang yan. Maray kung si pamilya mo igwa. Dawa Pasko, may duty kami. Pag dai ka nag-duty, memo aabuton mo. Ta ang trabaho mi, mayong Pasko, mayong Bagong Taon.” Nabigla kami sa sagot na nakuha namin. May mga ganoon palang pananaw. Agad-agad namang kumontra ang mga estudyante niyang kasama. “Dai man, Sir. Para sa pamilya. Mga family gathering. Happy happy lang.”

Matapos naming marinig ang kanilang mga sagot, napaisip kami kung iyon ba ang epekto ng hindi nakakasama ang mga kapamilya sa mismong araw ng Pasko dahil sa trabaho o nagiging mas praktikal lang ang mga tao dahil wala silang makukuhang pera kapag hindi sila nagtrabaho.

Una naming natanong ang isang binatang naghahanapbuhay sa pamamagitan ng isang pedicab o mas kilala natin dito sa Bicol na padyak. Walang kaabog-abog niyang sinagot ang aming tanong. “Naisurat ko na ‘yan sa diary ko. Maugma ang Pasko. Kaya ngani Pasko. Basta kairibahan ang pamilya. Dai pwedeng

dai mo kaibanan ang kapamilya, itong ika lang ang nawawara sa pamilya. Maski mayo kamong handa, basta magkairibanan kamo pag Pasko. Importante padangat mo ang pamilya mo maski broken family kami.” Wala kaming masagot na iba maliban sa Tama, Kuya. Natameme kami dahil kung gaano kabigat ang dinaranas niya sa buhay, ganoon din kabigat ang pagpapahalaga niya sa Pasko. Sobra talaga ang pagsaludo namin kay Kuya.Taon-taon, pagkatapos ng Agosto, may mga

kakaibang nangyayari sa Pilipinas.Bumababa ang mga bituin mula sa langit.

Kumakalat ang mga alitaptap na de-kuryente. Inaangkin ng isang nagngangalang Jose Mari Chan ang mga istasyon ng radyo. Nagkakalansingan ang mga pinipit na tansan. Nagsisilabasan at naglilibot-libot ang mga bata kahit gabi na. Nagbabalik ang isang matabang matandang nakapula na may puting balbas kasama ang mga alaga niyang usa. Ano nga bang nangyayari sa Pilipinas sa mga panahong ito?

Para sa mga Pilipino, ang ber sa buwan ay isang hudyat na Pasko na! SeptemBER… OctoBER… NovemBER… DecemBER… Hindi naman masyadong halata na ang mga Pilipino ang may pinakamahabang pagdiriwang ng Pasko sa buong mundo. Nakatatak na nga ata talaga sa ating mga Pilipino ang pinamanang festival mentality ng mga sumakop sa ating mga Espanyol. Maaaring dahil dito, nagiging aligaga ang mga tao. Lahat ng tao – mga mapera, may pera, at may perang nautang – sinisikap na magkaroon ng isang ‘marangyang’ Pasko lalo na ang noche buena (kailangan nga ba?). Kumbaga, nagtatransform ang Pilipinas kapag magpa-Pasko (kayo na ang bahala kung anong klaseng transformation ang napapansin ninyo; kung maganda o masama ba).

Ganito na nga lang ba kababaw ang tingin natin sa Pasko? Ano nga ba ang halaga ng Pasko para sa atin? O mas marapat bang ang tanong ay: May halaga pa ba sa atin ang Pasko?

Naglibot-libot kaming magkakaibigan, nagtanong-tanong kung kani-kanino at baka sakaling may makuha kaming sagot. Iisa lamang ang aming inihandang tanong – Ano ang Pasko?

Ang sunod naming napagtanungan ay isang tindera ng mga prutas. Alam naman nating mabenta ang mga prutas kapag Pasko. Isang ngiti ang una naming nakuha kay Ate. “Masaya. Mas mabenta naman pag Pasko. Masaya kasi kasama ang pamilya.” Hindi na nga maihihiwalay sa Pasko ang komersiyalismo.

Hindi naman natin masisisi ang mga tindera at mga negosyante kung mas nagiging mahalaga ang kanilang benta tuwing Pasko. Paano nga naman sila magpa-Pasko kung wala naman silang mailalaman sa kanilang mga gutom na tiyan.

Isang matandang takatak ang nakakuha ng pansin naming dahil nakikipagpatintero siya sa mga sasakyang humaharurot sa kalsada. Nang matiyempuhan namin siya, tinanong namin siya kung ano ang pananaw niya sa Pasko. “Syempre pag Pasko, maugma. Dawa minsan suruway kami kang mga aki ko na nasa Sorsogon ta may mga agom naman. Ang kaibanan mi lang digdi kang agom ko, mga makuapo ko tapos aki kong duwa. Dawa minsan nakakabenta lang akong 70, minsan 100, maugma man giraray. Merry Christmas!” Maluha-luha kami nang marinig namin kung gaano kahirap ang pang-araw-araw nilang buhay ngunit napawi naman ang lahat ng iyon nang marinig namin ang kanyang pagbati. Sa lahat

Ano po ang Pasko? Dai ko po aram ang Pasko.

