The Unsung Heroism of Teachers

By Apolinario Villalobos

Teachers become the second parents of children as they step inside the school campus. I do not want to dwell on their wage as everybody knows that despite the adjustment, still, it is not commensurate to their effort and time spent in school. Weekends sometimes see them in school sprucing up their rooms to make them conducive for the learning of their young wards. If they are lucky, they get support by way of budgeted “allowance” from their superiors for the aforementioned expense which oftentimes is not enough so that they are forced to shell out their scrimped savings.

I know of teachers who are supporting in their own affordable way, pupils who go to school without breakfast. They include these unfortunates in their packed lunch or sandwiches. Those assigned in far-off or remote schools, with some beyond several hills and swift rivers, had to spend for the fuel of their “single motorcycles”. Some viewers of my blogs are teachers and they told me that they are also spending for their own teaching materials…actually, a traditional practice that include even the purchase of floor wax, brooms and dust pans.

They may have been able to collect simple jewelries…hard-earned investments, but according to my teacher-friends, it took them several years to complete the payment made on installment basis. On school days, they have to wake up at dawn to prepare breakfast for their family, leave home for school before 6 or 7AM, stay in school till 5:00PM or beyond, tackle the flood during rainy months on the way home, immediately attend to their family upon arriving home, and work on their modules till late in the evening for the next day. Due to bad traffic, many would arrive home as late as 9:00PM.

Many teachers become spinsters and bachelors because of their dedication to their job. Some say, they have no time for the “loving-loving”. Worse, many also develop TB due to unhealthy condition in their workplace. The consolation that they get from their job, especially, if they are handling kids is the loyalty and devotion from them. These brought about common statements from their pupils, “….sabi ni Ma’am…”. “…ayaw ni Ma’am niyan…”. etc.

I remember my teachers in Tacurong Pilot Elementary School, such as, Mrs. Paradero, Mrs. Sucaldito, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Barber, Ms. Davala, Mrs. Amar, Mr. Palencia, Mrs. Ramos, Mrs. Domider. In NDTC Boys Department such as, Mr. Elmer Festin, Mr. Jamorabon, Ms. Uy, Mr. Cabiles, Ms. Hojilla, Ms. Palabrica, Mr. Gabertan. In NDTC college department, such as, Mrs. Lechonsito, Mr. Canzana, Ret. Judge Jacosalem Makilala…..and many more. (I hope viewing schoolmates and classmates can help me out recall names….please add.)

Alas! Without “Ma’am” and “Sir”, where would I be? 

Lagrimas Pamposa….the unsung

Intellectual of Tacurong City

by Apolinario Villalobos

Her family arrived from Passi Iloilo to settle in Tacurong city in 1951, particularly in a corner lot of what is Malvar St. today, but which was sold not long after they settled for good in what is now the barangay of New Passi. She finished her Grades 1 to 4 in Tacurong Elementary School, today, Tacurong Pilot School. She was in Grade 5 when they transferred to New Passi Elementary School, today, Elisa P. Bernardo Elementary School, and which during the time had a 10-room building including the office of the principal who was Pio Sustiguer at the time. When she graduated (1955-56), she was the class valedictorian. As she could recall, when Mr. Sustiguer was transferred to the Rajah Muda Elementary School, Mr. Aguacity took over his post as Head Teacher. Those who spearheaded the school later were Elsa Bernardo and her husband, Jaime Tolentino. Ms. Pamposa also recalled Mrs. Emma Bernardo, as among the teachers during her time.

In high school she entered the then, parochial school of Notre Dame for Girls where she graduated also, as valedictorian, while their salutatorian was Azucena Hojilla. Their honorable mention was Florinda Pabunsan, who is now the College Dean of the Quezon Colleges of Tacurong City.

For her college education, Ms. Pamposa entered the Notre Dame of Marbel, today, Notre Dame of Marbel University. She took Bachelor of Sciend in Elementary Education and was again the class valedictorian when she graduated in 1966. The salutatorian was Leonor Palabrica Arzagon-Pagunsan, and who later taught at Notre Dame of Tacurong Boys’ Department, and during the latter part of her career, went back to Notre Dame of Marbel as President.

After her graduation, Ms. Pamposa went back home to New Passi in 1966 to teach Grade Four in her alma mater and later transferred to Baras Elementary School. Before her retirement age, she tried her luck in Cavite where she found job as Principal of the Basic Education at Southern Luzon College which has been integrated later into the AMA Education System. She left the school in April 16, 2016.

After a short rest, she was urged by their class salutatorian, Florinda Pabustan to join the Quezon Colleges of Tacurong City, formerly, Lyceum of Southern Philippines, and where she was the College Dean. Ms. Pamposa was given a post as BSEEd Chairperson.

