Great devides

November 7 2007
Ms. Jeniffer S. Francisco
Textual analysis


What can the school do to be truly an agent of equality?

Social stratification always takes place in a society. There can be no social stratification without society.Social stratification is the division of a society into different hierarchical classes of people to a certain criteria. The scale of division is from the highest to the lowest class. In some countries, social stratification is very rigid. Take the caste of India. The people are classified according to Brahmans,Kshatriya's, Vaisyas, Sudra's and pariahs, are the outcast or untouchables. The people of one cast do not usually associate with the people of another caste. One cannot get out of his own caste and join another caste so easily. However, some efforts are being exerted to lessen the rigidity of the caste system. Social stratification in a democratic country like the Philippines is not, very rigid. Classification is loose and based merely on the general perception of the people. The classes do not have any distinct nor clear- cut divisions. The people are merely divided according to socio- economic criteria which never have any definite limits or boundaries.Thus, some people are considered to belong to the upper class,to the middle class, and the rest to the lower class but exactly were the dividing lines are located is not known. People may also be classified as very rich, rich, fairly rich, poor, very poor. Social status is the social class to which one belongs. It is the class into which he's social-economic standing fits. Social status maybe ascribed or achieved. Ascribed status is due to the accident. It is the class into which one is born. if one is born into a rich family, then he belongs to a rich class. If one is born into a poor family, then he belongs to a poor class. Achieved status is earned or acquired by means of talent and effort-making capacity on individual or by force of circumstances. Nora Aunor climed the social ladder through her singing talent and acting ability coupled with hard work. Vilma Santos rose from obscurity to prominence through her acting ability and hard work too. Education is probably the best and surest way of improving social status but much effort must be exerted to obtain one. There also instances when one climes to social ladder by force of circumstances. When a poor girl marries a rich boy then she becomes a member of the rich class. And so with a poor boy who marries a rich girl.

I AM A TEACHER

November 7 2007
Ms. Jeniffer S. Francisco
Reflection

I AM A TEACHER but I never dream to be one. If not because of my parents who encouraged me particularly my mother I will never be a teacher by profession. As I can still remember when I was a child I saw my mother performed her different roles in life- a mother, to her children, a wife, and a career woman ( an elementary teacher ). There were several instances when my father and mother had misunderstanding because of her job. I also witnessed how she handled some difficult situation in made decision for her family and profession. when one of my siblings got sick and mom had to attend a seminar. but she never gave up those situation made me realized that being a teacher is not so easy theres a lot of responsibilities attached to it and you will never become rich in terms of worldly possessions, that's why when I took the entrance exam in college,education is never included in my choices. But every time I asked my mother..." Why did you choose to be a teacher, even if you know that you will never become rich? But her answer is always the same every time she answered, enthusiasm and pride is there......" I am not after the materials things or worldly profession but I am keeping my treasures in heaven. her answer made me ponder, and I become curious. until I become a teacher and now I understand what she meant. treasures, she's referring to were good deed she'd done to her students when she was still in the teaching profession. even now, she still wanted to teach but because of her health condition she can't materialized what she wanted.and I felt sorry for her. I know how much she loved teaching. she committed her life for her students and gave her best for her profession. as my legacy, I'm continuing her dreams. with my teaching experiences for almost ten years I had an in depth understanding of what my mother was saying. treasures are the good deeds you've done to your students. touching and changing their lives to become worthy individuals.

I am very grateful to my parents especially to my mother, i9f not because of her I will never experience the joy of being GOD's instrument of his noble mission

Sapagkay Kami'y Tao Lamang ( A reflection on being more human ) Father Ruben J. Villote

November 4 2007


Ms. Jeniffer S. Francisco



" Sapagkat Kami'y Tao Lamang" is a song about our human condition. While it acknowledges the moral primacy of conscience. ( Kahit Diyos na ang may Utos ), it also humbly accepts our human powerlessness over the dictates of our feelings and emotions. ( Damdaman din ang siyang Nasusunod ). However the song can be made to sound like an act of surrender to our human weakness, an act of despair or even over the impotence of man to transcend himself. ( O, kay saklap ng Buhay! )
The human condition is not really as bleak and bitter as the song would want as to believe. If there are bleak and bitter cases of human misery, depravity, and other over publicized symbols of man's surrender to his weak and fallen human nature, there are also brave and beautiful cases of human achievements, virtue and a thousand other unpublicized symbols of man's triumphs over human weakness. But it is often our weak and defeated side that we seem to want to glamorize- the unfaithful husband, the wayward wife, the prostitute, the bandit, the married priest - and we try to get the audience to shed a tear, hero- worship, and even emu-emulate them for " being human " Sapagkat sila'y Tao Lamang ).
We don't seem to realize that being truly human is to proudly accept the fact that we have the power to become the best thing in all creation precisely because it is the human person, and no other, that God created in his own image ( Gen 2 ). To belittle this fact is to say that man is only an animal, and that human society is a society of animals that look like men, and men who look like animals. If this is what we call " Human condition," then sapagkat kami'y tao lamang which means to reject the capacity of man to rise above his human condition, is not a love song but a dirge.
But man is not tao lamang ( Only Human ) in the sense that he must always succumb as a rule to his baser nature. Man is tao, yes, and he is proud of it because being tao ( Human ) means being Lord, not the slave, of God's creation. He can be a slave if he wants to- slave to money, power and his body- but then, being a slave means being less human.
Sapagkat Kami'y Tao Lamang, therefore should never be used as an excuse for irresponsibility. Instead,it should be taken as a humble acceptance of the fact that man alone ( tao lamang ), without his God, is bound to fail. " Without me, " Christ said, " you can do nothing" ( John 15:5 ). for being merely human can be a boringly close- ended existence. It begins today and ends tomorrow. Everything merely human exhaust itself, and even our most exciting human experience of fulfillment leaves behind and after taste of sadness. And yet the human heart reaches out for some more as if it is made to be happy with what is here and now. And if it does not find it anywhere, it cries out, " O,kay sklap ng buhay."
But this is what it feels to be merely human precisely because being such means being alone without the consciousness of an in exhaustible presence. This presence is what the easter experience is all about. It puts man in the context of a constant living presence which makes him shout with joy, " Hindi na ako tao lamang sapagkat ang Diyos ay kasama ko." ( I am no longer merely human because God is with me ). This "theological" reflection on the song may sound irrelevant to those who do not believe, but those who believe know that it is true because they see it alive in stable and happy marriages, in joyous and meaningful celibate lives, in honest and committed public service, in beautiful and lasting friendship. These serve as symbols of the human possibility of being man-alone and yet also being- with- someone to a point were one can say with conviction, " see, if I can do it, you can do it, sapagkat tayo'y tao nga pero hindi tao lamang!"


