Teacher's teacher

After a hiatus, here's Teacher's teacher coming back with a bang! Teaching and Non-Teaching personnel of Bukidnon State University, Malaybalay, Bukidnon Philippines went on an educational field trip. From Teacher's teacher a sincere thank you to the Board of Regents-particularly to Dr. Victor M. Barroso, BSU president.

Some highlights: It was a trip that was both gratifying and dissatisfying. The so-called tourists were treated to various kinds of food but not to well worth seeing tourist spots. Unfortunately, the food that was served was not of the best kind so much so the others availed of it because it was served but not to savor and enjoy. The so-called scenic spots did not give justice to what tourism hopes to instill in the minds of travellers. Since the package was meant to educate, questions crop up: Was the trip meant to make good its promise to broaden the horizons of the employees and really to use the opportunity to learn and "feel good" and resolve to do better as a member of the BSU community? Will there be an evaluation after every batch of tourists so that the next time - if ever there is another one - will be better organized, scrutinized and honestly crafted? Were there others - the chosen ones - who availed of the funds intended for every employee but used it to go on an Asian tour package instead of the Pampanga-Tagaytay Philippines package? Why? Why? Why? What is the real score about it? Where is transparency? Will this always be the case because they are the chosen ones? When will this end??? Who will account for the amount allotted for each employee? Are we entitiled to know where money went? who received what? Are we to expect that when we comment like this, we will no longer expect educational trips? Will there be repercussions when the real score has to be dealt with?

Still appreciation is due where it should be - after all not every institution has this privilege. Amidst undertakings, there are always good and not so good aspects so when things are said and done, thanks goes to the people who made the educational trip possible. Someday, Teacher's teacher will write again and hopefully by then, the educational trip will live up to what it is envisioned to be. . .

Calling all those concerned who were part of the educational trips: first, second or third batch - feel free to give additional feedback. Are you brave enough?

On our part, the educational trip began when Teacher's teacher met Mindanaoan after April 25 and the grand experiences continued up to April 30. Open Malaybalayan.com for the details.

Kaamulan is a yearly celebration in Bukidnon, Philippines. "Kaamulan" is a Bukidnon term for "gathering". We have so many reasons to gather especially these days when "election fever" is upon us and more importantly when all my children have come home to witness the "Street Dancing" competition on March 6, 2010 and to be together as a family.

What used to be ordinary situation when our children are under our care, their presence is easy to expect. It becomes more difficult when one by one they graduate and find their "place in the sun". They leave "the nest" and prefer to stay in bigger cities where they rent a room and live independently. Gone are the days when they can come home anytime because they have their own commitments. While all these changes are happening, we cannot but just pray for their safey and success in all their undertakings.

Now we wonder no more because this is the path we also went through before we became parents ourselves. In the meantime, Teacher's teacher just wants to savor these few days of togetherness, no money can compensate.

Let this "Kaamulan 2010" become your "Kaamulan" too.

At a time when cynicism and indifference have become the citizen's reaction to what is happening in society, the ruling of the Supreme Court in the Philippines to consider the appointed officials deemed resigned once they run for political post, is timely. This way, the politicians cannot use their present status as an edge over the opponents. Now, there is equal playing field. The administration did not waste time of course and filed for reconsideration.

The aforementioned situation should not have reached the Supreme Court. The ones concerned should have taken upon themselves the initiative to resign but they did not, so a concerned citizen had to risk and filed the case. We really need this kind of "watch dog" and we hope they will multiply their kind nowadays.

Let us be vigilant!

Today, we went to Musuan, Bukidnon, Philippines to condole with the grieving family of Laura Dumaguit Obsioma. Janett, her husband Jess and her son, Alaine, were my companions. When we arrived, Laura's husband, Rudy, told us how our classmate died. It was unexpected since almost everyone vouched they just spoke with her; but we know death is really like a "thief in the night" such that we go when our time is up.

In our conversation we brought up why we did not see each other more often. Yes, this is one thing we seem to forego due to our busy schedule. Perhaps, we can give this more thought and consider it for future reference: visit a friend, especially someone you would normally not seek out. During this Lenten season, it can be one way to make peace with God.

Laura, my high school classmate, you met us with your unique smile when we viewed your earthly body. We sensed you were happy to see Janett and I visit you and offer prayers for you. Classmate, do pray for us too.

Eternal rest grant unto Laura O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

At last, the Filipino World War II Veterans, now old and grey, received their lump sum benefit from the United States government. At least, each veteran would receive approximately half a million pesos or 13,000 dollars (7.2 billion dollars paid by the US government for all of them).

Did you see some of the veterans who came to beat the deadline? We hope each of them was able to claim. To see them come-some already in wheelchairs or too old to even come alone - gripped our hearts with empathy/sympathy for them. We could not help but ask: "Did it have to be given after so many years of waiting?" "Would it be just not to give any amount to the lawful spouse of the veteran-after all these years"? "Would this be another matter of indirectly being told - complain no more, be happy you received something" - Lump Sum Benefit, better late than never at all.

So even with hesitation we thank the US government just the same.

To the WWII veterans, we are happy for you. We may not have done anything to fight for your fight but we know you deserve all the acknowledgment and admiration for all your heroism. History would vindicate you and God knows too well whom to reward and providentially the other kind of payment in His heaven would be more than all the dollars or pesos in the world.

God bless heroes!

While "El Nino" is not a new phenomenon in the Philippines and its devastation already felt in the past, it is still unbelievable when it is here to prove its power. The news has cited many agricultural areas that looked arid and the crops stunted or its harvest below the usual expected limit.

While this is happening with the weather, our attention is caught when the Commission on Election (COMELEC) tells the movie stars to file leave of absence if they endorse politicians or face jail time. Some big names like Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda expressed their concern for such a curtailment and requested for broader understanding. ANC discussed this further in Media in Focus and Adel Tamano was one of the guests who shared that while Ogie Alcasid endorsed him as Senator the actor was not paid. Consequently, COMELEC ruled that this ban will depend on the network where the stars work.

So our weather is hit by "El Nino" while our politicians are hit by "COMELEC". Hopefully, the weather will improve through the arrival of rain and cloud seeding; the politicians avail of the services of the movie and tv stars as the latter are filipinos too and have their own freedom of expression.

We will follow this up with more discussion. We have up to before May 10, 2010!