Today, Ms. Pamposa lives with a niece in her home along the main road of New Passi. She commutes every day from her home to Quezon Colleges in the city, early in the morning and back home late in the afternoon. When I met her for an interview, she doesn’t look her age of 71 as she spritely moves around. Amazingly, she still receives an invitation or two from educational institutions to be part of their teaching force, an indication that to date, those who know her still acknowledge her intelligence. She confided that she never stops her learning endeavor every time there is an opportunity that comes her way….despite her being in a barrio and her age!

(Kuwento ng Buhay ni Elmer Festin)

By: Apolinario B Villalobos

Ang landas ng buhay na ating binabagtas

Mahirap tahakin lalo na kung tayo’y nakayapak -

Mga lubak na hindi mapansin ay ating natitisod

Matatalas na batong di maiwasan ay nayayapakan

Pati tinik ng dahong mariang sumusugat sa ating talampakan.

Ang taong hindi handa sa pagtahak nitong landas

Sa ilang hakbang pa lamang niyang magawa -

Kahihinaan na ng loob at pangangatugan na ng mga tuhod

Hindi malayong babalik sa pinanggalingan

Di kaya’y mangingipuspos at sasalampak na lamang sa daan.

May isang taong sa murang gulang ay naglakas-loob

Nagpakatatag at taimtim na nagdasal sa Panginoon

Na harinawa sa paglisan sa sinilangang Bantoon, isla ng Rombon

Patnubayan siya sa kanyang paglayag at tatahaking landas

Bigyan din ng malinaw na pag-iisip at katawang malakas.

Masakit iwanan ang isang bayang tulad ng Bantoon

Islang animo’y tuldok sa mapa ng Romblon

Di man pansinin, ito’y mahalagang itinuring

Ng mga Kastilang dumating noong unang panahon sa ating bansa

Kaya’t sa aklat ng ating kasaysayan siya’y naitala.

Ito ang kuwento ng buhay ni Elmer Festin

Isang taong may ngiting agad mapapansin

Napadpad sa Cebu kung saan siya’y nahikayat

Suungin ng buong tapang, masalimuot na buhay –

Na wala namang pag-atubili at matatag niyang hinarap.

Ilang taon din siyang dito ay nagturo

Naglinang ng dunong ng mga kabataan

Hanggang sa siya ay kawayan ng kapalaran

Na nangako sa kanyang sa dakong katimugan

Siya ay makakatamo ng pinapangarap na kasaganaan.

Dala ay kakaunting pera na sa bulsa ay kakalog-kalog

Pilit winaglit ang pag-aalala at takot sa dibdib na kakabog-kabog

Hindi rin alintana ang mga tuhod na nangangatog

Siya ay naglakas-loob na pumalaot at tumango’ sa tawag ng kapalaran -

Ipinasa-Diyos na lamang, magiging bunga ng kapangahasan.

Sa Notre Dame, sa Tacurong siya ay napadpad

Paaralang sa bayang ito ay pinagkakapitagan

Limang mga gusali nang panahong iyon ang kanyang nadatnan

Pinangangasiwaan ng mga pare at madre na Oblates of  Mary kung tawagin

At katulad ni Elmer, pagtulong sa kapwa ang sinusunod na adhikain.

Nakitaan siya ng kakaibang sigla sa pagturo

Dahil hindi lang sa mga aklat, mga estudyante niya ay natuto

Naibahagi rin niya ang kaunti niyang kaalaman

Pati sa gymnastics na para sa mga estudyante’y bagong larangan

Kaya napasigla niya ang dati’y matamlay na kapaligiran.

Anupa’t si Elmer ay nakilala hindi lang sa loob ng Notre Dame

Dahil ang galing niya sa pagturo, sa iba ay nakatawag pansin

Kaya nang magkaroon ng Polytechnic Institute sa bayang ito

Binuksan nila para sa kanya ang kanilang pinto

Upang makibahagi sa kagalingan ng kanyang pagturo.

Sa bago niyang malawak na kapaligiran at hitik sa iba’t ibang halaman

Lalo pang sumidhi ang kanyang hangad na makahubog ng kabataan

Hindi naman nasayang ang marangal niyang adhikain

Dahil taos-pusong pasasalamat ay kanyang naramdaman at natanggap

Mula sa mga estudyanteng binigyan niya ng pag-asa ang mga hinaharap.

Natupad ang pangarap ni Elmer na maibahagi ang kanyang kaalaman

Napatunayan niya na kakapusan sa pera ay hindi hadlang

Hindi rin nasayang ang kanyang pagpunyagi magmula pa sa kanyang kabataan

Kahi’t sa pagtahak niya sa landas ng buhay siya’y nakayapak lamang

Dahil alam niyang sa dulo nito’y mayroong walang hanggang kapayapaan.

