I don’t have masteral and doctorate degrees in social sciences. I have not done any formal research on social issues. I’m an accountant but I know that all our problems are rooted in our poor education system.
Like my parents who are both in the academe, I also received the calling to teach. I taught for a semester and it was the best experience of my life, yet. But reality struck me. I may receive negative feedback for what I have to say next. We’re all entitled to our personal choices and I made my decision. I quit teaching and now work for an auditing firm in the country’s biggest business district – Makati.
I chose this path because I desire to learn through experience. That way, I have much more to share to other people.
Teaching is among the most noble professions, if not the noblest. We hear this saying always; yet at this time and age, very few choose to become teachers. The teacher’s salary isn’t at all tempting. And the opportunity for promotion and salary increase is limited. I know, with my parents being teachers who plan to remain teachers for as long as they can.
So I know, too, that teaching is not really about the salary. It is about the passion and commitment to mold the young into becoming educated, responsible and productive individuals. It is about giving students the opportunity to grow intellectually, morally, spiritually and emotionally. It is ultimately about making the world a better place for everyone. Yes, I am very proud to have parents who chose to dedicate their lives not only to their children but to many other children.
I dream for a world where everyone has access to education. I can see many hindrances to achieving my dream. But I can also see hope. There is a chance and we can all contribute to make this dream a reality.
My father who is a principal was assigned for four years at Daan Banwang Elementary School, a public school located at the border of General Santos City and more than an hour drive from our residence. It was a battle everyday just to get there because he had to climb the mountain and pass through many rivers with his motorcycle. At times during the rainy season, he and his colleagues needed to travel on foot.
It was an even bigger battle to work in the kind of environment that welcomed him – poorly constructed building with only three rooms, lack of books and instructional materials, no electricity, pupils in high grade levels who couldn’t read and/or write, high rate of dropouts, unhygienic practices and many more. But love of work and commitment to service prevailed.
He asked and accepted support from non-government organizations, colleagues in the academe, private individuals and businessmen. And a big catch is the community work conducted by the Nursing students of a private school in GenSan. These students studied their health condition and taught the community people on how to improve their hygiene and health conditions. The integration also led to many other forms of assistance – livelihood programs, food feeding and donations.
Our family also became involved in the quest to improve the quality of life and learning for the people in the community where my father served. We led clean-up drives and sought for donations in the form of financial assistance, books and educational materials, school supplies, school uniforms and clothes.
I served the Student Government of my university for two years and took this opportunity to contribute. Daan Banwang became our adopted community. Together with the student publication of my school, we gathered donations from our fellow students to give to the pupils in the community. We sponsored activities like Christmas parties where we gave out gifts. We also provided financial incentives to the top students in each grade level.
At the end of my father’s second year of service at Daan Banwang, with the financial assistance from different entities, they were able to construct a new building where learning can become more conducive for the pupils. The school has also improved in many other aspects.
The lesson I learned from this experience is that we can all contribute in making education better for everyone. We need not be teachers to take on the responsibility.
But the community still faces many problems. Many pupils walk kilometers just to get to Daan Banwang. Some of them graduate in elementary but most could not make it to high school. The nearest secondary school will take more than an hour on foot. That is the easy part. The more difficult part is that they already need to wear uniform and buy school supplies.
While it is DepEd’s policy not to impose contributions, many schools still enforce payment. The PTA fees are the lifeblood of the school’s operations because the allocation from the government is never enough.
We’ve been told and taught that education is free. Believe me, it never is, even in public schools. And the teachers’ vision alone won’t make education available to everyone. Sure, they can make a difference to many students. We private individuals can also make a difference to one, few or even many. Still, “many” does not mean “all”.
I know that others can relate to my story. The media has given accounts of teachers and private individuals who work to provide a better learning experience to students, even to those who live in the mountains.
Education is the beginning and the opportunities it provides have no end.
With education, we can all have a higher quality of life with the start at getting a job. With a job, we can eat enough meals, have a place to live in and gain access to health services. Education opens the doors to continuous growth and improvement.
