National and International Communities Celebrate Education Week: Activities Cover The Spectrum of School Life

Here in the Philippines, Education Secretary Armin Luistro issued Memorandum 491, series of 2010 to announce the conduct of the celebration as part of its efforts to produce young people who are responsive to the needs of the times and to encourage every stakeholder to invest in education with its theme for the students “Edukasyon: Tungo sa Tapat na Pagbabago at Pag-Unlad,”

During the forum and his memorandum, he further said “We always say that we should not give up on education for it is truly key, the foundation from where our citizens can not only lead productive lives but also give of themselves in a rippling, multiplier effect. It is one of the few ways of achieving true reforms in the country.” 

However, Luistro said he believes that DepEd alone cannot make education serve its purpose and that the department needs the support of all sectors. Her further explains “For education to truly serve its purpose, we need to establish partnerships among all stakeholders, including those in the grassroots level,” Luistro added that the entire community, not just parents, must actively participate in the upbringing of children — for the good of the children and the greater good of the community.

On the other hand, Minglanilla National Science High School celebrated its education week recently. It was participated actively by the administration, faculty, staff and student body. During the 5-day affair, 15 students were chosen as substitute teachers, and they represented their subject teachers in their own fields of teaching, including the school principal, Mrs. Eutiquia S. Alday.

The 15 student-teachers who were appointed by the faculty members to handle their subjects were Judith Leyson, Theresa Mariz Abapo, Troy Alexis Bartido and Janice Panilagan, from IV-Platinum; Diamond Jeff Paug, Charles Catipay, Abigail Lepaopao, Lord Jeco Garcia and Ma. Carla Maniwang, from IV-Uranium; Zea Ara Mai Galado and Franklin Macarat, from III-Zinc; Gio Abastillas and Shaira Abangan, from II-Silver.

The students were given the tasks and they were selected by the following teachers according to the area or field of study. Thus, they were singled out to impart knowledge to their fellow students about the subjects they have excelled or mastered. The teachers who guided them for the whole week of teaching were as follows: Mrs. Eutiquia Alday, Mrs. Begonia Tecson, Ms. Janedina Zafra, Ms. Jade Cantillas, Dr. Ermetes Adolfo Jr., Ms. Ana Luz Bacalla-Perult, Mr. Russel Dulosa, Mr. Ryan Manubag, Ms. Mary Juhanes Carmelotes, Mr. Jose Mario Batusin, Mrs. Helen Teo, Mrs. Jacqueline Bucao and Mrs. Cherry Lou Zapanta.

The event was successfully ended with culmination of the program. It was done through the efforts of the faculty with their advisories and the student-teachers. The said program started at around 3 p.m. with welcome address by Theresa Mariz Abapo and rationale by Judith Leyson.

The 15 student-teachers were awarded Certificates of Appreciation, and the teacher (who was being substituted) was the one handing over said certificate with gift-wrapped souvenir. Likewise, the juniors handed over surprised “class gift” to their student-advisers, namely, Charles Catipay for section Zinc and Abigail Lepaopao for section Nickel. It was a souvenir of staying with them the whole week as advisers. All student-teachers gave concise speeches of their experiences and the true essence of education week. After that, they presented “papaya dance” for everybody.

The advisers and subject teachers received surprised tokens from the students. And the students in every year level presented a song of “thank you” for all the teachers who have taught/handled them the whole school year.

The program ended with closing remarks of Diamond Jeff Paug and with shocking intense band performance as the finale of education week activities led by Jan Jobim Cabañero and Geonmark Bayno.