March 31, the Day We Graduate from Education Course

March 31 is the momentous day for us, my wife and I. This is a double celebration for we both graduated from our elementary education course in a separate year but the same date.

Gil and Rebing

My wife and I were studying in humble government sponsored college in the small city of La Carlota and we completed our elementary education course in the same date, March 31 but in different year.

I was ahead of my wife for 6 years. I finished that course by myself unlike my previous commerce course which I never spent a penny for I enjoyed my academic scholarship as editor in chief of the college public, The College Voice. I was right away hired by the local Rural Bank where I had my on the job training as an apprentice. Anyway I pursued my elementary education course by my own money. I went to the college during my off office hours and Saturday. It was in the year 1985 that I completed the academic requirements to the degree of Bachelor in Elementary Education (BEED) with flying colors.

Activities for SY 2015-2016 Graduation Rites

The  closing of school year 2015-2016 for the elementary and secondary schools in the country Philippines is regulated by DepEd Order No. 7, s. 2016 signed by Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC.

Graduation cap - Pixabay

This year's graduation theme is "Kabataan Mula sa K to 12, Tagapagdala ng Kaunlaran sa Bansang Pilipinas." This is geared to a formative vehicle for local and national development.

The graduation rites would on or before April 1, 2016. It should be simple but meaningful affairs which encourage civil rights, a sensee of community, and personal responsibility. No excessive spending, extravagant attire, or extraordinary venue may be required from the learners.

For public schools only, expenses for the graduation activity are charged to the school maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) under the 2016 budget.

No collection or contribution of any kind would be made by any DepEd personnel.

Teaching Leads Me To Where I Am Now

Twenty-nine years ago today, I was overjoyed while I received my certificate of the degree of Bachelor in Elementary Education. Former La Carlota City Mayor Juancho Aguirre handed me that certificate in a red case.

I would be much happy if my late parents were also present at that time. The degree that was conferred upon me by the board of trustees of La Carlota City was the greatest expectation of my parents. I earned this through my diligence, through my industry, through my determination to equip myself of this honor in which my wife and my two kids are so proud too for I was already married while I was studying in college.

It took me a lot of perseverance, a lot of sacrifices. But above all, I know it is the Lord's will to provide for such blessings to fulfill my dream, my vocation as a teacher. My passion to teach is evident while I was a kid. I used to play a classroom teacher. I used to gather my neighbors, my relatives and used our empty wall as blackboard.I taught them writing, reading, and arithmetic The 4Rs in teaching methodology. I enjoyed and they enjoyed too. I used to cry, feel frustrated and even disgusted when they won't play with me.

Gamboa: Six Secrets to a Successful Life

Last year our country was heavily suffering from natural calamities. Many properties, crops and plants were destroyed. Worst innocent lives were lost especially those in the province of Tacloban, the Eastern Part of the country.

Pastor Melchor C. Gamboa

The school buildings were destroyed. Trees were toppled down. Communications were paralyzed. Those who survived especially the pupils weren't able to continue their schooling. Thei studies were disrupted. Their recovery was slim. Nevertheless, their hope that their education may be remedied is so great. They have a strong determination. They are so pliant like the bamboo to easily adapt to the unfavorable condition of their lives.

The Department of Education is keen enough to come up with this appropriate theme for graduation, "Hindi Natitinag ang Pusong Pinoy." Education Secretary made his graduation message available to all schools int the country emphasizing the value of "nationalism, excellence and resilience."

The Simple Reason Why I Should Teach

It is graduation season. It is a time for joy, a time for bidding goodbye and farewell to school teachers, to classmates and friends. It is a commencement for a higher learning.

BEED Graduate 1985

March is to meaningful for me and also for my wife. I graduated my Bachelor of Elementary Education in March 31, 1985 and six years later, March 31, 1991 my wife completed her BEED course too.

How wonderful to reminisce those unforgettable experience the very day that we marched in the same day but in a separate year.

I gave up some of my jobs and pursued my teaching ambition and achieved it satisfactorily. Teaching is my passion. I love teaching kids. I started as a seminary teacher in our Church. I wanted to mold those children as what Jesus is setting the example. It is in teaching that paves the way for everyone to be obedient and be faithful in keeping the Lord's commandment and be entitled for the greatest blessings in their life - eternal life.

First La Carlota City SPED Graduation: The Strength and the Heart

"Today is the most momentous event in the history of La Carlota Special Education (SPED) integrated school to have its first set of graduates," gladly told Portia M. Mallorca, acting schools division superintendent of La Carlota City.

Ma'm Mallorca graced this event to approve and confirm the first 10 graduates of La Carlota SPED in a simple rites held at the facade of the newly constructed SPED building.

La Carlota City SPED Integrated School 

The graduates were composed of four hearing impaired in elementary and six secondary, in which 1 is visually impaired and 5 are hearing impaired.

Ma'm Mallorca in her message statement described this event as a "new opportunities and potentials for the challenges in life."

The Role of a Pencil

Ms. Mary Hope Q. Ayson of Planning & Development Officer of La Carlota City College as the invited guest inspired the graduates as well as their parents and guardians.

Ayson relayed her message through a parable of the importance of a pencil. She said everyone has their own role to play. Some can do many great things. Some can be a stronger person. Some can correct some mistakes. And some can do what's inside themselves.