Fr. Ruben J. Villote, Sapagkat Kami'y Tao Lamang? and other Filipino christian reflections ( Manila: communication Foundation for Asia, 1980 ),pp. 5-7








Textual Analysis


I agree with Fr. Ruben J. Villote that the song Sapagkat kami'y tao lamang is man's surrender to his human frailties or weaknesses. Beings must be judged not only to their origins but also as to their ends, it is now time for us to look into the end of man. Is he just a forlorn leaf tossed about by uncaring winds? Is he just a biological accident with nowhere to go? If the impetus for life's beginning comes from someone bigger than man, then its directions and terminus must be relevant, If we believed that we are God's masterpiece then all life is cut out determinately toward an end, which is the fullness of being. this stems from the only tree realities of life, Truth, and Love, realities which converge in the reality of the absolute thou. Man's end is God. Man seeks God because God is good. every activity, scientific or artistic, academic or technical, has for its purpose the realization and attainment of something good. It is possible for man to mistake what is good for him, but it is quite impossible for him not to desire that which is good. But the human intellect does not always comprehend what is true, and the will, weakened as it is by human frailties, does not always desire what is really good. too often he yearns only for imperfect goods of this earth: The money, The glitter, The prestige, The power, all like secondhand objects, when he could have the "real thing," these ( thought not all the time ) and the sum mun Bonum or God.
Good maybe imperfect, that is, that which can satisfy limitedly the different powers of a human being. It maybe perfect, that is, that which can satisfy completely and without end the totality of a human being. as there is only one absolute last end, so there is only one perfect Good-GOD.

Marvelous is the name of the Lord

November 4 2007


Ms. Jeniffer S. Francisco




One Sunday morning, when I turned on the television, I was caught by a usual Sunday T.V. program showcasing the T.V. Mass and the celebrant was Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite.
The part of the mass that fascinated me and left a great impression was that, when the priest gave the homely and share his readings and experiences about the gospel. these are the important points that trucked me.

• Never claim that the power is yours, it is from the Lord.
• The real secure man is truly a humble one- we should not be proud and arrogant of what we achieved, but we should be thankful for it is a blessing.
• We don't have to prove our wealth for it is already known.
• Always give credit to the Lord for our accomplishments.
• The name of the Lord is Marvelous - always give credit to the Lord for his marvelous deeds.

• Those who do good just to be recognized are being payed for what they have done and they will not be rewarded in heaven.

Therefore, we don't have a reason to be proud and arrogant and belittle others, for everything that we have and achieved are blessings from the Lord. And we should returned to the Lord what he deserves.

How do I view Death?

November 4 2007


Ms. Jeniffer S. Francisco




Several times I've been at the crossroad of life and death. Thank GOD He give me a chance to live. I am not afraid to die but what hinders me are my children. From my readings I quote " The last inscrutable limits is the ultimate boundary of death which has been strikingly neglected in the literature of modern ethics, but which is a constant theme of existentialist literature. This has strengthened the impression that there is something gloomy and morbid about this philosophy. But it all depends on the attitude we take towards everyday life. If this life is sound and healthy,there is something in this objection. But the existentialist thinkers do not agree.they offer evidences to show that this life is governed by ambiguity and confusion . these are manifested in a loss of self and distracted care of things. This everyday life misunderstood its limits and evades its real responsibilities. It is not sound and healthy. The existentialists find this judgment strikingly confirmed by a close study of the common attitude towards death.
Death is an evident limit that every person must face.But in everyday life, we find ourselves constantly evading and suppressing the thought of death. It is not a subject for polite conversation. When unavoidable, it is referred to in indirect and euphemistic ways. Great pains are taken to conceal his approaching death from the stricken person . Many devices are used to evade this inescapable fact.
One admits that this death is certain, but when it will come is indeterminate. these are the clear-cut. But one introduces an interesting qualification he says; Yes, it is certain sometimes, but not right away. This is a significant dilution of the facts. His immediate cares and plans are safeguarded. His life is not projected to the very end, but only up yo the certain point. This segment is perhaps exempt from death. The test is vague and confused. Up to a certain point,uncertainty is similarly excluded. after awhile, yes uncertainty. But not for a little while. This is clearly an evasion, for the evident truth is that death may come at any moment. certain moment must be protected from this future. One thinks of his life as a series of successive events, one following after another. Death itself is a last event which will finally be there but maybe for sometimes postponed. these equivocations are false and unauthentic, a flight from the boundary of death.
The authentic person does not run from any fact. He meditates upon it-not as a finished event that will sometime be there, but as the end that lies ahead of him in terms of which he can project his existence as a whole. He knows that it is certain, and that it may strike at any moment, even the next. He does not try to dilute these facts. How will this influence him? Will it not drive him away from all postponement, and lead him to recognize the importance of this very moment? Must he not act now in such a way that should death strikes, His whole life may have some total significance? will he not, then, try to gather himself together and strive to concentrate the4 whole of his being in decisive action here and now? As the existentialist sees it, this is not morbid, but rather the way of integrity and freedom.
So far we have considered certain external phases of human being; being-in-the-world, with others and the final limits that restrict this being. Now we must turn again to the constitutive phases of this being; awareness, care, time, and history. these also maybe maintained in a authentic manner. I strongly believed that life is a gift and death is certain, it is not something to be afraid of but something to prepare for. So while I'm living in this world I make the best because when death comes I have nothing to regret for.

" Always keep the candle lighted"

November 4 2007


Ms. Jeniffer S. Francisco





I regularly watched the Sunday T.V. Mass in Studio 23, Where Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite S.V.D was the celebrant. I liked the way he explained the gospel. H e used analogies in making things simple out of complexities. As I recall the homely last October 21, he shared a poem about 2 frogs, who both fell in the deep cream. The first frog accepted his fate, then bade goodbye and drowned. While the second frog could not accept to die without doing anything. He said " I can't give up and I wont give in." So, he just swam and swam over the cream until it became hard and the frog came out and survived.
According to him persistence is the name of the game. To continue hoping and believing that victory will come. It is so easy to succumb to discouragement, but persistence to do good will overcome evil. And remember that faith is not always walking in the light but persistence in believing while walking in the dark.

Why? And Why? Behind the Why?

