Ripple effects of giving

March 11, 2017 Educator's Corner Opinion

Developing harmonious relationship with every people you meet is always expedient. I have proven this fact last May 26, 2013 when I was approached by my supportive and energetic department head, Francisco B. Peñaflor, to spearhead a fund raising activity to improve the audio-visual teaching aids for the benefit of our students of Pines City National High School. Pondering upon my boss’ encouragement, questions popped up my mind such as, would the fund raising project be sensible enough to be supported by our students’ parents or any ordinary concerned citizens who experience financial problems in life? Would I be willing to risk my name and my alma mater where I’m currently employed for the sake of raising funds for the benefit of our students? While on my way home, I still kept on pondering upon these questions and tried answering with the goal of convincing potential supporters who would later on positively respond and support the said project. My answer to my number one question was that parents, despite being financially challenged, long for the best education for their children and concerned citizens will always positively respond to humanitarian concerns. While my answer to my number two question was, financial collections when audited and presented to the public with proper documentation won’t leave any controversy.
I, my boss and my fellow Filipino teachers decided to name the project, “Piso Ko, Handog sa Kawika Ko” mainly because a ticket only costs 99 centavos, a price that is affordable to anyone. Along the process, two generous Filipino teachers from our department namely Ma’am Teresita Doria and Ma’am Erlinda Tinaza donated one cavan of rice each. This indeed helped in the prizes. In addition, the department would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the following: Dr. Rachel M. Bugtong, our principal; all the Department Heads; employees and parents of PCNHS; Tauli Family of Guisad Valley National High School/PNP; Mrs. Soling Galong of Baguio Elementary School; Mrs. Brigette Galong of Pinsao Elementary School, Krystel Marisse Galong of Philippine Science High School-CAR, Ms. Fe Sison of Pinsao National High School; Mr. Eduardo Palaroan of Dominican-Mirrador National High School; Ms. Lucia Casim of Pinget National High School; Oribilio Family together with the PNP-Kapangan; Agtulao Family and the University Of the Cordilleras student teachers; and all individuals who have been part of the project.
Through our honest and dedicated treasurer, Mrs. Angelica Mangalip, the department was able to raise funds enough to purchase the major and consolation prizes and to finance the purchase of 2 DLP projectors. It would help the teachers present their lessons in a modern and easier way.
This experience shows that transparency can prevent misunderstandings and controversies. This further proves that the bayanihan spirit still lives in the hearts of Filipinos. As they say, “United we stand, divided we fall.” Andre Paolo C. Galong, Pines City National High School