I look forward to the time when education will not anymore see the difference between the rich and the poor; the time when it is already a right and not a privilege; the time when education is for everyone.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Nobody, Nobody But YOU
For some reason, I am fixated to this Korean song. And there is no more fitting line than Nobody, Nobody But You to express how I feel. Haha. So I have this crush on this certain guy. And literally, I feel crushed.
That's why it's called a "crush" because having one crushes you. Am I even making sense?! Whatever. I (hopefully) will get over this SOON, before that new audit engagement starts.
That's why it's called a "crush" because having one crushes you. Am I even making sense?! Whatever. I (hopefully) will get over this SOON, before that new audit engagement starts.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Ninoy
When Cory died last August 1 until her burial, I wasn't able to personally participate in the nation's movement to honor her. I was focused on the Juniors' training which ended last August 7. I only received text updates from my mother who was so into the entire thing.
She even said that only a stone wouldn't cry when this certain bishop recounted the life of Cory.
My mother also told me that Cory's death is reminiscent of February 1986 People Power Revolution. Even if GenSan was not directly affected by the abuse of the Marcos regime (which equals to Marcos himself), my parents participated in mass prayer rallies. She was then pregnant with me.
While she was recounting her experiences, I strongly felt the connection between my existence and People Power Revolution. I probably got my great sense of justice from my parents and the environment during the time when I was still in my mother's tummy. By the time I was born, I already enjoyed the freedom that they fought so hard for.
I never really had much interest in that part of the history of the Philippines. I probably know more about the pre-Spanish period as well as the colonization of Spain. I don't remember detailed accounts of the 1970s to 1980s events.
But it's not too late yet to learn more about my nation's history and the legacy that the people who fought for democracy have left us.
Below is the poem written by Nonoy during his stay in prison/confinement:
“I am burning the candle of my life
in the dark
with no one to benefit from its light.
The candle slowly melts away
soon its wick will be burned out,
and the light is gone!
If someone will only gather
the melted wax, reshape it,
give it a new wick -
for another fleeting moment
my candle can once again
light the dark
be of service
one more time
and then -
Goodbye"
Let us be the ones who will gather the melted wax; and keep the candle burning always.
She even said that only a stone wouldn't cry when this certain bishop recounted the life of Cory.
My mother also told me that Cory's death is reminiscent of February 1986 People Power Revolution. Even if GenSan was not directly affected by the abuse of the Marcos regime (which equals to Marcos himself), my parents participated in mass prayer rallies. She was then pregnant with me.
While she was recounting her experiences, I strongly felt the connection between my existence and People Power Revolution. I probably got my great sense of justice from my parents and the environment during the time when I was still in my mother's tummy. By the time I was born, I already enjoyed the freedom that they fought so hard for.
I never really had much interest in that part of the history of the Philippines. I probably know more about the pre-Spanish period as well as the colonization of Spain. I don't remember detailed accounts of the 1970s to 1980s events.
But it's not too late yet to learn more about my nation's history and the legacy that the people who fought for democracy have left us.
Below is the poem written by Nonoy during his stay in prison/confinement:
“I am burning the candle of my life
in the dark
with no one to benefit from its light.
The candle slowly melts away
soon its wick will be burned out,
and the light is gone!
If someone will only gather
the melted wax, reshape it,
give it a new wick -
for another fleeting moment
my candle can once again
light the dark
be of service
one more time
and then -
Goodbye"
Let us be the ones who will gather the melted wax; and keep the candle burning always.
Cory
No words will suffice how much Cory has done to our country.
One book isn't even enough simply to describe her.
So while reading some posts in Inquirer, here is what I got that somehow, in just a few sentences, speak a lot about her:
What is Cory Aquino’s legacy?
For the world, it’s the first of a series of peaceful overthrows of authoritarian rulers, spreading to Eastern Europe. For the country, maybe it’s democracy with a six-year limit for the presidency. (referring to the People Power Revolution)
For Filipinos, some have suggested it’s to show them the best they could be. For the journalists who were there, she gave them simply the best story they have ever covered.