November 4, 2007

Ms. Jeniffer S. Francisco






As I stood amidst the crowd of different people from all walks of lives,with different faces and stories,phenomenally brought together by a common aspirations. I silently listened to their real drama, then I asked myself-" Am I not satisfied of what I have now? Why do I have to continuously studying? I reflected and finally find the answers to my questions- YES!,I am not yet satisfied of what I have now and what I give to my family. Just like other parents, I want to give the best for my family...... and education is the answer. But pursuing my post graduate studies is not easy, especially to a mother like me, who is playing several roles in my own untelevised drama. A daughter yo a paralyzed mother, A sister, A wife, A mother to two children and a career woman. several times I've encountered hardships and trials that my human weakness almost dragged me down.But through the help of my understanding mentor who keeps on encouraging me to go on till the end, and also my determination to give my family a better and brighter future serves as the motivating factor to keep me going. There are times that I asked myself the same question but I am not convince of my answer, as if I am just convincing myself that all my sacrifices is really for my family or maybe it is only for my personal satisfaction. sometimes I feel guilty when my kids asked me.........." Mommy bakit ka pa po nag- aaral eh teacher ka na? "And I answered back......." Para ma permanent na si mommy at ng hindi na tayo mahirapan finacially........"Which is not really true because for a fact that even if I finished my post graduate studies there is no assurance that I will be given a permanent appointment. Nowadays, its so hard to be given a permanent appointment.But one thing is for sure, I am happy of what I am doing.I keep on burning the midnight oil not because I want to get high or decent grades for I know, grades do not really measure intelligence rather they gauge. Grades is not the driving force to keep me going. It is best to look at the larger picture, as I recall the old fable of the stone cutters: A visitor to a city found three men cutting stone and asked what they were doing. The first said," I'm obviously cutting stone, " The second replied; " I'm making a living for my family."The third declared with enthusiasm. " I'm building a cathedral. Its clear who among the three reaped joy and success from an otherwise tedious job. This assumes that what I am doing is indeed relevant to my life calling. I find dignity and meaning of my existence.

Nature's Wrath

October 30 2007



Ms. Jeniffer S. Francisco






You might have already read in the news paper or heard over the news about the alarming change in the climate in the world. this may have not interest you,since your attention is on political issues that confront our country especially the granting of presidential pardon to former pres. Estrada.you might have also wondered why the weather is quite not natural (experiencing. the freezing temperature in early morning and the heat of the sun when it is already 8 o'clock or nine) but since you have a lot of work and you are a busy person you think that this no worth your scrutiny. you might have heard somebody saying that there is a news that Aruba will be the first country which will be wiped out from the global map because of the rising sea level but you feel that it is impossible to happen or you must not care since it will not affect you, your not a citizen of Aruba anyway. But my friend; I am telling you, these occurrences are not worth our apathy. Before not deciding to know about these, think twice, you might wake up someday floating amidst the ocean; no more land to be found.This is not only an issue in America but it is a social issue of the whole world.
If we see the reason behind this,it can be revealed that it is due primarily to the increase of carbon dioxide and other gases in earth's atmosphere.while it is true that we need these gases to ensure the habitability of our planet because these provide heat to its surface,he abrupt increase in their amount led to the sudden increase of earth's temperature posing dangers already to us. we cant blame anybody else except ourselves for this occurrence . the global warming we experience is not a product of natural occurrences rather it is due to excessive human activities. by burning fossil fuel, use of chemical sprays, oil, and clearing out forests we paved way to the occurrence of this environmental concern. the evidence to this is overwhelming and reliable.
All indications are pointing to the fact that this crisis will pose immeasurable dangers to humans. Scientist have already seen the association between the catastrophic events that hit several countries in the world with this. they agreed in saying that this caused the number of hurricanes to double in 30 years. They also claimed that this will caused the glaciers to melt, making plants and animals react negatively to it. some species were even forced to change habitat forcing them to get nearer to the pole. the biodiversity is reported to have reduced causing the abrupt process of extinction several species of flora and fauna.
This is not the end of the story about the perverse effects of this problem. scientists are one in saying that if the increase in temperature will not decrease, people will experience the catastrophic consequences. Death will double in the next 25 years, global sea level will rise and sea will engulf low lying countries like Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and parts of Scandinavia, heat waves will be more intense, droughts and wildfire will occur more often, like what happened in California, the arctic ocean will be free of ice by 2025, and by this time more species will be driven to extinction. This is the sad reality that we are facing right now. But although our situation may appear to be hopeless, we can still do something to save mother earth and ourselves. In fact it is our moral obligation to do so. It is not yet too late for us to move. Let us just remember that we are contributors to the increase of carbon dioxide. By not burning things and by controlling our use of appliances, and chemical sprays which do emit CO2, we can help in helping the world not to experience the ill fate waiting ahead. Let us try to be more careful and conscious this time of what we do. Let us asses if our actions will further the damage we've caused to our planet. We know exactly the fact that there is no other planet that can offer life to us except this.
We are now being called to act, and it cannot Accommodate any postponements. We should act now before its too late.......before we regret of doing nothing to save this planet for the next generation.

A Letter by: Simeon B. Botor

A LETTER


11:00 pm
August 4, 2007


My Dear Blog,

I will tell you something. It concerns about my life – the first dawn of consciousness with awareness, the aspirations, the dreams and the experiences. It embraces my struggles, pains, loneliness, frustrations, happiness, and my very little success due to patience, perseverance, hardships, and determination. It divulges my beliefs, principles and philosophies which I hold and protect so dear and maintain throughout my life. It springs of course from my very self, from my family, close kins, neighbors, friends, associates, institutions and generally from the environment where I have been meshed. This disclosure might impute me whoever reads it of who and what I am and how I become. Nevertheless, anyone who has an access to such might be able to glean lesson or lessons and wisdom from it. Please understand me my blog if I present those above at random. Every item with or without title however, is closed by a short parallel line and the whole things would have the heading:


“THE MANY BITS OF MY LIFE”

The Many Things I Have To Be Thankful...

The Many Things I Have To Be thankful…
by:
Ma. Rowena M. Bayrante

There are so many things I have to be thankful. First and foremost, I am thankful for my parents for giving me the opportunity to live. Because of this I was able to experience how it is to cry and laugh. They tried to give me the best education that they can offer me by letting me pursue my course in one of the prestigious schools in the Philippines. This is despite their meager income and the uncertainty of me finishing the course that I have chosen. This in able me to showcase my talents and develop my personal being to the fullest.

I am also thankful for my brothers, sisters, my relatives and other members of my family who are ever willing to support and assist me in all my undertakings. Whether I succeed or not they are always there to accept me for what I am and not for what they expect me to be. Although I could say that I am more privileged educationally and intellectually, they treated me as a simple and ordinary person who is prone to commit mistakes and ever willing to change for the better. They never question my actions and kept their trust in me no matter what. They are always there whenever I need them may it be financially, emotionally or whatever kind.

