PAGBABAGO

Teachers’ Month is celebrated in many countries of the world and at different times. Oct. 5 was declared by UNESCO as World Teachers’ Day in 1994. In the country, Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 had been declared Teachers’ Month in a movement led by Metrobank Foundation headed by its president, Aniceto Sobrepena, the Department of Education, and various multi-sectoral groups which recognize Filipino teachers as educators by their contribution in mapping the country’s future through “My Teacher, My Hero campaign.” The declaration was done through R.A. 10743 which was signed by former president, Benigno Aquino III and Presidential Proclamation 242 in 2011. 

Remembering our teachers who are second mothers to many like myself, is important for several reasons. One is that two influential persons in my life were two teachers. The first was Miss Fe Manza who taught literature at the Dagupan City High school, and the other was Dr. Basilisa J. Manhit, my “practice teacher” at the UP College of Education. Miss Manza was one of the kindest teachers I have ever known and she was the first to kindle my love for literature. That was the reason why I decided to become a teacher like her. My first job after graduation from UP was that of a secondary school teacher at the Mapa High School in Manila where I taught for six years. It was there where I developed further appreciation for the arts when I was appointed coach of the Dramatic Club.

But let me dwell on Prof. Manhit, my teacher at the University of the Philippines as she had made a profound influence in both my career and outlook in life. As I noted in my memoirs, I had a “love-hate” relationship with her. It wasn’t just myself, but my classmates as well who regarded her as a slave driver, devoid of compassion. 

At that time I was an 18-year-old, my last year in college and was assigned teacher of a fourth year high school class. There were several in the class who became politicians and successful businessmen, among them, former Deputy Speaker Raul Daza who later became a fellow Liberal Party member, and Ramon Farolan, former ambassador and columnist. During many occasions, Prof. Manhit would make me revise my lesson plan, at times, four or five times. Which, of course, had given me many a sleepless night. But as I discovered later, it was from her that I learned the values of discipline and precision. And as a literature major, the importance of “imagining,” “questioning,” “lateral” and critical thinking. 

Among her contributions was a 1956 Vintage Book, “Our Literary Heritage," a book for skills and appreciation. Her “Four Pronged Approach,” aimed to develop a genuine love for reading, and critical thinking skills. Its philosophical foundations were that they should be literature-based, holistic, and must put emphasis on the process of transfer. This had evolved through the years with consistent use by the teachers of the UP Integrated School Kindergarten to Grade 11 with inputs from the faculty of reading education. The first step was to immerse the student in literature to develop a deep and lasting love for reading. The story/poem should be suitable to the age, interests and vocabulary. The teacher must have a good understanding of the story as it is this that would guide her lesson. Only after this enthusiasm is kindled, should the story be read to them. The students should be made to reflect on the story or poem. As they become accustomed to critical thinking and able to develop the vocabulary and needed comprehension, they also begin to develop the confidence to transfer it to fellow students and friends. 

With today’s learning technologies, this approach to learning could be further developed and enhanced. This would then ensure that love for reading and acquisition of new knowledge, critical thinking, self-confidence and transfer of knowledge could become a part of every learning process as well as everyday life. 

Which is why we remember our teachers who have contributed to the deepening of our sensibilities and awareness of the world we live in. 
May we continue to remember them with much love and gratitude. ([email protected])