(Si Mr. Festin ang nagbigay ng pagkakataon sa may-akda upang mahasa niya ang kanyang kakayahan sa pagsulat. Hinirang siya ni Mr. Festin bilang patnugot ng “The Green Ember”, pahayagan ng high school department ng Notre of Tacurong noong 1966, kahi’t siya ay nasa first year pa lamang. Ang tiwala at dagdag kaalaman sa pagsulat na ibinigay sa kanya ni Mr. Festin ang naging kasangkapan niya sa pagharap sa mga pagsubok ng buhay. Kulang ang mga kataga ng tula upang maipadama ng may-akda ang taos-pusong pasasalamat.)

Faded Photographs

By Apolinario Villalobos

(Photos from the family library of Ed Collado)

A picture can paint a thousand words, so goes the line of the son, “If”. And, faded photographs can bring memories that for the present are testimonies of how successful people struggled in the past. Faces exude aura of innocence…with their eyes that eagerly stared at the camera, unwary of what the future held for them.

Ed Collado’s mother was among the pioneer teachers of Tacurong Pilot Elementary School while his father was the District Supervisor who painstakingly visited schools in the barrios connected to the town of Tacurong by foot trails winding through rice, corn, and sugar cane fields. Other teachers I could recall during their time were, Mr. and Mrs. Jordan, Mr. and Mrs. Gatumbato, Mrs. Domider, Mrs. Paradero, Mrs. Sucaldito, Mrs. Ramos, Mrs. Lechonsito, Mrs. Del Campo, Mr. Barber, Ms. Davala, Ms. Paclibar, Ms. Ines, Ms. Paragas, Mrs. Lucentales, Mr. Palencia, while the Principal was Mr. Ben Nicolo. According to Ed, her mother took the pains in keeping photos taken during her time in Tacurong Pilot School.

Children of prominent families went to the school in slippers and shoes with socks, while the rest were barefooted. Free snacks consisted of gruel made from yellow corn grits. Those who failed to bring cups or bowls ate their share using pad paper folded origami style in the shape of a cap.  If there were extra bags brought by the Peace Corp Volunteers, the grits were distributed among the pupils to be brought home. Aside from yellow corn, those that were regularly donated to the school was bulgur wheat, oat meal, and powdered milk.

When I was in Grade Four, Ikea Seki comet appeared which became visible at dawn for almost a week. I could vividly recall the event as the appearance happened during our Boy Scout camping on the track and field of the school. During the time, we almost lost a good friend, Baltazar Subando when he fell from the “monkey bridge” built for the contest among the troops. Among the schoolmates I could recall were, Febe and Lilieth Ancheta, Betty Cu, Rodina Ballena, Ninfa Loot, Gloria Sangke, Catalino Ines, Nonito Bacus, Jaime Bides, Angel Collado, Apolonio de la Peἧa, Cornelio Alegre, Jaime Mariἧas, Elsie Dajay, Homero Palatolon, Hernanie Baclaan, Domingo Cargo, Eleanor Fajardo, the late Chrito Lacanaria, Rey Mijares, Julius Lechonsito, Jimmy Uy, Dani Pendatun, the late Reynaldo Mosqueda…(more names to be added as recalled).

In High School, we became Notre Damians who wore khaki pants with green stripe on the side.  On very special occasions, the Dominican Sisters of the Girls’ Department allowed joint activities with the Boys’ Department during which the musical talents of the students from both departments were exhibited. Ed Collado, Ted Lapuz, and Virgilio Guillermo provided music to the dancing girls, such as Rodina Ballena, Ninfa Loot, and others.

Debating Club was among the most popular organizations in the Boys’ campus aside from the Choreographers’ Club. The members of the Debating Club such Jovino Morte, Cirilo Baldonado, Andres Jordan Jr., Rommel Angel, Nonie Amar, Antonio Hojilla, Eduardo Palomado, Rodolfo Gallega, Virgilio Guillermo, Ed Collado, Felizardo Lazado, Leo Villalobos, Jose Lim III, a certain Cabico, were coached by Mr. Gabertan. The Choreographers’ Club on the other hand had Mrs. Ching Romero and former Ms. Leonor Palabricas as advisers, with the members such as, Dominador Barnachea, Homero Palatolon, Cirilo Baldonado, Ruel Lucentales, Domingo Cargo, Hernanie Baclaan, Eddie Travilla, a certain Nanales, and Ed Collado. The Choreographers’ Club had one successful fund-raising show, the “Rainbow of Rhythmn”.

