Starting the Journey at Caiñaman Elementary School as a Teacher, School Head

I finished my college degree in Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) in 1985 in La Carlota City College with flying colors. I took the Licensure Examinations for Teachers (LET) in the following year and I passed. I just kept it and didn't apply for a teaching job for I had already a job in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) as a custodian. No plan to teach yet.

Five years later, The Church announced that all custodian position in the Church would be phased out. So I had not choice but I was compelled to apply in the Division Office for a teaching profession. I had prepared an application letter and submitted it to the Division Office.

The applicants were ranked after they underwent the process of hiring them. And I was in the number one rank in the post. Mr. Vicente Mental, the former teacher of my youngest son, Gilbor, Jr. came over to our house early in the morning and told me that Mr. Montaño, the Schools Division Superintendent wanted to talk to me regarding my teaching application. The interview didn't take long. Mr. Montaño advised me to tender my resignation to The Church and I would start teaching in Cainaman Elementary School. I didn't complete my last one year job in the Church. I submitted my resignation paper and the Church approved it.

What Makes Earthquake Drill, Funny?

A minute siren blast overcame the silence of the classes of Balabag Elementary School to catch the more than three hundred school pupils unaware the incoming earthquake an hour before their recess period started. A scenario in a recent earthquake drill conducted in the said school in the Division of La Carlota.

Kids covering their heads proceeding to open space

When I was transferred to this last year as their new school principal, these pupils were already informed through an orientation on what to do in time of natural disaster like the earthquake in which I conducted with the assistance of the teachers.

They're too serious to know the basic things to do to stay safe when an earthquake strikes. They're apt to go under their table, their desk, while covering their heads. They remained in silence. They're quickly to follow the instructions of their respective teachers.

They knew where to proceed after the quake as played when the long blast sound stops. Though, there were some who were afraid, anxious of this so called drill.

How Typhoon Affected My Life

I couldn't help myself from remembering those typhoons that had affected my life. This is my latest reaction when our schools division superintendent called up an emergency meeting of all school principals in the division of La Carlota City.

While SDS Portia M. Mallorca was reviewing the preparation of the school's disaster risk reduction management council (DRRMC) in connection with the official declaration of Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo G. Marañon, Jr. that no classes in all levels in the province for the expected landfall of the super typhoon "Yolanda",  I was recollecting several typhoons that had passed the vicinity of the country PH, particularly in our hometown and wrought great havoc to properties and claimed lives of people.

I relay our meeting to my teachers who are in stand by in our school. I remind them that our school will be ready anytime for evacuation center of those who are affected by the typhoon. Communication should be 24-hour available especially their respective cell phones. I also alert those members of the school DRRMC to be on the alert to function when needed.