Naglakad-lakad pa kami ng kaunti at nakausap naman namin ang isang tindera ng mga bulaklak. “Para sa kaugmahan ang Pasko. Kumpleto ang pamilya. Pagkatapos kang alas dose, saka kami masuruhayan, mauli naman kami sa mga harong

mi. Ang gusto kaya ni Papa, maabutan kaming alas dose sa harong ninda, sararo kami.” Dito namin naalala na kilala nga pala tayong mga Pilipino sa pagkakaroon ng close family ties. Nakakagalak lang na marinig na buhay pa pala ang pag-uugaling ito sa makabagong panahon kung saan mas nababawasan na ang interaksyon ng mga

magkakapamilya dahil sa trabaho at lalong-lalo pa dahil sa teknolohiya.

Features|Spotlight

• 19 Magazine

Pasko. Pasko! Pasko?Nina Charleymaine Venus Belmonte, 3 BS BSE Mathematics; Cedrick Alguzar, 3 BS BSE Biochemistry; at Kimberly Moso, 3 BEED

18 • Magazine

kasi ng aming nakausap, siya lamang ang bumati sa amin ng Merry Christmas at naramdaman namin ang pagiging sincere niya.

• 21 Magazine20 • Magazine 2014

She is usually tagged by some students as a terror teacher who is very strict, serious and rigid in class; however, Ma’am Florece, also known as Lola Blen, is in fact very motherly and approachable. She admits that she is not only a teacher inside the classroom but also a mother and a friend (to some extent).

Ma’am Evelyn Florece, full-time professor in the Literature and Language Studies Department, is an AB English graduate of this institution. She has discovered the wonders of teaching through a teaching activity of her organization, Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League (ACIL), way back in college. She looked forward to the day when she and her ACIL mates would go to Barangay Balatas to catechize. Consequently, she decided to take BSE courses that are essential to teaching. Her passion and love for teaching inspired her to have her Masters Degree in Teaching English as Second Language in Bicol University, and her Doctoral Degree in the University of the Philippines Diliman.

What kept her being the Ma’am Florece we know today is lending her willing ear and helping hand to those who need her academic or non-academic assistance. Moreover, she confesses that Ateneo has done so much for her; thus doing her tasks well for everyone is her way of acknowledging what Ateneo de Naga University has done for her. Upholding the value and principle of Magis, she leaves all Education Majors a warm piece of advice:

“Whatever an Atenean does, s/he does it well for Gods’s greater glory.”

Paz Verdades “Doods” M. Santos is currently a part-time teacher in the Ateneo de Naga University’s Literature and Language Studies Department. She has been in the teaching profession for almost four decades, having taught at different schools such as Colegio de Sta. Isabel, University of Nueva Caceres and Ateneo de Naga University in Naga City and at Miriam College, UP Clark, UP Diliman and De La Salle University in Manila.

Ma’am Doods earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from UP, Master’s Degree in Education major in English Language and Literature Teaching from the Ateneo de Manila University, and Doctorate Degree in Language and Literature with a High Distinction from the De La Salle University. Having received several prestigious awards for her contributions to researches on Bikol Literature and Language and for being awarded an outstanding achievement as literature and communication teacher, it is more than evident that she truly loves Literature and teaching. Without the office suit or without the honorary name or the awards, Ma’am Doods describes herself as someone who likes reading, watching good movies, gardening and teaching. She values reading so much that she wants others to also feel the pleasure of reading and gain

learning from it.Being an AB Journalism student in college, she

once thought that she could never be a teacher, but according to her, “being a journalist in the province during the ‘70s would not keep my body and soul together, so I thought of trying teaching. I felt queasy at first because I was embarking on a new endeavor, but it was ultimately fulfilling.” From then on until now, Ma’am Doods continues to teach and inspire her students to pursue learning through her own learning and experiences.

What makes Ma’am Doods keep teaching? “I would like to continue to share what I have learned and experienced in the hope that students will also be moved to read, research, and experience things for themselves. I particularly want to teach those who have less in life but who are eager to learn and help themselves. The latter phrase is very important for me, as I do not like to teach those who do not like to do the work needed to learn. I have chosen to teach in the countryside, where the educational need is greater, rather than in the city. I believe that teachers also have to do research and publish, and that is why I continue teaching teachers in the Graduate School, to persuade them to do more than what they usually do in the classroom, and to continue to pursue learning. As Confucius says,

“‘Learn as if you could not reach your object, and were always fearing lest you should also lose it.’”

...“Teaching is the best way to serve the humanity.”This is how Dr. Arnulfo Aaron R. Reganit, Dean

of the College of Education, describe the teaching profession. Being in the teaching profession for almost 30 years now, spending those years from preschool to graduate school teaching, who would have thought that Sir Popoy is actually an AB Philosophy graduate and a former seminarian. Originally dreaming of becoming a priest, although the heart for teaching is already in him since childhood, his teaching career started when he was a catechist of the Archdiocese of Baguio. Contented and happy with his vocation shift, he believes that the priestly and teaching vocations are very much related.

