zarc
Sep 19, 2005, 12:52 PM
The gift of learning
Text by OWEN BAUTISTA
(http://www.mb.com.ph/SCAU2005091944543.html)
In a country consumed by political turmoil and worsening economic crisis such as the Philippines, not too many are given a chance on education. While some are enjoying a privileged life of attending school, most are left to wander the mean streets of the city or till the forgotten lands in the provinces. Needless to say, despite the government’s best efforts to negate this dismal fact, out-of-school-youth are still growing in numbers.
With that being said/written, stories of young people going back or being able to continue their formal education or non-formal education through other concerned citizen’s generous assistance are unarguably one of the best stories to get public attention so far. Thus, SCU Bulletin shares with its avid readers an inspiring tale of organizers, teachers - but most especially scholars from the Bicol region who are currently recipients of Airlift Asia Inc.’s education advocacy program.
A BLESSING IN DISGUISE
Spearheaded by Rico Brizuela, chairman and CEO of the Philippines’ number one airfreight forwarders and himself a native of Pili, Airlift Asia’s support for the Pili Alternative Learning System Program (PALSP), formerly the Accreditation and Equivalency System, has been going on for three years now. And it all started out in a house blessing.
"He invited me to his house blessing and it so happened that we were looking for someone to finance an education program proposed by the Department of Education through the Education for Life Foundation. We already had teachers applying for the job but we didn’t have enough funds to start up the program," Pili Mayor Tomas Bongalonta Jr. retraces.
The incident couldn’t have come in a most opportune time for Mr. Brizuela himself was also looking for ways to give back something to the community he had spent his childhood years in. After the first draft of proposal was submitted, he immediately approved.
EDUCATION FOR ALL AGES
Unlike the non-formal education most people are accustomed of, such as short courses in practical electricity, sewing, hair couture and the like, PALSP is a program for those who were unable to finish elementary or high school education. Regardless of their age, they are given equal opportunity to finish their education without having to go to school or wear uniforms. Best of all - it’s 100 percent for free!
"Each student is given modules to read. After finishing a particular module, they are given tests. Only after passing that test will they be able to move to another module. There are 10 modules to finish before the Department of Education schedules an examination for accreditation and equivalency," explains Mayor Bongalonta.
Starting out initially with 13 Instructional Managers (IMs) and 416 students, PALSP serves up more than 600 students and 23 IMs. Blezilda Raņola, who was among the first batch of IMs, recalls, "People’s initial response is to know if it’s for free. And then they would ask where classes would be held, the schedule and the requirements. Sometimes, we would have students where we would literally start from scratch like reading and writing because they’ve never been to school. Other times, we’d get students who are really old like, say, 65."
" Sabi ko, ‘Nanay, sigurado ka ba na gusto mo mag-aral. Sabi niya, ‘Hindi naman daw siya umaasam na makapasa, ang gusto lang niya madagdagan ang kaalaman niya kahit matanda na siya," Raņola continues.
On the other hand, first time IM Susie Danabar relates a story about a student who smoked the whole time she was holding class. "That student brought a pack of cigarettes which he was able to finish the same time we were done with the class. By the end of the class, he gave me a flower made out of foil. I was touched and I told him how much I appreciate it but at the same time I told him that I would much appreciate it if he doesn’t smoke while we’re holding classes or if he excuses himself if he wants to smoke. From then on, I never saw him smoke again."
Danabar likewise fondly recounts the story of an 18-year-old girl who doesn’t know how to read. "She used to be taught by her mother how to read but everytime she gets it wrong, pinapalo siya sa ulo. When she came to me, she cries everytime she couldn’t get something right perhaps afraid that she’d get a beating. Pero ngayon, marunong na siya. Little by little and slowly, she’s being able to finish reading her modules."
