EDGAR ABANIL BLOG

     It started as a dream. Now it has become a reality.The visionary leadership of Dr. Myrna S. Motoomull dreamed of having a multi-story building for the largest central school in Gingoog City not only to solve the classroom shortage but also to have a higher place to serve as refuge during floods. Begun in 2007 with the initial funding of more than 2 million pesos, the first two classrooms and foundations for the whole building appeared. In 2008 there were no funding allocated. But in 2009 double allocation for 3 classrooms and 5 classrooms were given. The building slowly rises. After the funding was exhausted, only 3 classrooms were lacking. Then in 2010 the funding for the completion was released. The works started by late August. Finally by December the whole fifteen- classroom-three storey school building stands proud, a fitting legacy for those that dreamed- and believed.

We always seek ways to prepare for the future. We save money to buy things we want to have and those we need to have. We go to school to land a good job after wards. Some buy a lot to build their houses on it later on. Others build good will to draw on it when the need arises. Talk of promotions, finding a job and even winning a PTA post. Others even prepared for the penultimate: death. Buying pre- need plans was a taboo then. The mere mention of death is to be avoided lest it will come true sooner. But now people a re more practical. It's even a truism that in big cities it's very expensive to die. Even in the barrios today it's not easy to die. Talk of the expenses incurred and you know what I mean. From dust we are and to dust we return. But it's an act of responsibility to prepare for that eventuality.

December 14, 2010 Gingoog City Teaching is said to be the noblest of all professions. At least it should be. Teachers, even if they are paid, have done a lot of sacrifice. Their lip service is only a perception by non-believers, those who do not have faith in the teaching profession. We hear today of teachers inflicting corporal punishment to their pupils, collecting contributions from their pupils and parents, committing immoral acts against their stakeholders and against their marital partners. On that scene teachers are seen as opportunists, ready to spring on to their prey at the right moment. Yet despite all these negative perceptions, teachers remain to be the most challenging of all jobs. The spoon fed pupils might a thing of the past but the role is basically the same-facilitating learning and effecting change for the better in the youth of the land. Along this thought, I am extending my teachers' day greetings to my fellow teachers in the Philippines and around the world.