In those years of teaching, Sir Popoy has observed the large difference of the students then and of today. “We can’t really impose what we had before to what

we have now.” With this in mind, Sir Popoy has made

adjustments in his methodologies and pedagogies to cater the needs of the changing generation of students which made him one of the most honored teachers of the University.

“There is power in teaching.” Sir Popoy is a real deal advocate of the teaching

profession. He believes that through teaching, one has the power to change and influence the youth. He wants his graduates to spread the Jesuit education to their own barrios and barangays, and most importantly, to the far flung areas. A mark that a teacher can leave in this world is to be able to have those who cannot read, read and those who cannot write, write.

“Never underestimate your students.”Contrary to popular belief, Sir Popoy is an

introvert person. He is extrovert only to those he is already comfortable with. Without the honorary title he has, he loves to stay at home than going out. He is also a perfect embodiment of cleanliness, which is one of his top priorities especially when he is at home. A speck of dust would be a sore to his eyes. He is a down-to-earth person enabling him to relate with the teachers and students and share to them the realities he experienced in his teaching career. For Sir Popoy, “the death of a teacher is a grand reunion of colleagues and former students.” The death of a teacher signifies how well he was in the teaching profession. “It is not so much of a prize that teachers will get,” said by Sir Popoy, “but the respect they earn and the memories that students have with you which money cannot buy.”

Sir Popoy is fired up by his love for children. It has caused him to enjoy so much the profession that he considered love for children as the best way to succeed in teaching. He considered teaching as his lifetime and lifelong mission. He thinks that his life is not worthwhile if he doesn’t accomplish it. He leaves us with this statement:

“Being a better teacher is being able to teach minds, touch hearts and transform lives.”

What keeps you teaching?Features|Spotlight

A Good Day to Honor Teachers

To teach and to stay in the teaching profession is never easy. It takes a lot of passion and dedication to devote almost, if not more than, half of your life in the profession. These three respectable teachers of the University share their secrets in staying happy in teaching look easy.

By John Paul Antioquia, 3 BS BSE Mathematics, Mary Rose Villaraza and Jesslei Gueriba, 3 AB BSE English

Sapat na ba ang mga bagay na ating natutuhan o kailangan pa nating hanapin ang mga nakakubling kakulangan para ito ay mabago at matutukan?

Pagsasalita ng Filipino – isa na yata ito sa mga bagay na siyang bata pa lamang tayo ay atin nang natutuhan at napag – aralan kahit hindi pa man tayo pumapasok sa ating paaralan. Isa ito sa mga lengguwahe na siyang itunuro at itinatak na sa ating utak na dapat ay ipinagmamalaki natin. Sino ba naman ang ayaw ng isang bansa na kung saan ang lahat ng tao ay nagkakaintindihan, nagkakaunawaan at nagmamahal dahil lamang sa paggamit ng iisang wika?

Pagsasalita ng Ingles, ito na marahil ang dahilan kung bakit kilala ang Filipino sa buong mundo. Magmula sa mga patimpalak ng kagandahan na isa ang Filipinas sa walang

22 • Magazine 2014

Opinion|Lights & Shadows

ni Czar Dela Roca, 1 AB BSE Filipino

Gumising ka, Juan!

“interpreter” hanggang sa pagbabalita ng Ingles ay hindi naman tayo nahuhuli o mas karapat – dapat sabihin na tayo ay isa sa mga nangunguna sa pagkabihasa sa pagsasalita ng unibersal na lengguwahe. Sino ba naman ang ayaw na ang Pilipinas ay nasa listahan ng mga matatalinong bansa?

Ang kolehiyo ay isa na marahil sa kritikal na uri ng edukasyon. Ito na maaari ang pinakahangganan ng pagsasaya sa buhay bilang isang bata at ang introduksyon sa totoong kahulugan ng buhay bilang isang tao. Dito, pinag – aaralan mo ang mga bagay na siyang malaki ang kontribusyon sa bukas na iyong kakaharapin. Dito, natututuhan na ang pagtatrabaho ay isang seryosong bagay na kaakibat ang isang seryosong manggagawa. Sa kolehiyo mo rin mahihinuha ang totoong

• 23 Magazine

pagkakaiba ng mga asignatura sa kanilang katangian. Nariyan si Agham, Matematika, Kompyuter, PE, Teolohiya, Sikolohiya, Ingles at Filipino na siyang pinaghahandaan ng mga estudyante sa bawat darating ang mga pagsusulit. Pero, sa tuwing darating ang mga major exam ay tila hindi na pinagtutuonan ng pansin ang asignaturang Filipino. Kung iisipin, madali nga lang naman ang asignaturang ito, pero, naiisip kaya ng ibang estudyante na hindi biro ang mas malalim na kahulugan ng kilala nilang “madaling asignatura”?