GOING BACK TO SCHOOL
Twenty-one-year-old Jordan Asuncion was able to reach second year high school but had to stop for financial constraints. He went to Manila to look for job to no avail. When his relatives learned about the program, they summoned him back to try the non-formal education. "Gusto ko talagang makatapos. Dito sa non-formal education, kahit paano may natutunan ako kahit Sabado at Linggo lang ang pasok namin. Sa formal education, karamihan may barkada, napapabayaan po 'yung pag-aaral, pero dito magpupursigi ka talaga kasi nasa sa iyo kung papasa ko o hindi. Kung makakapasa po ako, gusto ko pong mag-seaman."
Co-learner Melody Senduco shares her own insights, "Kahit hindi formal education, marami pa rin ang matutunan. Tapos karamihan, hindi magastos 'yung pangangailangan. Na-realize ko rin po na kaya ko pala ang ganito. Maganda po rito kasi sa formal, minsan may mga subjects na hindi ko nagagawa dahil mahirap. Dito po, mas natatapos ko dahil hindi po sumusuko ang mga IMs hangga't hindi po naiintindihang maigi. Pumapasa na po ako sa mga quiz."
Rachel Buena and Angelika Banyaga, 15 and 16, respectively, intimate, "Mahalaga po ang pag-aaral kasi po, kapag wala kang pinag-aralan, ang liit ng tingin mo sa sarili mo at maging ng ibang tao, aapak-apakan ka. Para rin sa family at sa future namin ito para pag nakatapos kami rito, may makuha kaming trabaho na maipagmamalaki. Para maabot din ang mga pangarap namin."
EXTENDING FINANCIAL AID
Meanwhile, Airlift Asia’s education aid extends beyond the DepEd’s non-formal education program. Simultaneously, they are extending financial assistance to high school and college students of Ateneo de Naga University. "Airlift Asia has a very soft heart for scholars who are deserving but talented and we’re very, very grateful for this," enthuses Ateneo de Naga University president Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J.
Maricris Valiente and Laxel Gasga, 13 and 15 years old, respectively, are only two out of the numerous high school scholars under Airlift Asia attending Ateneo de Naga. Both have their own inspiring stories to tell.
"My mother didn’t know that I was applying for the scholarship. I asked her but she disapproved because we can’t afford a private school," Maricris recollets. "But I went on and luckily, they chose me. My mother only learned about the scholarship when she had to sign some papers for finalization and she was very happy because she doesn’t have to think of where to get my tuition fee," she tells.
Maricris’ mother is currently working as a domestic helper Taiwan. Her parents has long been separated and so she leaves with her 15-year-old sister. Together, they handle the household chores and their own finances at home while saving as much as they can.
On the other hand, Laxel was reluctant at first to take the scholarship. She preferred going to public school rather than private. But she wanted to prove to her mechanic father that she would succeed in her studies. Young as Laxel is, she dreams of working in a corporate set-up and having an office of her own.
"My father didn’t finish school and yet he’s able to provide for our family. He spoils us very much because he wants the best for us and for that, he’s my inspiration for everything. I don’t want to put him down and someday, I want him to be proud of me," Laxel tells.
FUTURE LEADERS
Moving on to the college department, Kenneth Adrian Dagal, Alissa Sean Sayson and Ujane San Juan are all looking forward to a bright future ahead of them. A consistent honor student, Kenneth is currently taking up Bachelor of Science in Math. He plans on publishing a book later on in his life. "Education is acquiring knowledge and experience in search of wisdom – that’s my purpose why I’m studying," he tells.
Aspiring teacher Alissa, on the other hand, has this to say: "Your dreams, your goals or whatever you want to achieve in life will all be based on the kind of education that you get that’s why it’s very important. What would you give to people if you didn’t learn anything?"
Meanwhile, Ujane, who claims she is but an average student, draws strength from her family. "They inspire me to go on and try reaching my dreams. I want to be a doctor someday that’s why I took up Bachelor of Science in Biology. I want to be able to help alleviate people from sickness and I intend to practice here in our own country."
On a final note, Fr. Tabora remarks, "Mr. Brizuela is one of our alumni. I think he is very grateful for his whole training here at the Ateneo, and having become successful in business, he speaks in terms of payback time - time to return to the university (where he studied). But he’s doing much more than returning. Mr. Brizuela is now the largest single donor in Ateneo De Naga High School."