I am likewise thankful for my husband because of Him I was able to stand up from the greatest trial of my life. He accepted me for what I am and not for what he expects me to be. He was ever willing to support me in all my endeavors even if it would mean freeing me from doing household chores. He is very understanding to always give in during times of conflict and misunderstanding. He is always there to give more than what he can offers. Despite his being an only son he is very willing to learn and forget about his principle if only for the good of the family.

I am thankful for my beautiful children who are ever ready to serve and compromise for their shortcomings as well as me and my husband’s shortcomings. They are always ready to patiently observed and wait for the time when I am ready to give them my assistance and guidance. They are God-fearing who understand the reason of why they have to do things in accordance with the teachings of God. They never complain for the less time I have spent with them and always look forward to the time that we will have family bonding either by eating together in a restaurant or by simply travelling to places they haven’t reached.

I am greatly thankful to all the persons who in one way or another have inspired me and contributed significantly in my life. These are my mentors, my students, my co-workers, my friends, my classmates and all those who in their little ways have contributed to what I am now. They drive me to be more ambitious, innovative, experimental and responsive to the challenges of time. Be it academic, social or personal dealings. All these have contributed to the greatest achievements of my forty-three years of existence. I still look forward to learning new things, meeting new friends, more exchange of ideas and challenges in the pursuit of knowledge.

I am a Teacher

I am a Teacher
Reflection by:
Ma. Rowena M. Bayrante

I firmly believe that a teacher is born the first moment that a question leaped from the mouth of a child. This is because, when a child starts to ask questions this marks the beginning of the quest for knowledge. Although they have parents to respond to this quest not all of them are equipped with the right answers to their questions. This is because their parents may not be academically prepared to give and explain the answers to these questions. This is the reason why teachers are needed in order to respond to this particular situation. This also marked the beginning of the teaching profession.

A teacher is a representation of all the people who tried to make a significant contribution to knowledge in many places. She could be Socrates, Anne Sullivan, Aesop and Hans Christian Andersen who made significant contributions in their own field of expertise. Truly because her ideologies maybe representing or product of these different personalities.

A teacher is indeed a paradox who is very effective when he listen the most. She is one who is willing to accept students’ opinions, suggestions and reasoning not purely imposing what she thinks is right. She respects students ability to analyze and react to situations according to his emotions and beliefs Her greatest gift is what she receives from students not counted by the material gifts but how students honed their talents and skills.

The teacher is among the most fortunate of all who labor together with the doctors and architects. She is allowed to see that life is reborn each day with new questions, ideas and friendships. This is because a teacher must see to it that learning is not dormant and final. Learning must be responsive to the new trends and developments in the environment as well as in the society. It must also be never ending that it does not stop at one stage but continues with the other stages. Although knowledge learned today may not be applicable in the future. There should be a connection with the present to the future. Knowledge should find its application and relevance through time.

A teacher knows that if the foundation is anchored on love and truth what she imparts will last forever. Students remember teachers who are apathetic to them. They could greatly recall teachers who are friendly, loving, truthful and caring in their dealings with students. However, they may recall teachers who are very arrogant, dominating and inconsiderate because of unforgettable experiences or hatred.

A teacher is a warrior who battles daily against peer pressure, negativity, fear, conformity, prejudice, ignorance and apathy. That is why a teacher is expected to have a balance personality who can adjust to different situations as may be required. He must learn to overcome all his battles in teaching. Together he must consider his great allies such as intelligence, curiosity, parental support, individuality, creativity, faith, love and laughter for support. These are the essential requirements for the teaching profession to prosper. The experiences that the teacher has in the past serves as her living proof to improve for the better, the present challenges the teacher, makes teaching fun and adventurous in order to experiment on things to effectively impart knowledge. Through the present the teacher is allowed to spend his days with the future. It is the present that will dictate whether the teacher would still remain in the future. That is why he needs to be very good and effective in the present in order to ensure a good and promising future ahead of him. This is the essence of a teacher and we have to
thank God for it everyday.

For Whom Is Education?

For Whom Is Education?
by:
Ma. Rowena M. Bayrante


It’s saddening that not all could afford to be educated. Some would earn a living first to feed their hungry stomach. With the very high cost of living it is not surprising that people in the lower strata of the society would not want to be educated. For the less privileged like them going to school is just a luxury. If this is the case then who would go to school? Are the rich who have more than what they need? Or the middle class who have just more than enough. Or the poor who have nothing?

Even if the government provides free and compulsory education for elementary and secondary, not all could follow the provision. With the high tuition and miscellaneous fees in prestigious universities like La Salle and Ateneo only a few could study in these universities. Even UP which is supposed to be a state university has increased its tuition fee to as much as 300%. The middle class chance of having access to these prestigious universities becomes very slim. Only the well to dos is left with lots of choices.

With this situation, the rich becomes richer and the poor becomes poorer. Inequitable distribution in intelligence, material things and even privileged would be very evident. Many people will become illiterate due to poor comprehension. English proficiency will ultimately decline because not all would be able to understand and use the language correctly. Even access to technology would be scarce. Only those who can pay would have greater access. Knowledge gain through technology such as internet would be monopolized and not distributed.

It is quite dismay that in a country like the Philippines which has the cheapest cost in education not all are given the same opportunity to be educated. Very few scholarships are being offered to less privileged but talented students. More of the government’s money is allocated to insurgency problems, infrastructure and other senseless things. That’s why many Filipinos are illiterate. That is comprehension is very poor even if they know how to read and write. This is probably the reason why Filipinos are always the victims of oppression and abuse whenever they go to other countries. They could hardly understand what is stated in their contracts and very seldom do they know of their rights.

With the escalation in the number of cases of abused Filipinos here and abroad, the government should have done something about this. However, no one is interested to file a bill that would protect Filipino workers here and abroad. It is frustrating that for them who were voted to their respective offices, all of them seem to have acquired amnesia. They are too preoccupied with quarreling with one another, getting even with somebody and aspiring to become heads of different committees that when they are through their terms are already finished. Then if they can’t be depended upon then who else will we depend on?

Will we need the intrusion of the foreigners like the volunteers such as the Peace Corps who are very much willing to extend a helping hand? Or the help of Catholic and other missionaries who are always ready to serve? Or the providence of the Almighty God? Whatever, the choice will be only one is certain, that is if we can not find help here in the Philippines then there are too many who are willing to help. But in spite all these I am pretty sure that education will still be the prime and only solution. So let’s get educated for it is only in education that we become rich in mind and spirit. Let this be a call for those who have lost interest in schooling. Let poverty not be a hindrance to education, for if there is will there will always be a way. We’ve got to think positive that whatever we can not do we lift it up to God. For he will always be there to help us. All we need is just to have faith and trust in Him. Because for so may times when we were at the lowest point of our lives He did never abandon us.

just a note of commendation

thanks, my dear friends, for your blog posts... i see with my heart your reflections on things that greatly matter to us, not only to those which matter to our course. keep blogging, i know you have some more in you to unravel and to share. god bless, all the best on your exams. judith

listen...

