Feature: Learning Insights on the Work and Life of a Teacher

Almost all Surigaonons knew of the terrible accident that happened to the two teachers in San Miguel town in Surigao del Sur early this year.

As they were going to their respective stations, the teachers were riding a boat which sank in a river due to the strong current of water.

Of the two teachers, only one survived and the other drowned.  She risked her life for her passion, commitment, dedication and love for work – that is to teach the Indigenous People (IP) or “Lumad” children.

San Miguel-District 3 in-charge Elnie Anthony Barcena had the same experience during his first assignment in Barangay Calatngan in San Miguel when he was employed by the Department of Education (DepEd). He said that the life of a teacher is not easy, especially for those who are assigned in the far-flung areas.

Based on the teachers’ experiences, it is indeed very challenging to be assigned in far flung areas because teachers would encounter variety of uncomfortable means of transportation like “banka”, “habal-habal” and even the use of animals such as horse and carabao just to reach their station.

It becomes more challenging if the weather is not good. They will resort to hiking since the river is too risky to pass through, and hiking is a struggle for them. The sticky mud, jumping over canals and some peaks in the mountain, trekking the different terrain, wallowed in creeks, and walking on corn fields and coconut fields with perspiration dripping from their forehead, while bringing their food supplies and other needs for the entire week or a month.

Despite the situation, teachers in far-flung areas have not ceased from constantly wearing cheerful faces and optimistic outlook for the love of work and to inspire the lives of the children who are patiently waiting for every start of the week for their love and care, and that somehow change their lives through education.

Truly, teachers risk their lives and that of their entire family just to pursue their chosen vocation; that is to expand the gift of education wherever and whenever opportunity comes.

Teachers are present in the community not merely to teach the school children but also to serve as living catalysts to uphold values, integrity and rights of every individual. As they teach their students, teachers were able to develop in the mind of the children the importance of having good education, the good values and the chance of transforming an individual into a productive member of the community.

Teachers are not present just to teach children, but they serve as a resource person, a confidante, a friend, and a model to the community. That is the reason why they have a great impact, not only to their students, but also to the community they teach.

Teacher Glenn Cubillan who recently passed away because of the accident that happened while she was on her way to her station, demonstrated those qualities worth emulating.

According to the neophyte district in-charge, he has several questions that bothered him on what to do or how to handle this kind of situation. Perhaps, he is still not ready to handle these kinds of difficulties.

Losing one teacher in a group is not easy to take, however he said, that he should remain strong and would just have to console himself that he has a DepEd family who are ready to back him up and who believe that he is not alone. Everyone would have a share in facing challenges in life.

No one can escape reality. But the question is, when problem occurs, will you panic? Or will you see it as challenge? Sometimes, the whole world seems like a problem. Basically, if problem occurs, how will you see you it? Is it a threat? Or is it a challenge? (PIA-Surigao del Sur)