One book isn't even enough simply to describe her.
So while reading some posts in Inquirer, here is what I got that somehow, in just a few sentences, speak a lot about her:
What is Cory Aquino’s legacy?
For the world, it’s the first of a series of peaceful overthrows of authoritarian rulers, spreading to Eastern Europe. For the country, maybe it’s democracy with a six-year limit for the presidency. (referring to the People Power Revolution)
For Filipinos, some have suggested it’s to show them the best they could be. For the journalists who were there, she gave them simply the best story they have ever covered.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Traffic
So very few activities consume me these days. But what should be the least among those happens to be what consumes me the most – commuting. Every day, I try to rationalize why it takes me 40 minutes to get to my office from my boarding house when it would take only 5-10 minutes if my I were back in GenSan riding my father’s motorcycle. Of course, I’m not in the position to complain. If I detest my situation so much, you would probably tell me to go back home. So I’m not complaining… just doing some thinking.
Here are some of the reasons. First, there are just so many commuters – employees, students, even the jobless; all of them trying to get a ride. Second, there are so many vehicles, both private and public means of transportation. The excessive number of private vehicles congests the streets. But I couldn’t blame the more financially fortunate people if they don’t care that their cars contribute to the heavy traffic. Who would want to suffer the discomfort of public transportation when you can ride in the comforts of your personal car? Though there is such thing as SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
Third, many establishments are congested in certain places. For instance, the biggest business firms are located in Makati. It follows that many employees would want to work here. I know of people from as far as Cavite and Laguna who commute everyday just to get to work. If only the resources and business opportunities are divided to the many places of this country, we wouldn’t suffer from endless traffic.
I admit that the government and some private organizations have made the life of commuters better through building the LRT and MRT. I hope more LRTs and MRTs will be built. And also, that the rich would do their part. If they can get to where they need to go through public transportation, please do so. Let us lessen the number of vehicles in the streets.
I personally try to make a difference, however small it may be. Actually, I don’t know if it would make a difference at all to other people. But it makes much difference to me. Since my place is not too far away from the office, I walk to get to the boarding house in the evening. I am giving one person a space in the jeepney. And I take only one ride in the morning, instead of two since I walk some distance to get to where I used to take my 2nd ride.
This traffic issue is much more than what I talk about. So for those who have the concrete answers, and especially to those who can make the answers a reality, please, please, make all the difference and make the world a better place.
Here are some of the reasons. First, there are just so many commuters – employees, students, even the jobless; all of them trying to get a ride. Second, there are so many vehicles, both private and public means of transportation. The excessive number of private vehicles congests the streets. But I couldn’t blame the more financially fortunate people if they don’t care that their cars contribute to the heavy traffic. Who would want to suffer the discomfort of public transportation when you can ride in the comforts of your personal car? Though there is such thing as SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
Third, many establishments are congested in certain places. For instance, the biggest business firms are located in Makati. It follows that many employees would want to work here. I know of people from as far as Cavite and Laguna who commute everyday just to get to work. If only the resources and business opportunities are divided to the many places of this country, we wouldn’t suffer from endless traffic.
I admit that the government and some private organizations have made the life of commuters better through building the LRT and MRT. I hope more LRTs and MRTs will be built. And also, that the rich would do their part. If they can get to where they need to go through public transportation, please do so. Let us lessen the number of vehicles in the streets.
I personally try to make a difference, however small it may be. Actually, I don’t know if it would make a difference at all to other people. But it makes much difference to me. Since my place is not too far away from the office, I walk to get to the boarding house in the evening. I am giving one person a space in the jeepney. And I take only one ride in the morning, instead of two since I walk some distance to get to where I used to take my 2nd ride.
This traffic issue is much more than what I talk about. So for those who have the concrete answers, and especially to those who can make the answers a reality, please, please, make all the difference and make the world a better place.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Problem me
When you have resented computers and computer work all your life, then you end up in audit, you’re in big trouble…. As I am now.