Ayon sa Commission on Higher Education/CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 20, Series of 2013, sa taong 2016 ay kailangan nang tanggalin ang asignaturang Filipino bilang pagharap sa bagong General Education Curriculum (GEC). Ang dahilan sa pagpapasabatas nito ay dahil ang Filipino ay itinuturo na mula pa noong kinder pa lang tayo. Maaaring tama ang ideyang ito, ngunit, ano na lamang ang reaksiyon ng mga grupong nagsusulong na ipreserba ang ating sariling wika? Hindi ba’t isa naman itong insulto sa atin na na ang wikang inalagaan ng ating mga ninuno’t mga bayani ay basta – basta na lamang tatanggalin ng mga taong nagmamarunong sa kurikulum ng kolehiyo. Dagdag pa nila, kaya tatanggalin ito sa kolehiyo ay dadagdagan ang oras nito sa hayskul bilang isang major subject. Ngunit, ano naman ang gamit nito kung ang isang estudyante sa sekondarya ay hindi hilig ang Filipino na kung ikukumpara sa isang estudyante sa kolehiyo na kinukuha ito bilang isang medyor ay napakalaki ang pagkakaiba. Hindi ba’t nakakatawa naman na kung saan ang estudyante

na siyang kumukuha pa ng medyor na Filipino ang pagkakaitan at ilalagay ito sa sekondarya na hindi lahat ng estudyante ay tanggap ito bilang isang asignatura?

Oo nga’t nasa moderno na tayong panahon, halos lahat ay nagbago na. Isang panahon na kung saan napakalaki ang importansiya ng pagsasalita ng Ingles sa kabuhayan, komunikasyon at edukasyon. Pero, hindi ba natin napapansin na labis na ang ating pagtanggap sa kultura ng ibang bansa at nagiging turista na tayo sa sarili nating bayan? Wala namang masama sa pagsasalita ng Ingles, Espanyol, Koreano o kahit pa Nihonggo, pero, utang na loob, huwag naman nating tapakan kung ano ang kalayaang naibigay sa atin ng ating wika. Huwag naman nating tingnan bilang isang ordinaryong laruan ang Filipino na siyang dapat na ating pinapahalagahan, ginagamit at pinagyayaman. Kasi sa huli maaaring tayo pa rin ang maging lugi sapagkat, bumaligtad man ang mundo, pumuti man ang lahat ng uwak, mabungi man lahat ng may ngipin, maging bakla man lahat ng lalake, maging tomboy man lahat ng babae, maging bobo man ang lahat ng matalino, tandaan ninyo, Pinoy pa rin tayo! Hindi sapat na natutuhan lamang natin ang Filipino sapagkat, ayon nga sa mga katangian ng wika, ito ay dinamiko. Habang nagbabago tayo ay magbabago rin ito at sana ay huwag na natin itong hintayin pang mawala at maglaho.

Masarap isipin na tayo ay matalino sa paningin ng mga banyaga, ngunit sa kabila nito ay hindi tayo matalino sa paggamit ng ating sariling wika, bagkus, mahusay at matatas tayo sa paggamit ng sa kanila. Sa huli, aking napagtanto, ano ang mas nakakahiya, ang gumamit ng sariling wika o magpakatanga’t magpasakop sa kultura ng ibang bansa? Gumising ka, Juan!

The K to 12 program is currently being pursued by the Department of Education (DepEd), which was mandated in our Philippine Constitution under Republic Act No. 10533, also known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act or shortly known as the K-12 Act.

The issue whether to continue the implementation of the new curriculum or hold it is still being debated on. Some are pleading to suspend the implementation because of the country’s issues on its educational system while others would like to pursue it regardless of how quick and sudden the implementation would be. For Senator Sonny Trillanes IV, the K to 12 program should be suspended because of the current issues that the country is facing in the educational system such as the insufficiency of classrooms and school materials, high student-teacher ratio, and low salaries of teacher. He believes that if the poor quality of the country’s educational system would be addressed first, then we can say that we are ready for the program’s official implementation in 2016. Sen. Trillanes’ stand is actually similar to what a friend shared to me regarding President Viray’s statement on how quality education should be prioritized over the implementation of a new set of changes.

The implementation of the K-12 curriculum is actually a good thing “pero hindi plantsado e. Hindi planadong maigi kaya kulang ‘yung mga gamit at

24 • Magazine 2014

K to 12: Will it be in or out?

libro. Paanong makakapag-aral mabuti ang mga estudyante kung wala silang nagagamit?”1 The issue on lack of learning materials and modules is becoming a nuisance to teachers because they could not teach their pupils/students properly without the appropriate and necessary learning materials. In order for the teachers to inspire their learners to love learning even with the lack of school and instructional materials, they have to sacrifice and compromise a lot of things that is why there is also the issue on teacher’s salary increase that the government still has not responded to. Teachers are already making many concessions by providing the learning materials using the money in their pockets, and yet they are only rewarded so little on their income. Additionally, they are asking who would be responsible in paying the teachers who will teach in senior high school. That’s another problem added to the endless list of and whenever the teachers ask the government about it, the latter just brush the question off. There may be trainings and seminars regarding the K to 12 program, but these are only easy to plan out. What is indeed difficult is actualizing the program and putting it into effect because of financial and material constrains.