Text by OWEN BAUTISTA
(http://www.mb.com.ph/SCAU2005091944543.html)
In a country consumed by political turmoil and worsening economic crisis such as the Philippines, not too many are given a chance on education. While some are enjoying a privileged life of attending school, most are left to wander the mean streets of the city or till the forgotten lands in the provinces. Needless to say, despite the government’s best efforts to negate this dismal fact, out-of-school-youth are still growing in numbers.
With that being said/written, stories of young people going back or being able to continue their formal education or non-formal education through other concerned citizen’s generous assistance are unarguably one of the best stories to get public attention so far. Thus, SCU Bulletin shares with its avid readers an inspiring tale of organizers, teachers - but most especially scholars from the Bicol region who are currently recipients of Airlift Asia Inc.’s education advocacy program.
A BLESSING IN DISGUISE
Spearheaded by Rico Brizuela, chairman and CEO of the Philippines’ number one airfreight forwarders and himself a native of Pili, Airlift Asia’s support for the Pili Alternative Learning System Program (PALSP), formerly the Accreditation and Equivalency System, has been going on for three years now. And it all started out in a house blessing.
"He invited me to his house blessing and it so happened that we were looking for someone to finance an education program proposed by the Department of Education through the Education for Life Foundation. We already had teachers applying for the job but we didn’t have enough funds to start up the program," Pili Mayor Tomas Bongalonta Jr. retraces.
The incident couldn’t have come in a most opportune time for Mr. Brizuela himself was also looking for ways to give back something to the community he had spent his childhood years in. After the first draft of proposal was submitted, he immediately approved.
EDUCATION FOR ALL AGES
Unlike the non-formal education most people are accustomed of, such as short courses in practical electricity, sewing, hair couture and the like, PALSP is a program for those who were unable to finish elementary or high school education. Regardless of their age, they are given equal opportunity to finish their education without having to go to school or wear uniforms. Best of all - it’s 100 percent for free!
"Each student is given modules to read. After finishing a particular module, they are given tests. Only after passing that test will they be able to move to another module. There are 10 modules to finish before the Department of Education schedules an examination for accreditation and equivalency," explains Mayor Bongalonta.
Starting out initially with 13 Instructional Managers (IMs) and 416 students, PALSP serves up more than 600 students and 23 IMs. Blezilda Raņola, who was among the first batch of IMs, recalls, "People’s initial response is to know if it’s for free. And then they would ask where classes would be held, the schedule and the requirements. Sometimes, we would have students where we would literally start from scratch like reading and writing because they’ve never been to school. Other times, we’d get students who are really old like, say, 65."
" Sabi ko, ‘Nanay, sigurado ka ba na gusto mo mag-aral. Sabi niya, ‘Hindi naman daw siya umaasam na makapasa, ang gusto lang niya madagdagan ang kaalaman niya kahit matanda na siya," Raņola continues.
On the other hand, first time IM Susie Danabar relates a story about a student who smoked the whole time she was holding class. "That student brought a pack of cigarettes which he was able to finish the same time we were done with the class. By the end of the class, he gave me a flower made out of foil. I was touched and I told him how much I appreciate it but at the same time I told him that I would much appreciate it if he doesn’t smoke while we’re holding classes or if he excuses himself if he wants to smoke. From then on, I never saw him smoke again."
Danabar likewise fondly recounts the story of an 18-year-old girl who doesn’t know how to read. "She used to be taught by her mother how to read but everytime she gets it wrong, pinapalo siya sa ulo. When she came to me, she cries everytime she couldn’t get something right perhaps afraid that she’d get a beating. Pero ngayon, marunong na siya. Little by little and slowly, she’s being able to finish reading her modules."
GOING BACK TO SCHOOL
Twenty-one-year-old Jordan Asuncion was able to reach second year high school but had to stop for financial constraints. He went to Manila to look for job to no avail. When his relatives learned about the program, they summoned him back to try the non-formal education. "Gusto ko talagang makatapos. Dito sa non-formal education, kahit paano may natutunan ako kahit Sabado at Linggo lang ang pasok namin. Sa formal education, karamihan may barkada, napapabayaan po 'yung pag-aaral, pero dito magpupursigi ka talaga kasi nasa sa iyo kung papasa ko o hindi. Kung makakapasa po ako, gusto ko pong mag-seaman."