I could have chosen to go back to teaching. Or I could work for NGOs and directly serve the less fortunate. I could have taken any job that won’t deal with programs and computer stuff where I could excel, especially if all it needs is talking. That surely is something I’m good at. I could take up law or graduates studies. But I didn’t. I made this choice. Haha. I don’t even know why. I listened to earthly and non-earthly voices and this was their answer.
I am in my weakest these days – worse than having to dance or sing. While some people need only a few minutes to master the systems and softwares, I couldn’t even follow simple instructions. So I’m often stranded, taking hours before moving on.
I may sound as if I’m complaining. Maybe I am. But I don’t mean to. Who am I complaining to? And what is my complaint? It all boils down to the big and another ME. If others can do all those stuff, I’m expected to do the same, with no excuses.
Oh this is life. And I have to accept this without grumbling. Anyway, this isn’t about doing favor to the company I’m working for or the clients I will be serving. This is even for the big ME again. Because life is about learning.
So now, I will be back to it.
I could have chosen to go back to teaching. Or I could work for NGOs and directly serve the less fortunate. I could have taken any job that won’t deal with programs and computer stuff where I could excel, especially if all it needs is talking. That surely is something I’m good at. I could take up law or graduates studies. But I didn’t. I made this choice. Haha. I don’t even know why. I listened to earthly and non-earthly voices and this was their answer.
I am in my weakest these days – worse than having to dance or sing. While some people need only a few minutes to master the systems and softwares, I couldn’t even follow simple instructions. So I’m often stranded, taking hours before moving on.
I may sound as if I’m complaining. Maybe I am. But I don’t mean to. Who am I complaining to? And what is my complaint? It all boils down to the big and another ME. If others can do all those stuff, I’m expected to do the same, with no excuses.
Oh this is life. And I have to accept this without grumbling. Anyway, this isn’t about doing favor to the company I’m working for or the clients I will be serving. This is even for the big ME again. Because life is about learning.
So now, I will be back to it.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Move
I miss this blog. Yeah, I did write that I will be moving to other sites but something came up; so I'm back!!!
I formally entered the world of audit a month ago. I already received my first pay but I won't be treating anyone.... yet. Work is still limited to photocopying, proofreading, casting, etc. The real work will start on August 3. Not that what I've been doing now isn't real work. Huh, if that officemate of mine would read this, he'd probably refute me, for the nth time. All he does is correct me!!!! Not that I'm infallible; but I'm also not brainless.
I've been moving a lot these days. From being a reviewee to an employee. From living in GenSan to living a Makati life. And today, I just moved to the 3rd floor from the 4th floor. Next week, I'll be moving from my boarding house in Kalayaan to a place nearer to my office. Well, I don't resent the moves.
I may have moved to being an employee but something has not changed. I will still be taking lots of company exams. And there will be grades. I will try to enjoy them. Learning is something that I always welcome...
Back to my notes now. Ciao
I formally entered the world of audit a month ago. I already received my first pay but I won't be treating anyone.... yet. Work is still limited to photocopying, proofreading, casting, etc. The real work will start on August 3. Not that what I've been doing now isn't real work. Huh, if that officemate of mine would read this, he'd probably refute me, for the nth time. All he does is correct me!!!! Not that I'm infallible; but I'm also not brainless.
I've been moving a lot these days. From being a reviewee to an employee. From living in GenSan to living a Makati life. And today, I just moved to the 3rd floor from the 4th floor. Next week, I'll be moving from my boarding house in Kalayaan to a place nearer to my office. Well, I don't resent the moves.
I may have moved to being an employee but something has not changed. I will still be taking lots of company exams. And there will be grades. I will try to enjoy them. Learning is something that I always welcome...
Back to my notes now. Ciao
Saturday, May 2, 2009
My Super Crush
Last month, I got hooked with the "Heroes" series. I'm done with the first three seasons and looking forward to the fourth. I heard about the series years ago. And the overwhelming response of the viewers. But since I claim to be against highly commercial shows, I chose not to be bothered. Well, changes. I'm now among the most avid fans.