On the other hand, one teacher commended the free hand given to them in implementing out-of-the-box strategies to convey the lessons to their students. However, if concerns regarding the

By Jemica Kessie Sarte, 4 AB BSE Social Studies

• 25 Magazine

Opinion|Lights & Shadowscountry’s educational system would not be addressed as soon as possible, what good could implementing the K-12 curriculum offer?

As a matter of fact, the all-of-a-sudden and rapid implementation of the K to 12 curriculum was due to the ASEAN economic integration that would happen by 2015. This integration plans to have freer flow of goods, services, investment, and skilled labor within Southeast Asia with trade barriers out of the way.2 Investing in human capital is one of the areas that the Philippine government is addressing, and part of which is improving the level of education of the country. The shift towards a new curriculum will ensure Filipino students, especially those who wanted to work within the ASEAN countries, to get good jobs and be compensated well. The ASEAN integration will help the Philippines be more open and competitive along with its fellow ASEAN member nations. Therefore, postponing the K to 12 program would only make the country less competitive than other countries in Southeast Asia.3

We all have to remember that change is necessary in order for progress and development to be realized. However, change is difficult, and some would similarly agree. Yet again, difficult it may seem, we must adjust and adapt. The rush implementation of a new school curriculum was a total shock to most of us. Even the teachers were mostly surprised; most of them were not prepared for a new curriculum while others were confused. Trainings have been provided, but they are still not enough to say that we are prepared. Problems that were mentioned earlier still need to be given much attention first.

Despite all negativity, we need to be prepared no matter what. To be honest, I had also my doubts with the K to 12 program on how it was implemented all of a sudden without any sufficient prelude or preliminaries. I have then realized that we really need this K to 12 curriculum. We may have economic growth to back us up but what about economic development? Is it good to have a robust economic growth when our education system lacks competitiveness? Our fellow Filipinos studied well here in our country only to be labeled as underemployed abroad. In an economic perspective,

investing in human capital increases the overall productivity of the country. Coupled with high levels of education plus skills, high productivity is achieved and one could commend that a country is attaining economic development, not just economic growth. A good education along with skills increases the worker’s capacity to perform a task and contribute new ideas for the country’s innovation.

So, please, let’s just stop complaining about our lack of preparedness! If we don’t improve our education now, when will that be? Over the next hundreds of years? Yes, we are not prepared now but we will be prepared eventually. In some point in our normal lives, we also make hasty decisions that may or may not affect others. At times, making these kinds of hasty decisions are necessary, for negative consequences may occur if we do not act quickly. This is the reflection of the Philippines right now. If the government decides to execute the K to 12 program with full force, the challenge would be how to address the problems of lack of facilities and learning materials as well as teacher’s salary on senior high school. If these would be dealt with properly, Philippine education would taste, for the first time, real improvement and developments and we would truly say, “We are ready.”

After all, like the simple life, “you have to live through the bad days to get to the good ones.”

References:1Amita, Legaspi. (2014, June 12). Lack of materials, facilities still hound

K to 12 implementation. GMA News Online. Retrieved from http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/363734/news/specialreports/lack-of-materials-facilities-still-hound-k-to-12-implementation

2Marcelo, Elizabeth. (2014, October 9). PHL ‘well-positioned’ for ASEAN integration, says NEDA official. GMA News Online. Retrieved fromhttp://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/382813/economy/business/phl-well-positioned-for-asean-integration-says-neda-official

3Flores, Helen. (2015, August 15). Noy urged to postpone K to 12 implementation. The Philippine Star. Retrieved from http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/08/15/1357808/noy-urged-postpone-k-12-implementation

Other references:Casayuran, Mario. (2014, July 22). Trillanes wants K to 12 program

suspended. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved fromhttp://www.mb.com.ph/trillanes-wants-suspension-of-k-to-12-program/

Quintos, JDP/Pryce. (2014, April 4). ASEAN Integration, K-12 to change school operation in PH. Philippine Information Agency (PIA).Retrieved from http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=21396592449

ELEMENTARYH IGHSCHOOLK-12COLLEGE

9AM. The Church is filled with men and women in blue, cream and white uniforms singing Salve Regina, fervently praying. The patio is filled with men and women in yellow, dancing to the cadence of native drum and bamboo musical instruments, joyfully praising and chanting. You are not at the installation of a bishop, nor are you in Rome in time for a pontifical mass; you are simply at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral on a Friday during the 9-day novena for the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. But this image, sadly, can only be seen done by one school, the Ateneo de Naga University.

While the rest of the schools in Naga are marching through the streets of Panganiban, General Luna, and Elias Angeles, the Ateneo de Naga, together with other catholic schools, is at the Cathedral, attending mass, singing Salve Regina, and dancing Voyadores. The once grandiose, handsome, beautiful, and snappy CAT and ROTC units of the Ateneo, who had won the Most Disciplined

26 • Magazine

Opinion|Lights & Shadows

by Val Dominic Monit, 3 AB BSE English

Unit award year after year, are now at the Cathedral praying and singing. What could have happened? Have they finally surrendered? Have they finally realized that they will never win the coveted title again? Have they lost their confidence? Or have they simply grown into cowards? These questions were asked by those who are not members of the Ateneo community and are ignorant of their practice, curious about the sudden loss of the Ateneo in the grand scheme of the Annual Regional Military parade.