Co-learner Melody Senduco shares her own insights, "Kahit hindi formal education, marami pa rin ang matutunan. Tapos karamihan, hindi magastos 'yung pangangailangan. Na-realize ko rin po na kaya ko pala ang ganito. Maganda po rito kasi sa formal, minsan may mga subjects na hindi ko nagagawa dahil mahirap. Dito po, mas natatapos ko dahil hindi po sumusuko ang mga IMs hangga't hindi po naiintindihang maigi. Pumapasa na po ako sa mga quiz."
Rachel Buena and Angelika Banyaga, 15 and 16, respectively, intimate, "Mahalaga po ang pag-aaral kasi po, kapag wala kang pinag-aralan, ang liit ng tingin mo sa sarili mo at maging ng ibang tao, aapak-apakan ka. Para rin sa family at sa future namin ito para pag nakatapos kami rito, may makuha kaming trabaho na maipagmamalaki. Para maabot din ang mga pangarap namin."
EXTENDING FINANCIAL AID
Meanwhile, Airlift Asia’s education aid extends beyond the DepEd’s non-formal education program. Simultaneously, they are extending financial assistance to high school and college students of Ateneo de Naga University. "Airlift Asia has a very soft heart for scholars who are deserving but talented and we’re very, very grateful for this," enthuses Ateneo de Naga University president Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J.
Maricris Valiente and Laxel Gasga, 13 and 15 years old, respectively, are only two out of the numerous high school scholars under Airlift Asia attending Ateneo de Naga. Both have their own inspiring stories to tell.
"My mother didn’t know that I was applying for the scholarship. I asked her but she disapproved because we can’t afford a private school," Maricris recollets. "But I went on and luckily, they chose me. My mother only learned about the scholarship when she had to sign some papers for finalization and she was very happy because she doesn’t have to think of where to get my tuition fee," she tells.
Maricris’ mother is currently working as a domestic helper Taiwan. Her parents has long been separated and so she leaves with her 15-year-old sister. Together, they handle the household chores and their own finances at home while saving as much as they can.
On the other hand, Laxel was reluctant at first to take the scholarship. She preferred going to public school rather than private. But she wanted to prove to her mechanic father that she would succeed in her studies. Young as Laxel is, she dreams of working in a corporate set-up and having an office of her own.
"My father didn’t finish school and yet he’s able to provide for our family. He spoils us very much because he wants the best for us and for that, he’s my inspiration for everything. I don’t want to put him down and someday, I want him to be proud of me," Laxel tells.
FUTURE LEADERS
Moving on to the college department, Kenneth Adrian Dagal, Alissa Sean Sayson and Ujane San Juan are all looking forward to a bright future ahead of them. A consistent honor student, Kenneth is currently taking up Bachelor of Science in Math. He plans on publishing a book later on in his life. "Education is acquiring knowledge and experience in search of wisdom – that’s my purpose why I’m studying," he tells.
Aspiring teacher Alissa, on the other hand, has this to say: "Your dreams, your goals or whatever you want to achieve in life will all be based on the kind of education that you get that’s why it’s very important. What would you give to people if you didn’t learn anything?"
Meanwhile, Ujane, who claims she is but an average student, draws strength from her family. "They inspire me to go on and try reaching my dreams. I want to be a doctor someday that’s why I took up Bachelor of Science in Biology. I want to be able to help alleviate people from sickness and I intend to practice here in our own country."
On a final note, Fr. Tabora remarks, "Mr. Brizuela is one of our alumni. I think he is very grateful for his whole training here at the Ateneo, and having become successful in business, he speaks in terms of payback time - time to return to the university (where he studied). But he’s doing much more than returning. Mr. Brizuela is now the largest single donor in Ateneo De Naga High School."