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
Friday, August 24, 2007
just a note of commendation
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
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
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
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
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
Sunday, August 19, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, August 17, 2007
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
Monday, August 13, 2007
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
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
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
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
Friday, August 3, 2007
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.
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
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.
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.
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