Flaring Change and Enriching Faith

The Ateneo had long been flaring change and setting example for the citizens of Naga to follow. Thus, the action of the Ateneo de Naga in the military parade is an example of this endeavor, to bring back the attention of the masses to prayer. Ateneo’s activity silently screams at the people

Here Comes Ateneo:

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of Naga that they should start going back to the main reason of the celebration of this festival: the enrichment of faith.

Though snappy students in colorful uniforms holding wooden rifles marching to the cadence of the drums are good to look at, the main purpose of the celebration of the festivity is, to a point, forfeited. The ambience of prayer and solemnity is changed into an image of a military junta or a military coup. The secularism and commercialization of the festivity are thereby amplified. Thus, it is right for Ateneo to start turning the heads of the people of Naga from the reviewing stand at Plaza Quezon, back to the Cathedral, encouraging everyone to start praying and using the festivity as an opportunity to enrich one’s faith.

Make Peace not War

Aside from being an avenue to showcase discipline and colorful uniforms, the Military Parade also sugarcoats the image of war. The image of bloody injured men, dead civilians, booming tanks, and flaring guns are changed into colorful clothes, wooden guns, and lively music. It indirectly promotes war and skews its image from a chaotic and bloody combat into a friendly marching competition. This

is aside from the fact that schools have then failed to educate their students of the value of peace.

This parade, however, had been one of the standards created by the masses for a school to be called good and maorag. It appears that those who never joined the activity are all cowards – talsot¬ – who cannot face even the slightest competition. However, the Ateneo de Naga’s yearning to change the image of the Peñafrancia festival from militarization to prayer is not a manifestation of cowardice or katalsotan it is, rather, a campaign towards God and towards faith, an action to bring back the focus and awareness of the festivity to God and to Ina who had and have been the sole reason in the celebration of the festivity.

People might raise their eyebrows upon reading this stance; people might think that this is nothing but a defensive article attempting to save the face of the Ateneo de Naga. But this is not, this is rather a call for Bikolanos to reevaluate their characterization of the Peñafrancia Festival, one of the prides of Kabikolan, a call to recheck their views towards commercialization and secularization of their treasured tradition; a reminder, therefore, for Bikolanos to check if the fault is in them or in their parades.

Photo credits to Eduardo Flores Jr.

Aimed to primarily combat problems on malnutrition, most especially of children in the Philippines Senator Sonny Angara passed the Senate Bill No. 202 also known as the Child Nutrition Act of the Philippines, which introduces a school nutrition system that will distribute fortified snacks, milk, and vitamin supplements to elementary students in public schools. As stipulated in the bill, students will be required to consume the food given to them 5 times a week during recess. Also, an amount of Php 100 million will be allocated for the first year of its implementation, wherein the National Nutrition Council, Department of Education, and Department of Health will be responsible for introducing and maintaining the system in schools. The bill will also provide incentives to encourage agricultural companies to donate to the program.

On one hand, this bill could actually help the students because it can give them the nutrition that they need as they grow up. The free snacks can also serve as an extrinsic motivator for the students to go to school, which gives them the chance to actually develop their love for learning. They would look forward to going to school and receiving their nutritious and free snacks every day because these are what that most of them are being deprived from in their very own homes.

On the other hand, however, there are some factors which need to be considered. One problem that may arise is the issue with politicians, the allegedly corrupt ones who, instead of using the fund for a better development of the different sectors of the country, spend for their luxurious interests.

Is a Free Meal a Great Deal?

Apparently, in this matter, one might ask: What if this is another one of their ‘projects’ wherein they keep most of the funds to themselves and then give the mere leftovers to the actual projects? After all the issues of corruption in our government, the credibility and good reputation of the politicians and public officers have been put into question, and it is kind of hard to trust them with a project like this, because the people, actually, will never know if there will be a proper and fair allocation of the resources for this program. Also, if this bill is passed, the people will most probably become more dependent on the government. The people, especially the parents of those children who will be benefited by this program, will most probably lose their interest to work hard for their families because they know that the government will already be the one to feed their children. It might not actually happen, but we cannot overlook its probability. Moreover, if ever this bill fails, the people would blame the government, like they do on a regular basis.

Despite the things that need to be considered, it could work. We may find it hard to put our trust on the government again after all those corruption issues, but then this risk must be taken, especially if it means a better and brighter future for the students who go to school with empty stomachs. We should take this risk, because it has the possibility to improve our country. If we want change, our country should take risks, and I strongly believe that this risk could lead to change, a change that is good. What would your bet be?

