Aim For Excellence*

by GABRIEL M. DELFIN

* Remarks Dr. Gabriel M. Delfin delivered during the Faculty Development Program of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges held at the Audio Visual Room, RSQ bldg., Estancia, Kalibo on October 4, 2012 – Teacher’s Day.

“Moving Towards Excellence” is our theme on this October 4, 2012 Faculty Development Program. The month’s theme is timely, appropriate. It aims excellence. Short of aiming for excellence, where do we go? Up to where we reach?

Mediocrity should never exist in our vocabulary. Replace that with Excellence to guide, prod and push us to greater heights. For that is why we are in school. That is why we came to school and came back to help young ones, as teachers, get to greater heights in their profession as well as in their vocation.

Former Education Secretary Alejandro R. Roces, in his column, “Roses & Thorns” of Sept. 8, 2009, “Looking Up To Our Teachers” wrote. “Teaching is indeed a noble role and being able to help students realize a major achievement in life while making them become responsible citizens, gives them a sense of fulfillment in their chosen vocation”. But facts facing the world today has it that the “role of the teachers has been relegated to mere imparting of knowledge and skills, seeing through the accomplishments of academic requirements until the students graduate from a stage of education to the next or helping them attain a degree in higher learning.

We are aware of a great number of teachers “who made a difference in the lives of their students and co-teachers alike as well as their respective communities. Teachers go beyond the limits and under difficult situations to encourage their students not only to learn more but to contribute valuable and novel ideas for the betterment of society. And who developed the best in their students? They put their hearts and minds on them. They instill in people the values of hard work, sacrifice and discipline, encourage attitudes towards learning more and caring for others at the same time, leading them to have greater vision beyond their ambitions”. 

One good avenue in teaching is to teach the youngsters the value of financial responsibility. And a lot of other values, such as perseverance, patience, innovation and others, values that may develop and widen the student’s perspectives.

But what is very important is teaching and leading by example. Let us look at the latest info, of innovative teachers. Have you heard of the “Kariton Klasrum” by an innovative teacher, named Efren Peñaflorida, Jr. of Cavite City?

The inventor was awarded $10,000 for his Novel idea. 

Another teacher, a 52-year old professor of Nueva Viscaya State University, Dr. Ronulfo Sanches,  industrial education professor who specializes in woodwork and cabinet-making invented the three-in-one wooden chair. The chair can be converted into a ladder and ironing stand. An award-winning endeavor, earned for him P25,000 cash prize and P100,000 for winning First Prize in a competition. The inventor said that his invention on a made-to-order basis sells at P2,500 each. And have you heard that Filipino teachers are in demand in USA and other countries? Of course, we have to brush up with our English to qualify. Let us also constantly talk in English.

Yes, teachers certainly make the difference, says Ms. Vilma Reigidor Taroy in her column, “LESSONS PLANNED”, of Aug. 20, 2009. For the teacher “is the key that unlocks the door to where students can step into – a whole new world of discovery, of learning and of opportunity.” Ms. Taroy further said that she can only give her best when she is happy and fulfilled in her work. A lesson will only be as good as the teacher wants it to be.

Finally, I suggest that the habit of study and research be developed to acquire or discover new knowledge and skills. This may enable us to impart these to others as well as to our students. This may also enable us to show everyone these values which we may eventually teach and pass on to the public. That is by example. The best method, to teach and lead.

Can we do that? Let’s do it, let us do the best. And do them with prayers to Him and His mother as well as our Mother. Then get the best! /MP