And I met (as in met? hehe)my super crush Zachary, a.k.a. Sylar. He's supposed to be the villain in the show. But he's not. I claim that he's not. There are twists and turns. In the end, I know he will be a good guy (though he has killed a lot. huhu. violence can never be justified).
Check him out in the latest "Star Trek" movie. I was no fan of Star Trek. I am now. hehe. Ciao
Friday, April 17, 2009
Dropping by and Saying Hi!!!
Counting the days. Scared. Excited. More scared. In less than a month, I will face my biggest academic battle. This is heavier than the battle for graduation or maintaining grades during college. On May 10, I will only be a number - one out of some 4000 examinees who will take the board exams. I'm not favored. No more Mama and Ate to fight my battles. Or Sir Jet and Ma'am Tess to back me up. Doesn't count that Meng, Kris or Macky believe that I'm the best. Only me, the One-up-there and the preparation I had. Sadly, I can't bank on the latter.
Anyway, this is no time for regrets. No point for the what-I-could-have-done. Only to look forward positively and make the most of the very little time left. This is the greatest test of my character. In that respect, I intend to win, no matter what the result of the board exams is.
Funny. When I graduated, I thought I knew where I was going. The path was ahead. I only had to follow it. But now, my life is on hold. I will have to begin again. Start somewhere. I have a theory on this. It's called life syndrome. Hehe. Well, it's a wonderful life. I can only be happy. And hopefully, productive.
It ends here. For now.
Anyway, this is no time for regrets. No point for the what-I-could-have-done. Only to look forward positively and make the most of the very little time left. This is the greatest test of my character. In that respect, I intend to win, no matter what the result of the board exams is.
Funny. When I graduated, I thought I knew where I was going. The path was ahead. I only had to follow it. But now, my life is on hold. I will have to begin again. Start somewhere. I have a theory on this. It's called life syndrome. Hehe. Well, it's a wonderful life. I can only be happy. And hopefully, productive.
It ends here. For now.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Youngblood: A Sheep's Tale
I'm featuring my sister's essay which was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer last 03/07/2009.
Filed Under: Belief (Faith), Religion & Belief
I was born a Christian. My grandfather was a pioneering Methodist minister in the southern part of the Philippines. My father also served as vicar of a small community church for two years before he heeded a stronger calling and became a teacher.
As a kid, I enjoyed dressing up in my Sunday best, listening to Bible stories, and participating in children’s presentations on special occasions. But at the onset of my adolescent years, going to church suddenly became a burden, an unwanted responsibility rather than a joyful activity.
This was the stage of my life when I was fighting constantly with my mom, lying badly to my dad and acting indifferently to my younger siblings. Home wasn’t sweet for me.
Neither was school. I was barely passing the subjects I was taking. I was making more enemies than friends. I was among the least liked by my teachers. Most of the time, I was angry, drowning myself in self-pity and hating the world.
Then one late afternoon in school, I couldn’t get up from my seat. My legs had no strength. I had to be carried home.
The next day, I was diagnosed with a thyroid disease. My first thought was that I was being severely punished by God. I felt scared, vulnerable, lost. I felt dirty, ugly and sinful. I felt a strong need for answers, reassurance and restoration.
That was the turning point of my life. My mom guided me throughout the process. I was asking her questions about God. Was He quick to punish? Hard to please? Someone who keeps a list of my mistakes?
My mom reminded me of the stories I had heard when I was a child: about the birth and death of Jesus Christ, the Savior who came to pay for my sins with His own blood; the son of God who brought the promise of salvation to everyone who accepts Him as his personal Lord and Savior.
I was gripped with the desire to know more about this sacrifice. I started reading the Bible. I was enlightened, but daunted at the same time. Accepting Jesus in my life would mean I had to become like a salt of the earth — exemplifying His teachings and serving as a role model to others. How could a messed up 15-year-old do that?
On my own I couldn’t, my mom told me. But if I invited the spirit of God to live within me and if I put my complete trust in the Lord, I would not go astray.