By Jomari Manaog, 1 AB BSE English

Opinion|Lights & Shadows

Abias, Maria Catherine BalbuenaBandin, Marion DyBelibor, Ann Jaylene JosonBobier, Johanna Marie BaerBongalos, Ma. Jessaline BelmonteBritanico, Golda Mia CervantesBunso, Angelica DacubaCervas, Kathleen Marie ReganitChingco, Christine Joy BatacaoDacuno, Alice Yasmeen VargasDecena, Salvacion VibandorDelfin, Joan VillarandaElopre, Paul Niño VerdejoFernandez, Angela VenturaGallardo, Maria Anna ArejolaGalon, Dianne BenipayoGuidote, Chiara Margarita BaskiñasMetran, Noveleen RavagoMoral, Sherry Ann HernandezOporto, Genevieve NuñezOrasa, Archel ParañalPalma, Carmel RoseroParedes, Kyna ApolinarioParma, Mia BoritoRejante, Tami Olivia DeeRuiz, Jan Nina SandagonSeva, Mae MapaVelarde, Jr. Rosito AbogadoVeneracion, Janel Anne J.Villanueva, Marivi ValenzuelaYu, Angelica Reyes

28 • Magazine SOURCE: http://www.adnu.edu.ph/blog/2014/10/29/adnu-results-for-let-2014/http://www.prcboardnews.com/2014/10/ust-upd-named-august-2014-let-exam-top-performing-schools.html

AdNU overall performance rating (Elementary Education) - 74.47% against National Rating of 35.74% (Secondary Education) - 74.18% against National Rating of 34.40%.

First-timers’ performance rating (Elementary Education) - 89.19% (Secondary Education) - 82.17%

Congratulations to the following LET Passers for Elementary Teachers:

Abawag, Van Joseph ParmaAbellon, Elfrancis CletAbiog, Jr., Arnel DulogAguilar, Manilyn CayaoAngeles, Jean RoadielAsence, Bryan ArcadioAyao, Therese Chary AgtocaAyusip, Averil Jessamine TenaBandola, Rita MalacadBarce, Karen Mae AltoBayta, Sharon BoaqueñaBerja, Jerome RuizBermudo, Leziel TongolBetito, Alyza Marie M.Braganaza, Emarie PanteBuban, Kaycee Merlie CarilloBuenaflor, Marjorie MarpuriCatangui, Jesus Jr. ClaudioCedron, Ronel SagaretCelestial, Cecil CondeChavez, Jose Jr. AsayConstante, Mechelle NicolasDayandante, Jesabil BaytaDe Leon, Camille AbiasDebil, Cristine BellezaDuran, Sheila VergaraEfondo, Marian MañugoEmbate, Kristiana Michaela ParañosEstrella, Jovanie AbadFernando, Mariz ObiasFuentes, Rizaline BerunioGuinoo, Sean Marben PaderHaber, Aileen CasHalili, Mercyden JayonaHortal, Cassie LancaonJunio, Charlene Rose Azul

Congratulations to the following LET Passers for Secondary Teachers:

Largo, Mc Divino B.Laut, Goretti Rea PeñaLibutan, Paulo AgatonLlorin, Mae Anne PoligaLopez, Arkhie CerboLorca, Johnly BadiolaLuzada, Jamie Phille Mae EsguerraLuzon, Medusa MarpuriMaranan, Desiree MinaMedina, James Oliver ArandiaNarva, Jan Christian SalunaNatividad, Joanna Liz RaquiticoObias, Nadine ManchetePagaran, Freda Marie GarciaPalacio, Karren Ann UbantePanghulan, Princess GuevarraPascual, Lawrence FederizonPaz, Alma NudoPiaña, Paolo Rey MendozaPuerta, Mahalia Zilah AdayoRamos, Expedito Jr. SandrinoRasco, Orlie SergioReyes, Emmylou IboRosales, Jill Monique BascuñaRuivivar, Miriam Victoria FlavarSan Manuel, Lhea Dela CruzSatioquia, Josephine PangilinanSolano, Cora June LagascaSoldivilla,Vivian NavarezSueno, Jannette CristobalTagum, Sarah Jo OleaValdez, Riena Laiza GarciaVale, Myla Catherine BermejoVera, Mavy Angelica AslorYamson, Salve ParadelaYocampo, Joanna Marie Ortinero

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Research|Ember

Ms. Annabelle Abellera BEED 1995,Ten Outstanding Teachers of the Philippines 2014, Metrobank FoundationA Ford Foundation scholar at Ateneo de Manila and at Fordham University, New York, USA.

Mr. Reynaldo Albino Jr.Principal, Ponong Integrated School,Pomong Magarao, Camarines Sur

Mr. Ted AñoBEED alumnus,Principal I, Habulan Elementary School,Lupi District

Alumni WhereaboutsCongratulations to the following alumni of the College of Education:

Ms. Lezel Brabante BergantinBEED 2004, Owner and Directress of Prince Thad Montessori

Mr. Roger MasapolBSE – Aralig Panlipunan,Chief of the Planning Division, DepEd National

Mr. Jarme TaumotorgoCOE Alumnus,Education Supervisor for Araling Panlipunan,Division of City Schools, Naga City.

“The first half of the semester was really good. Very active. The other half became shaky. Maybe because of the sudden inactivity of the Step Officers.”

– 3 BS BSE

“I think they are doing their best to create the most out of every semester though there were some problems that happened but I think they are trying to lessen future challenges.”