Listen August 12, 2007 12mm
Pili CS Phil.

I feel am i dont want to talk nor to write but listen to the words i could not say and write.
This was the time when my mother struggled to delivered me in mother Seton Hospital by Cerian delivery 40 years ago. So the best thing i could do is to express my thanks to my mother for she let me live here on earth and experienced the pained. This is also the day that i let everybody know that am who I am that other always have a wrong judgement.

Thank you is my word that I will always says because I surpassed those days that almost I give up when i felt nobody to hold on, because God is out of my self.

He let me feel alone to struggle in the dark and i learned to appreciate the saddest time.
For me to listen the unspoken words and to read the events of time.

I Could not remember anymore those things put me in trouble that fell me down.
All I can feel today is satisfaction. But it is hard to say and put in writings.
God guided me to the place where should I be.
My life now is complete and contented.
I can'T feel the pain that made me sad and unknown before.
I feel I am growing, I feel am out of my old shell, I feel am on top of the mountain with God.

THANK YOU is my word that I want to say for you to listen.
Thank you for the pain it helped me to be human.
Thank you for the trouble it led me to be in order.
Thank you because I was wrong and I learned to be patient.

So listen to my prayer because nobody wants to listen to me
only God placed me to listen.

Thank you for giving me life in 40 years.
I felt I loved.
Thank you for the people I met
because some of them put me in vain
then I learned to be human.
Thank you for the pain
because I understand how to be human.
Thank fpr the shamed when I was nothing to give
because I learned how to forgive
I felt am human.
Thank you for the time that I was hurt and insulted
because I learned to be calm and I felt am human.
Thank you for the time i can'T do anything,
I learned to cry and I felt relaxed.
I feel am human.
Thank you the rejection of my mother and other people
because I feel am lucky and I found my self am human.
Thank for the consecquence of being late,
because I learned to be concious of prayer time,
these things tested me to be human.
Thank you my kids that made me glowing
because I feel being a mother.
Thank you for oj
he molded me to be a woman
and treasured as the priceless thing he acquired,
because I learned how to love.
Thank you for my life
am trying to live in your well lord
trying not to commit sin,
because I feel am your child.
Thank you for the changed to make myself progressing,
because I feel am SUCCEEDING.
Thank you for your time
to listen.


Cynthia Castro-Baldoza

I am a TEACHER!

Yes! A teacher is a vocation not profession. It is GOD who called each Teacher to be His partner in His divine work. “The teacher must be considered as collaborators in the work of education and formation of the children, not just as mere educators for which they must be well trained in Pedagogy and in studying the personality of the children in order to bring them to GOD.

The teacher’s treasure is their students; they are their cross but their joy and consolation. It’s true that if the teacher builds with love and truth, what she/he builds will last forever. It is the value that matters most not the knowledge acquired. As teachers, we are teaching our students TO BE, TO LIVE, not merely to SUBSIST.

Pope John Paul II state that “Young people nowadays listen more to those who are witnesses than to those who teach… or if they listen to those who teach it is because they witness”. We are called and challenged to WALK our TALK… LIVE what we TEACH…to be WITNESSES.

A teacher is both a gift and a task… as a gift; we have to be grateful to GOD who is the giver of that gift. As a task, we have to TRUST in His providential guidance and grace. It is only when we are attached to the BEST TEACHER who is JESUS that we can accept our profession as vocation and mission.
Sr. Francia, ACI

Aug 4, 2007

Jeniffer S. Francisco

Dev't Educ. 302
Textual analysis


EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY

The need for a New Human Perspective


This topic suggests two key concepts namely: Education and sustainability.I would like to start with a definition of these two terms. Education it is a process of securing desirable changes in the behavior of the individual and to bring out his potentialities. Sustainability, it is the lens through which it sees itself and the principle according to which it decides how to act. Right now the world is facing a societal crisis and who is responsible? when God created the universe it is perfect , men were created to oversee the creation. Man's attempt to gain knowledge and better understanding of nature based on his desire to control his environment for continuous improvement and have a decent quality of life . Scientific information and discoveries are immediately applied to technology. But we almost forget are duties and responsibilities to our environment on which we all depend. Some of our activities really inflict harsh and damage our environment, If these practices will not be given attention, there will be no hope for the future generations. Global warming is one of the evidences that man does not perform his duties as stewards of the earth. It is not only a problem face by western countries or European countries, it's the problem of the whole world and we should help one another for a common goal. There is a need for a new human perspective, our vision for a just and sustainable society must be informed by the ecological perspective that humans are part of nature and that all social, economic and environmental systems are dramatic. During the Early century men dream to make the world a better place to live in through the advancement of science and technology and we are successful. Because we are overwhelmed of our inventions and discoveries ,we forget our nature who also needs our protection and care. Man should understand the processes of nature, one realizes that nature is not capricious , it is not inconsistent, it follows laws or generalizations and thus, it is not by force but by understanding her laws that we can learn to conquer and possibly control her science, therefore presents us with an orderly, dependable universe. It is no longer awesome and unpredictable. It is thus one of the anchors man can use in establishing a rational world. science should be a solution not a destruction, although some groups blame science for all the ills of the world, for the greater loss of lives and for more destructive force of modern warfare. all of these at times alienate the natural scientist from the social scientist, humanist, theologians, artist and even educators. And what is the role of education in this process?.... Education is not only building up of individual, but also of the community. However there can be no doubt that education is a relevant to the political realities of our time as it is the most of the other problems with which we are confronted. Education is the key to addressing the multiple opportunities and challenges of the world's rapid transformation. Man is the recipient of learning and we all accept the statement the man is social by nature , that man develops and reaches his full stature as man in society , in his interaction with others. Man's idea of what he wishes to be or what he ought to be is influenced by the society in which he lives. As Mortimer Adler says, " Education is fitting man for living." our world is a changing world, so the best that the humanistic education should do is to remind ourselves that the objective of general education is not the acquisition of science itself or of art itself, but the grasp of their meaning and the comprehension of the truth and the beauty they yield: to see to it that the young person grasp the truth or beauty by the natural power and gift of his mind. The crisis of the environment , according to David Orr, Professor and chair, Department of Environmental Studies at Oberlin college, is symptomatic of a prior crisis of mind, perception and heart " Orr argues therefore , that this crisis", is not so much a problem in education but a problem of education." Institutions of higher education are venues of moral development and social responsibilities. The current educational system helped us educate our young in a manner which has reinforced an environmentally ignorant and insensitive mind. Institutions of higher education bear a profound moral responsibilities to increase society's ability to create a just and sustainable future. these institutions have the mandate and potential to develop the intellectual and conceptual framework for achieving this goal. we in the field of education, are very influential, even in our simple ways we can help solve our society 's major problems. We can do something by discussing with our students the critically relevant issues of Environment rehabilitation and the development of strategies , technologies and policies to create an environmentally just and sustainable future. Perhaps some of our students will make important contributions to the well being of planet earth. Sustained research and development efforts are necessary to find the solution on this problem. Even if it is science that inflicts pain to Mother Earth, it is also science that will pick up the broken pieces and offer new hope and new beginning.

