Teacher's teacher

As a senior and elderly, the question is as fresh as ever: Why are the crime doers lording it over crime busters?

One has just to sit in front of a television set to see the world beset by these very confident evil doers: robbery, hold up, murder, rape, intense protests that lead to destruction and loss of life, bullying that sometimes leads to suicide of those being bullied, persistent racial discrimination even to this day etcetera, etcetera . . .

Let us bring all these crimes closer to home. A freshman college student (16 years old) was raped by a married man who has children of his own; this rapist is known to have done it to a number of girls - he stationed himself in front of schools to take a good look at his next victim . . . as though he had all the time in the world although they say he has the financial means and the connections. Then we hear of rape victims who are differently-abled we are left gnashing at the culprit for being so inhumane and utterly evil.  A college instructor was attacked, "almost beheaded", robbed and left dead on the road, few miles from his home while his parents were waiting for his arrival. Many other scenarios all you and I have to do is to look around our own little communities and take a more active interest in caring what is happening. So what do we do after all this awareness? Do we give up and agree that indeed the crime doers do lord over the crime busters?

Tentatively as a senior and elderly crime watcher, I must admit there are occasions when I can only entrust everything to God for what can old people do who do not have the power, the financial means and armament to back up should they receive threats themselves? However, deep in our gut, because of our belief in the basic goodness of persons, we canNOT give up and give these evil doers the time of day. They may get away with the crimes they have done for they are used to it they have become calloused and "heartless" but the crime busters remain in their posts. May there be more crime busters who hold their posts in their own homes, in their barangays, in their respective communities, in their own regions and countries. The good will always triumph over evil says God so in God's time, in God;s time.

So as to the question why do crime doers lord over the crime busters, the real answer is: in God's own time they never do!

When you sea of people in an auditorium you are already awed at how many people are involved for any graduation. then when you shake hands with every graduate you think all the more what the parents have done to make the day extra special for their graduates. So what is a good gift for a graduate?

From experience, a gift is always a nice gesture of care. Sometimes, we expect a gift to look expensive so it means you are special. Sometimes, the wrapper also says you are not taken for granted for the gift is well thought of. Yet while all these are good to consider, a gift is better all the time if it is something that comes from the heart. Most of all, presence is more important than presents. Since we are aware of the financial condition of the family, gifts matter but not that it is the only thing that matters. A hug or a kiss from parents and siblings is more meaningful than a package which we know can be bought anywhere for as long as one buys it. Nobody can buy a hug or a kiss or love shown through one's time spent during the whole graduation rite.

So what is the best gift you can give to a graduate? Love, the ever genuine love that makes any event significant and memorable. Love is the best gift which does not need money. Most of all it is a reality everyone is capable of giving!

Grade VI Teachers of Malaybalay City Central School

Heidi E. Palmada, T2 Adviser VI-Beryl

Irene A. Dinlayan, T1 Adviser VI-Ruby

Susan T. Manalo T3 Adviser VI-Emerald

Jerlinda J. Taghap, T3 Adviser VI-Jade

Francia D. Pailagao, H.E. Teacher

Jerry A. Lava, T1 School Paper Adviser, English

Lenilyn G. Sarauz, T1 Adviser VI-Chrysolite

Federica B. Melig, T3 Adviser VI-Sapphire

Sylvela Anglique B. Macapundag, T1 Adviser VI-Amethyst

Persie B. Respito, MT2 Adviser VI-Aquamarine

Leonora J. Dumaque, MTI Adviser VI- diamong

Valerie de Leon, MT2 Adviser VI-Gold

Mrs. Ma. Antonietta S. Reburiano, Elementary School Principal

 HONOR ROLL of the Graduating class, Malaybalay City Central School, 2011-2012

Daisy Monica Venci Orate 

Dennise Johnfled Pabillaran

Princess Lou-Adarne Carpentero

Maria Teresa Reyes Flores

Jairah Francisco Paguray

Melu Jaen Homoc Bago

Allen Mae Palmes Apolinares

Special Mention

Thimothy Richard C. Estrada

Nathalie G. Solatorio

Jerick E. Achacoso

Sandi C. Tuyogon

Bea Roselle J. Somera

                                                        Adrian Alvinson B. Nazareno

Liezel B. Tulang

Brent Louisse Guinita

Anne roselle L. Asibal

RustinVincentM. Ocab

Princess Mary Edjulie T. Pocong

Mary Charish Diane D. Quinal

Kreeschianelle Dew L. Aclo  

Being the Commencement Speaker and fulfilling part of my promise to tell the whole world about this graduation, the list of Grade VI teacher under the leadership of their principal is posted. Furthermore, the pupils who were declared members of the Honor roll and Special Mention are posted.

To the Teachers, Kudos for the good job at teaching the 462 graduates. to the Honor Roll and Special Mention groups, Congratulations!

Excerpts, excerpts . . .

Do you know someone can be schooled but NOT educated? This means someone can go to school for a long time but never gets educated. This "schooler" does not use whatever is learned to actual use: remains disrespectful, disobedient, unhelpful and unwise. Yet, someone as young as you are, are not only schooled but are educated as well so you are respectful, obedient, helpful and wise.

As your Commencement Speaker I am given the opportunity to share what I learned from all the experiences I did not just go to school to learn but got educated along the way. I will share r talking points and end with some practical tips.

     First point: Remember I am an elementary graduate of Malaybalay Elementary School myself, graduated First Honorable Mention. I would like to acknowledge my teachers Ma'am Guzman, Ma'am Gamboa, Ma'am Rosete, Ma'am Lim, Ma'am Barroso, Sir Romo,  Ma'am Cruzado. My prayers to my mentors who have already passed away and are now in God's embrace. That's why we have to be grateful for the elementary education, basic education, we received. A very big round of applause to our teachers in Malaybalay Central Elementary School. 

     Second point: Today, you are graduating from the elementary. High school is waiting and with it comes bigger tasks that demand discipline. It will mean new friends, some good and some not so good. Your parents will be your best reminders of what lies ahead. At this juncture, may I request all the graduates to stand as we enter into a pact.Please raise your right hands and repeat after me: I _______________ (say your name) commit myself to complete my high school education and if at all possible pursue a college degree. Doing this I use it as my gift of learning to the next generation who will in turn use it as their tool for nation building. So help me God.

     Third point:In the course of responding to life's trials challenges, use this survival kit like a Girl Scout or Boy Scout. Make sure you have the correct priorities in life: God, family, country. Be a leader when there is need for one but a member when it is called by the moment. Some ways you do but some times, your family matters the most and in some occasion, let God. At this juncture, look at your parents lovingly and give them a "flying kiss". Let us give our parents and our guardians, a very proper round of applause.

     Fourth point: Struck with inspiration, I came up with a poem just for you, dear graduates. (This poem was already shared in an earlier blog...) Gift of Learning then and now shared to MCES graduates of 2011-2012.

     Fifth and last point: Malaybalay is the city I was born in and also the place where I'd like to be buried in. In your case, you have just hurdled elementary so you still have a long way to go. DREAM BIG and allow yourself to dream even bigger.

     Beloved graduates, may these five talking points be some foods for thought you can bring home with you and do something as you go on responding to what God has prepared for you.

     CONGRATULATIONS and GOD BLESS.