– Bea Betito, 3 – AB BSE

“I think, STEP is more organized than before. The STEP Officers are more responsible than the last officers. … Be more responsible. The information dissemination should be clearer…” – AB BSE

“They have conducted certain activities that helped most of the students in their courses, especially the first year students.”

– 3 – AB BSE

“…they are doing fine in their duties but there are times that they can’t meet the student’s needs… They should exert more effort.”

– 2 -BS SPED

“…every time they held activities, every members of STEP

cooperate and have patience and are approachable.”

– 2 BE ED

“They exert effort yet poor in implementation.”

– 2 BEED

“Some information is not properly disseminated. The same problem as before. Please, solve this.”

– Tin Olitoquit, 3 – AB BSE English

“They were able to conduct activities; however, they were not really active throughout the first semester.” – 3 BS BSE

“There is no unity among members… Be united. ” – AB BSE

“All the efforts are just enough… Please be more open to educ students about the announcement.”

– BS SPED

“Feeling ko dai naiinform na maray ang mga Educ students about sa STEP (mga updates, news whereabouts kang org).”

– BS BSE

“More activities and spread more information about its activities.”

– 3-AB BSE

Boses Paratukdo

Prefered courses:

☑ Engineering

☑ Nursing

☑ Accountancy

☑ Business Management

☐ Education

30 • Magazine

Haloo mga kadunong. Udi na ang pinakamagayon asin pinkamadunong na si (tantararan) DARAGANG MAGAYON! Ohyizz mga kadunong, akez ang pinakamagayon sa COE pero syempre igwa pang mas magayern sako (dai ko na i-usip ta aram na nindo yan hahahaha). Ay syempre since, nakikisabay ang gayon ko sa pag pasali kang Bulkang Mayon may pasabog man ang lola nindo saindo!!Nakaabot kaya sa magayon kong talinga na kato pa palan kita binabash (basha and popoy yiz havey) kang iba na pag educ daa maluya. Hays ibahon baga sa pagmati yan mga friends. Dai kaya ninda aram kung gano kasakit ang maging sarong titser, bako lang titser kundi sarong ehemplo kang mga kaakian (yadeeeh nosebleed). Well, well,well sabi ninda maluya daa kita pero ano ning bagong news escapade na igwa kitang tolong (yes THREE) national topnotchers!!! Kalerqi!! Perpek na perpek yan! Duwa sa BEED and saro sa BSE. Oh anong say kang ibang college jeeen? Nga-nga! Anyhow, pressure man yan sa sunod na matake ning LET kaya go for the gold mga anti!! Keri boom boom nindo yan!! Basahon nalang nindo ang buong chika kang mga topnotchers igdi sa issue na ni.Going back sa tig iistorya ko mga kadunong, sabi daa ninda maluya kita, ano man yaaaaaan!! Discrimination man yan na maray! Bullying pa ngani minsan. Sinda daw maggibong lesson plan na no erasures tapos ning exam na naka-KPUP! Pwede yan? Ang aram man kayan ninda KPOP! Hikhikhik. Dai na ngani kita nagtutururog kakagibong lesson plans tapos ma demo pa yan the next day. Dai pa kabali ang paggibong visual aids hahaha. Basta ang maray jan ipahiling ta nalang na more kitang aram

Entertainment|Flikr

Paghorop-horop niDaragang Magayon

“Eduk major ka? Ay maluya yan.”sa everything ta kita ang future of education (ohyiz ingles!!). Anyway, kumusta man daw ang mga freshies ta jan? Congrats man saindo mga nini and nonoy!! Champion na namn palan kita sa OrSem (I know luma na ang bareta pero ano man hahaha). 7-peat na baga kita grabe nemen yeeeen. Pressure man sa next batch hahahaha. Kamusta man pati palan ang mga STEP-tivities ta jan? Maogma man baga si Acquaintance Ball!!! Magegeyen men pete eng mge dress ni na anti!! Bongga pati ta villa caceres! Pero napush ng STEP (clap!clap!). Maray nalang ngani ta maski bago na ang president ta keriboom boom pa man! Well, hanggang jan nalang muna ang chika ko ta magayon ako. Abangan na lang nindo ang beauty ko sa next issue kang kadunong. By the way mga sizzums, kung bet nindong magjoin sa Kadunong, just log on to www.kadunongjoinakiz.com. Cheret lang hahahaha. Magcontact nalang kamo kung sisay jan tapos join kamo. Naghahanap kami ning writers, cartoonist, photgraphers, boyfriend (HAHAHAH AKO MAN LANG). Magjoin kamo. Labyuall hangggang sa muli, ako ang pinakamagayon na kadunong – Daragang Magayon!! (Spread love not WOR hahahaha) hart hart.

• 31 Magazine

The Kadunong Research Team surveyed some students of what they can say about STEP’s performance for the first semester of academic year 2014-2015.

Research|Ember

Source: College of Education Admin

Kadunong Publicationis looking for writers,

photographers, lay-out artists,cartoonists and researchers.

If you are interested, message us on facebookat http://www.facebook.com/kadunongpublicationor e-mail us at kadunongpublication@gmail.com