I listened to my mother. I asked for the Holy Spirit and He was given to me.
My transformation surprised everyone who knew me during those dark times of my life. I became a youth leader in church. I finished at the top of my class. I made my family proud. By doing my best for God, He lifted me up. I didn’t always win, but losing didn’t feel bad. I trusted God.
Of course, there were still dark moments. In fact, I have just recently gotten out of a three-year “cooling off period” with my Savior. After such a fulfilling relationship with Him, I had allowed myself to wander and became unfaithful. I thought I could afford to break a few rules that He might not notice. And the few became many and my conscience started to bother me. I was miserable but I was guilty, and I allowed my guilt to widen the space between God and me. But the Lord was always holding on to me and I managed to swim back to His wide open arms.
I know the future will not be easy. There will always be times when I would lose my way. There will always be temptations that just wouldn’t go away. There will always be moments of doubt.
But I also know that I will always be led back to the right path, like a sheep found by my shepherd, my God.
Angeli Benette S. Pidut, 24, works as an auditor in Gibraltar.
Filed Under: Belief (Faith), Religion & Belief
I was born a Christian. My grandfather was a pioneering Methodist minister in the southern part of the Philippines. My father also served as vicar of a small community church for two years before he heeded a stronger calling and became a teacher.
As a kid, I enjoyed dressing up in my Sunday best, listening to Bible stories, and participating in children’s presentations on special occasions. But at the onset of my adolescent years, going to church suddenly became a burden, an unwanted responsibility rather than a joyful activity.
This was the stage of my life when I was fighting constantly with my mom, lying badly to my dad and acting indifferently to my younger siblings. Home wasn’t sweet for me.
Neither was school. I was barely passing the subjects I was taking. I was making more enemies than friends. I was among the least liked by my teachers. Most of the time, I was angry, drowning myself in self-pity and hating the world.
Then one late afternoon in school, I couldn’t get up from my seat. My legs had no strength. I had to be carried home.
The next day, I was diagnosed with a thyroid disease. My first thought was that I was being severely punished by God. I felt scared, vulnerable, lost. I felt dirty, ugly and sinful. I felt a strong need for answers, reassurance and restoration.
That was the turning point of my life. My mom guided me throughout the process. I was asking her questions about God. Was He quick to punish? Hard to please? Someone who keeps a list of my mistakes?
My mom reminded me of the stories I had heard when I was a child: about the birth and death of Jesus Christ, the Savior who came to pay for my sins with His own blood; the son of God who brought the promise of salvation to everyone who accepts Him as his personal Lord and Savior.
I was gripped with the desire to know more about this sacrifice. I started reading the Bible. I was enlightened, but daunted at the same time. Accepting Jesus in my life would mean I had to become like a salt of the earth — exemplifying His teachings and serving as a role model to others. How could a messed up 15-year-old do that?
On my own I couldn’t, my mom told me. But if I invited the spirit of God to live within me and if I put my complete trust in the Lord, I would not go astray.
I listened to my mother. I asked for the Holy Spirit and He was given to me.
My transformation surprised everyone who knew me during those dark times of my life. I became a youth leader in church. I finished at the top of my class. I made my family proud. By doing my best for God, He lifted me up. I didn’t always win, but losing didn’t feel bad. I trusted God.
Of course, there were still dark moments. In fact, I have just recently gotten out of a three-year “cooling off period” with my Savior. After such a fulfilling relationship with Him, I had allowed myself to wander and became unfaithful. I thought I could afford to break a few rules that He might not notice. And the few became many and my conscience started to bother me. I was miserable but I was guilty, and I allowed my guilt to widen the space between God and me. But the Lord was always holding on to me and I managed to swim back to His wide open arms.
I know the future will not be easy. There will always be times when I would lose my way. There will always be temptations that just wouldn’t go away. There will always be moments of doubt.
But I also know that I will always be led back to the right path, like a sheep found by my shepherd, my God.
Angeli Benette S. Pidut, 24, works as an auditor in Gibraltar.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