July 28 2007

Jeniffer S. Francisco
Dev. Educ 302
Textual Analysis



So far, the entire SONA is really impressive the format of the text and the arrangement of the content, but mostly it is just the accomplishments, plans and promises of the president.She mentioned so many accomplishments but only a few were successfully implemented and actually experienced by ordinary citizens. I do believe that education is very important to every one,she mentioned "that in today's global economy, knowledge is the creator of wealth." For me education is the key instrument for poverty alleviation, through improving the entire system of education by making it deliver better services and by enhancing the quality of achievements. according to Bro. Andrew Gonzales when he was interviewed way back 1999 when he was the DECS secretary, the basic problem in the Philippines is quality education. The macro issue is - how do we make the students learn more, have better skills so they can find fulfillment in themselves and good jobs and be useful/ productive members of society?... the government invested billions of pesos for education, built classrooms etc. But i don't think it is the solution for attaining quality education, if all the plans of the government will not be properly implemented billions of money will be wasted. one particular example, the government have programs for English proficiency to help Filipinos become globally competitive but, if the president herself cannot use the language properly then how can we expect others to do the same.plans will remain a plan unless people concern will do something to make things possible. some issues of education in 1999 are still existing in our present time such as: lack of resources like teachers, facilities and equipments; poor quality of administration; fewer Filipinos speak and write English well; very few libraries as well as limited books in these libraries; poor school results in poor teachers; dishonesty and corruption in DECS; teachers are strong in teaching strategies but poor in content, massive retraining of teachers in subject content; going back to the fundamentals, the bottom line is academic achievements and enriched experience; review of the past focusing on academic achievements ; test and measurement are means to qualify control; in 1950's there was quality in education because the best minds are in education but now our bright students enroll in more promising professions. The main focus of education is academic achievements and we almost forget the other aspects of our personality that also needs to be developed.Leaders should be the role model of education, if they know that education is a change for the better then it should be manifested in their action and decisions.

From Unceasing Thinking to Unceasing Prayer

Our minds are always active. We analyze, reflect, daydream or dream. There is not a moment during the day or night when we are not thinking. You might say our thinking is "unceasing." Sometimes we wish that we could stop thinking for a while; that would save us from many worries, guilt feelings, and fears. Our ability to think is our greatest gift,but it is also the source of our greatest pain. Do we have to become victims of our unceasing thoughts? No, we can convert our unceasing thinking into unceasing prayer by making our inner monologue into a continuing dialogue with our God, who is the source of all love. Let's break out of our isolation and realize that someone who dwells in the center of our beings wants to listen with love to all that occupies and preoccupies our minds. -Bread for the Journey - Sr. Francia

REFLECTION

It was a very enriching discussion! I'm grateful for the participation of our group.Everybody was able to express insights and opinions from the heart with freedom... Thanks too to our professor, for her encouraging comments . I did appreciate the efforts of all! I enjoyed the grace-filled day! God Bless us always!

Sr. Francia

How I See Myself 10 Years From Now

In reality, I am 39 years now and in 10 years I'll be turning to my golden age. I'm excited to see myself maybe with golden hairs or golden skin? Hopefully I will have a golden " heart" still burning with love for CHRIST whom I chose and followed. I would also dream to see myself in the challenging mission of our institute. After all, 10 years from now I hope and surely finished my Ph.D. which will assure me in the field of Education as it is our core and charism. I want to carry on the values of CHRIST with fidelity and courage as I advance in age. Surely, physically I'll be weak as I am now, but I will always and want to see myself enthusiastic for the mission of CHRIST and even young at heart to embrace what is ahead of me- what is HIS plan for me. Who knows, but only GOD knows if 10 years from now I'll be in heaven with my "BELOVED". I don't fear it, but I'm ready for it. I just want to see myself happy and faithful as I am now. I am,

Sr. Francia C. Opiana, ACI

Textual Analysis

The President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo State of the Nation Address was a very ideal perspective of our country. When you listened to it, you will have a positive picture of the Philippine situation. It was an excellent report of what her dreams and aspirations as president of the republic. But whether it is religiously implemented and materialized, I don’t see and even know the whole reality.
I’m happy for her present concern, “to govern with wisdom, compassion, vision and patriotism, to alleviate poverty and envision a rich and progressive country within 20 years. I’ll pray for it!
As I listened to her priorities and achievements, I couldn’t imagine the Philippines as it is now. We are rich! Full of investments! Working for justice and peace…!
On Safety Net and Education …. Good news! But sad to see and say that our educational system is still very poor. I am very much aware of what is the situation of the public school in our locality. “1:1 ration for the books”? In fact, I encountered a public teacher who mentioned that her pupils have no books, there are books but old and not suited for the new curriculum of the DepEd.
In our poor place where there are many interested youth desiring to continue their studies but can’t afford to, where are the slots for government scholarships?
I am grateful for the news about the teachers, the concern and desire to improve their training. It is needed!
I believe that the quality education is a product of quality of educators. I hope this will be a true priority!


“We must weed out corruption and build a strong system of justice that the people can trust” I am convinced with this… it is indeed what we need, and we must work on.
In her conclusion, you can see a president who is for the people and for the country’s welfare. A president who dreams and vision for a brighter future… May she live what she preached…and work for it humbly and sincerely. GOD Bless her!

On Education for Sustainability....

