Because of her background as a BS Biology graduate of Ateneo de
Manila University, some people questioned Sab's decision to teach in
Culiat Elementary School instead of a private school for higher pay.
Some, however, asked: what's wrong with being a public school
teacher? And what makes Ongkiko's background as an Ateneo graduate so
special compared to other public school teachers who do not come from
more well-known universities?
"May nagtanong sa akin na, hindi kita kini-criticize pero sincere
question, kung hindi ka Atenista, kung kapareho ka namin na hindi ka
galing sa Ateneo, mapapansin ka rin kaya? Tumama yun sa akin dahil in a
lot of ways parang ganun nga naman minsan tumingin ang society," Sab
said.
Sab said the questions focused less on her and on the public's perception of public school teachers.
"Why is it so special for an Atenean or a person from a good
university to teach in a public school? Bakit ganun? Bakit may ganun
tayong pananaw? Hindi nga ba worthy profession ito na gawin, na parang
special na special yung ginawa kong desisyon?" she said.
Rodel Ramos, Sab's former co-teacher, said he used to feel awkward
towards Sab because he knew the latter came from a good school.
One fear in his mind is that Sab would not understand and even criticize the public school system.
Eventually, Sab's co-teachers understood that her intentions were not far from their own.
The teachers in Culiat Elementary then banded together and talked
about the challenges they encounter inside the classroom and how to help
the students.
"Paano namin ma-o-overcome yung mga problema ng mga bata, lalo na
yung mga nagugutom na gustong matuto at may mga future pero hindi kaya
ng magulang? Ano ang pwede naming gawin?" Ramos asked.
Sab said the teachers decided they needed a group that didn't just talk about their problems but solutions to those problems.
Thus, the group Kape't Guro was born.
Once a month, teachers like Sab and Ramos come together to talk about
the challenges of the teaching profession and come up with ways on how
to overcome them.
"We have different activities. We have sharing. So when we leave, we feel more inspired to teach," Sab said.
It was also during the Kape't Guro sessions that Sab discovered that the other teachers also have stories to tell.
Sab said she is determined to shine the light on other teachers and
tell their stories of commitment and dedication to one of the world's
noblest professions.
"If there is a profession that allows you to talk about love and
hope, it is teaching. Gusto ko siyang palabasin. Gusto ko hindi lang
isang mukha ang nakikita natin," she said.
"There are more beautiful stories from my fellow teachers that we can
harvest and tell the people. But we didn't have a platform. Where is
the opportunity like the one that was given to me? So that's what I'm
working on now," she said.
Sab chose to shine a light on one of her co-teachers. An Igorot who
married a Muslim, Jennifer Pandi is the only Muslim teacher in Culiat
Elementary School with a permanent position.
"Miss Jen is one of the teachers who continuously improves her
teaching. I learned about her background and it is really interesting.
She is the only Muslim teacher in our school who has a permanent
position. The one thing that never changed is her love for teaching. Her
life may have changed but her love for teaching remained," she said.
Sab said she will interview Miss Jen and post the interview on social
media. She said other teachers with a similar passion for teaching will
also get a chance to tell their stories and inspire others.
"We have so many stories, everyday stories of love, of hope, of
dreams. And we need society to help us achieve those dreams," she said.
"A lot of people were touched by the TedX video. What more if there
were other voices telling that story? More stories will be told about
love and hope because in the end, teaching is just one form of loving."
Credits Abs Cbn News
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