There is truth about our societal crisis that we are experiencing globally. The rapid increase on world population and the ecological/ environmental crisis such as pollution of air and water, accumulation of wastes, destruction of forests, erosion of soils, depletion of fisheries, and damage to the stratospheric ozone layer threaten the survival of humans and thousands of other living species. It is also pointed out that “we are a society living off its natural capital, not its income.” Yes! It is because we are abusing and misusing our natural resources. In fact, we are the one to be blamed of what is happening to our mother earth.
“All present and future humans can be healthy, have their basic needs met, have fair and equitable access to the earth’s resources, have decent quality of life and preserve the biologically diverse ecosystems on which we all depend.” This is supposed to be the ideal. GOD who is the source of everything has given us the access to everything and desires an abundant life to each one of His creatures… a life to the full. We are called to share justly His blessings to us. When GOD created the world, HE saw it VERY GOOD! He wants us to enjoy the beauty of His creations. But what is our response? It’s sad to say that we are not responsible enough of what He has bestowed on us. Instead, we are “on collision course” with the natural environment. Human activities inflict harsh and often irreversible damage on the environment and on critical resources.
Indeed, we need a new human perspective, to move society on a sustainable path as declared in the Rio conference in 1992. And the necessary step in the transition to a sustainable path is to shift from problem-solving to creating. It’s good news that many schools around the world are making important strides toward necessary changes in Education. How true is it to the Philippines? That I don’t see vividly. In some areas maybe, but we are moving slow. Reports stated that there is some excellent leadership by professional organizations making sustainable development a high priority. There are also some institute who develops the capability of faculty from all disciplines to integrate environmental and sustainability concerns into their teaching. I would agree that the Institutions of higher education bear a profound moral responsibility to increase society’s ability to create a just and sustainable future.

The crisis of the environment, according to David Orr, is symptomatic of a prior crisis of mind, perception and heart. He argues that this crisis” is not so much a problem in education but a problem of education.” It is I suppose a matter of prioritizing areas of concern. We are not exempted with this reality. In fact, we are among the most affected of this societal crisis. The recent devastation or calamity could assure us with that reality. So it is an awakening call to all of us, to cooperate and contribute in the advancement of Education for sustainability movement.


-Sr. Francia

Socrates

“The Unexamined Life Was not Worth Living”
By Scorates and Commented by:
Ma. Rowena M. Bayrante

It is true that unexamined life was not worth living because many things are happening in our lives, which were unplanned and unexamined for their possible outcomes. These made our lives miserable and uncontrollable. Things were too difficult to find simply because we could not get what we wanted to have. Things and events just come naturally without proper timing. Sometimes they would just happen in the most unexpected times. We were not in total control of what will happen. That oftentimes we commit more mistakes and have more misfortunes. Everything seems to be falling apart and disintegrating that we felt living was so not so rewarding. We can not find value and reason for our existence. That’s why life has to be examined so that everything would be put in its right perspective. What is right should be accomplished to minimize mistakes, agonies and miseries. This will eventually lead to the realization that in order for life to be worth living life must have to be examined. What should be done first should be the ones to be prioritized. Things would be planned and executed in a more organized and systematized way. Happening of events could be predicted and avoided. This will ultimately result to careful and proper planning of steps to be undertaken in order to minimize errors. Drastic moves and measures would be avoided thereby giving assurance to good accomplishments. This philosophical view is very relevant to education. That unplanned education would result to poor quality. Any effort that education specialist would extend would be futile if not taken too seriously. Everything will boil down to poor instruction, inadequate and substandard facilities. Teaching force who are insensitive to the needs of the students. Graduates with poor quality who could hardly specialized and pass technical standards. Although quality education is imperative to educational institutions be it private or public. Still there is no assurance that schools emphasize this in their educational pursuit for academic excellence. That is why in our pursuit for academic excellence as teachers, students or anybody in the academe world keeping things at par with each other should not sacrifice quality by simply doing mediocre things. Actions should be planned, examined and given critical analysis before execution so that everything will be in its perfect places. Free from errors, blames, criticisms and regrets. It is only then that quality education will be assured.

GMA's SONA

TEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF GMA’S SONA
Prepared by:
Ma. Rowena M. Bayrante

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s state of the nation address (SONA) was a 55-minute speech that summarizes her accomplishments last year and the on-going projects she is pursuing this year. It was applauded 106 times and received 2 standing ovations. The longest of which was in her final speech when she emphasized on her toughness particularly citing that from where she sit she can tell you that the president is always as strong as she wants to be. She did away with lavish jewelry and wore a recycled red mestiza dress. She simply would like to project simplicity and being ordinary just like everyone else.

In her speech she outlined her accomplishments in infrastructure particularly citing the projects undertaken in terms of road network, bridges, airports, ports, irrigation, potable water system, power plants and other tangible projects. These are also the same projects that most traditional politicians prioritized. This simply means that President Macapagal Arroyo is not so different from traditional politicians.

Most of her citations were focused in Mindanao probably because she wanted to show that she is extending too much effort for national reconciliation. This was transparent on the creation of a Philippine model for reconciliation built on inter-faith dialogue, expanded public works and more responsive social services. According to the President these investments show both sides in the Mindanao conflict that they have more at stake in common and a greater reason to be together than hang apart, including being together in isolating the terrorists. She promised to uphold human rights in the stepped up fight against terrorism.

She encouraged lawmakers to enact laws to transform state response to political violence. Before this she paid tribute to the fearless fourteen who were savagely massacred in the pursuit of maintaining peace amidst conflict. This is a clear indication that with the government’s program for reconciliation, drastic measures are undertaken that men in uniform become sacrificial lambs.

Overwhelming accomplishments were continuously cited as the projects moved towards the Visayas and Luzon regions. The projects were specifically enumerated including the budget as well as the persons who requested for the projects. Laws that were passed, needing amendments and approved usually supporting her projects were likewise acknowledged. These included the Bio-Fuels law, Electric Power Industry Reform Act and Cheaper Medicine Bill.

Citations on education, safety net, terrorism and human rights were the last to be mentioned. Very few were said focusing only on increase in appropriation for education, number of classroom built, student textbook ratio and scholarship assistance both for high school and college. Non formal education and trainings were also given due considerations. Other items stressed were on benefits that teachers have enjoyed including the regionalization of payroll and a promised increase effective end of July. She also mentioned the investments of the government in science. engineering research and development technology including scholarships offered for masters and doctoral degrees in engineering in seven universities. Of course she did not forget mentioning students who were recognized in the field of science, mathematics and global governance. With every recognition students stand for full recognition. This is as if the government was solely responsible for their success. This was also evidently observed in her previous SONA. This added to her glorification as president of the state and serves proof for Filipinos ingenuity and being unbeatable.

She also stressed the success of the government in alleviating poverty through jobs, education and medicines. She boasted the first time that Philhealth had spent P3 billion for hospitalization of the poor. Medicines were also sold at reduced costs in barangay drugstores. According to a survey, prices of medicines were made within the reach of people. She also mentioned the long term care for senior citizens, housing and even congratulated Noli de Castro for championing the program on housing. This according to her caused the reduction in interest rates for housing loans through the allocation of PAG-IBIG an amount of P25 billion. This budget according to the president was much more than when it started in 2001 and will continuously increase in 2010.

Among the things emphasized on terrorism and human rights was the fight against terrorism through terror. She asked congress to enact laws that will transform the state to be responsive to political violence. She also gave emphasis on the protection of witnesses from lawbreakers and law enforcers, guaranteeing swift justice from more empowered special courts, imposing harsh penalties to political killings and harshest penalties for rogue elements in the uniformed services. But according to her priority in the struggle for right is the alleviation of the masses to poverty and hunger.

Election reforms also have to be undertaken through computerization where voting, counting and canvassing become modernized. Democratic elections must be conducted though there is disagreement on political goals. She asked Congress to fund poll watchdogs and enact stronger law against election related violence. She also cited her ardent wish in weeding out corruption and build a strong system of justice that the people can trust. She mentioned the provisions of unprecedented billions for anti-graft efforts. Several measures were intensified including lifestyle check that was responsible for suspension, removal from service or charged due to too much expenditures and unexplained wealth. Bribery by firms in taxes, permits and licenses dramatically declined from one-third to one-half. Although according to GMA graft can not be eliminated overnight however progress is made.

In conclusion, the president’s SONA was simply a run down of her accomplishment last year and her continued efforts this year. The things that she mentioned were all outlined in the P1.7 Trillion Medium Term Public Investment Program of the Philippines. This means that everything that was mentioned was not new but just the same things that were mentioned in the previous SONA. To make her SONA seem to be different her strategy was changed by the way she dressed for the particular occasion. She was more simple but more forceful in stressing her accomplishments by the change in tone, gestures and facial expressions. She knew when applause is needed or not. Audiences timing the giving of applause in the time that the president needed it most. This was the same scenario that was observed in her previous SONA. However, the number of applause the president got this year was higher in number as compared to before. She also have set the record for mentioning the most number of names with more than 80 names including political allies and foes. The mentioning of the names from lawmakers to local executives was maybe her way of expressing her gratitude. This may be the reason why this was also done in the previous SONA. She also did not forget the call for unity between political allies and foes for national reconciliation. This was emphasized at the beginning and ending part of her speech, which was the usual strategy she had used in her previous SONA.

The speech in general was very lengthy with few emphases on some important aspects like education, public thrust, human preservation and protection to name a few. No reports were given on the expenditure of the government for travel and other activities that have direct effect on our tax revenues just like before. Speech lacks coherence and seems to be not interrelated that topics being discussed are hanging and just popped out of nowhere. Statements were overwhelming citing accomplishments that are amazing and remarkable for those who have just heard the SONA for the first time. But for others who were aware of the previous SONA would not find something new about it. People of the lower strata of the society could hardly understand what she is talking about. This was because she was speaking in the English language that most of them are not well versed of. Although the president combined English with Tagalog, this still did not bring the speech closer to the hearts of the masses. The injecting of Tagalog words even made the speech very poor because it had violated the rule for English proficiency and communication. The speech lost its formality in text and tone. She could have opted to give it in Tagalog or English but not a combination of both.

Our quest for excellence in English dialect was violated and had made the speech not commonly understood by foreigners. She should have considered that her audiences are not simply Filipinos. As a proof many foreigners were spotted participating in the rally outside the Congress. Rallies were not new since they were conducted even in the previous SONA. Purpose of which was similar in nature the same sentiment that will be continuously aired in the more State of the Nations to come in the succeeding years.

So Many Things To Be Feared Of...

There are so many things that I am afraid of. This maybe because I am not getting any younger. Not even my kids could stop my growing old. They too are growing older and no one of us could do anything to control time. This is more intensified by the fact that they are already starting to build their own identity in their field of interests. And before I would know it, others may have watched them showcase their talents, skills and brilliance which I have not witnessed. This is because my two older kids do not stay with me most of the time. It’s only my two younger kids ages 9 and 10 who does. That’s why I could not even recall the number of times that I have helped them do their homework, helped them do their difficult tasks in school and attended their school meetings more often. I am afraid they would blame me for their poor performance in class.

I am also afraid that they would charge me for negligence because of the so many times that I wasn’t able to attend to their needs. It is not because that I do not want to but because of distance. This guilt inside me is haunting me like a ghost. How I wished that life for all of us could not have been too difficult. That we can see each other more often and make distance not a barrier towards our togetherness. But unfortunately, this was even aggravated by the increase in price of fuel wherein we could not visit them more often than we wish. We have to adopt thrifty measures that would make our means meet our ends. This even required greater sacrifice on our part and our children.

I am also afraid of their growing old so fast. This is because I have not given them the best time of my time. The time spent with them was merely what was left after work, studying and doing things for others. I have been preoccupied with trying to look for additional income to satisfy the basic needs of my family. Everything was put on my shoulder. I could not expect my husband to do his share because there are only few things that he can do. But I’m grateful in his biggest contribution for doing household chores.

Even continuing education up to the doctorate is still hampering my desire to double time for the missed time I have spent with my kids. I am afraid they would blame me for not giving them proper guidance in their difficulties in life. They just commended themselves for their accomplishments. As a matter of fact it is just right that full credit should be given to them. Only providing them with financial resources was our ultimate share.
I am also afraid of having no food to eat whenever I am hungry. This makes me impoverished in the eyes of others. This is because I do not have the things that I used to have like sumptuous meals and a lot of choices in the foods I eat. This would even make me feel so miserable. I am afraid of losing my family maybe because I fear of families separating. I have greater value for families that remain in tact through test of time. This is the reason why I try to patch things up during petty quarrels with my husband. I am afraid that if I would not do so things would even turn worst that patching up and reconciliation would be very impossible.
I am likewise afraid of retiring maybe because of the traumatic experiences that most retirees tell. The fear of getting sick without money to pay for my medication and the taught of having no one to turn to ask for help are among the things that I feared of. It is just too sad that many people experienced these too. Lastly, I’m afraid of not having too many accomplishments. Daddy would not be happy for that and even other people. This is because they have high aspirations for me. I am afraid to disappoint them that even though I have given my best in whatever undertakings I make things would still be mediocre and substandard.
Apart from all these fears I hope and pray that God is always there to watch my husband my children and me. To forever protect us from harm, illnesses and from disintegration. And, that we may forever be together no matter what, through good times and bad times. I ardently pray that God give me the strength to overcome my fears. Because I firmly believe that putting God in the center of my family would intensify our faith in God. This would release me from my fears and worries. Then and then I could say fear no more for God would always be there to give guidance and assurance that in the saddest moment of our lives it is there when he would carry us.