Today, those caught in the historic frame of time are successful in their chosen fields. Some are entrepreneurs, overseas professionals, military officers, engineers, nurses, and educators.

Meet Our “Agot”…Erlina Diaz

…proud alumnus of Notre Dame of Tacurong

By Apolinario Villalobos

During my college days, I had the opportunity to meet people with interesting personalities. They were very much different from my high school buddies as our college that time was co-ed. During my high school days, the girls were separated from us boys. While we were under the shadow of the Oblate Director, the girls were under the wings of the Dominican Sisters.

Although I got separated from some of my high school friends who were financially fortunate to pursue their college in bigger colleges in cities, most stayed behind just to be with the Oblates. Our motley group of Liberal Arts students was the smallest compared to those who belonged to BS Commerce, and the combined BS Education and Elementary Education.

From among the new faces, Ruel Lucentales and I sort of naturally and casually got stuck with a bespectacled and frizzy-haired, though cute girl from Isulan – Erlina Diaz. In no time at all, we developed some kind of a clique – the three of us, although, we were still close to our other classmates such as Norma Burias (now Mrs. Boeh), Cesar Cruz, Talama Makilala (Saavedra), Luz Garnica, and many more.

Ruel and I called Erna our “agot” which in the Hiligaynon means “youngest”. Before classes would start, the three of us were spontaneously drawn toward each other. And, as if on cue, would ask each other about what each of us got for the previous day’s assigned readings. There were times that our discussions would result to ill-feelings due to pride as nobody would like to give in and come out wrong. But, after a few days, we would again be meeting, as if the previous serious discussions did not happen.

We parted ways after graduation. While I joined Philippine Airlines, Ruel got stuck with the Department of Social Welfare which both of us worked for as working students when we were in fourth year, while Erna taught at the Notre Dame of isulan where she finished her high school. Ruel, later became the Director for Region XI of the said agency based in Davao and moved up to the national level as Assistant Secretary, the position he held at the time of his demise. Erna on the other hand, moved on to become the Principal of their school. And, as I have developed some kind of loyalty with PAL, I stayed with it for twenty years, after which I drifted among companies and government agencies as Consultant.

One time, I surprised Erna with an unannounced visit in her new-found retirement job as the High School Principal of the Valdez Mother and Child City College (VMCC) (Tacurong), founded by Dr. Bonifacio Valdez, one of the prides of our Alma Mater and city, being an indefatigable civic leader who heads several organizations. Erna was still wearing spectacles and with a strong Hiligaynon twang in her accent, but the sharpness In her delivery of words as she spoke was still evident. With fondness, we recalled days spent with our teachers and classmates. I purposely did not remind her, though, that our batch was the last, as the college department of the school was temporarily closed due to the meager enrollees aside from the prevailing unrest at the time.

As I was treading the dusty path from the gate of the VMCC toward the main road when I bid her goodbye, I was feeling great with the thought that we may be the fortunate last batch of our dear school, Notre Dame, but we showed our best as we are proudly and continuously waving her banner of green and white.

I ALMOST LOST MY FUTURE DUE

TO ILLEGAL DRUGS WHEN I WAS IN COLLEGE

By Apolinario Villalobos

Friends who do not know much about my past will surely be surprised by my declaration in the title of this blog. Though it is very embarrassing, I have to do it to explain why I hate illegal drugs so much. On the other hand, those who knew me in PAL, will be equally surprised and be wondering how it could have happened as I finished my college in a “parochial school” of a far-flung and a struggling town, having just been weaned from her “mother municipality”, hence, expected to be free from bad influence, unlike Manila and other big cities where marijuana and other vices had been proliferating as early as the 1960’s.

What happened to me is happening today in remote areas as the evil of illegal drug is spread by notorious drug lords and their pushers. The pusher entices his unsuspecting victims after friendship with them has been established. That was what exactly happened to me when I was in college. My awareness about marijuana, though, came when I was yet in high school, when two transferees, one from Manila and another from Iloilo City were belatedly admitted in our school. Not known to my schoolmates, they were smoking marijuana in any available vacant room and since nobody among us knew what marijuana looked and smelled, whatever whiff of the smoke that got into our nostrils was not given much attention. We did not mind the two, as we thought they were just smoking ordinary cigarettes. They were able to attract followers because of their image as “City boys”. The guy from Iloilo City introduced me to the peculiar smell of marijuana, while smilingly inviting me to try it, but I declined…he left our town the following year. On the other hand, the guy from Manila stayed to pursue his college studies, albeit, irregularly, in our school.

When I entered college, another transferee from Manila who was admired in the way he dressed himself with the then, popular brand “Golden Award” shirts and denims, was admitted. He got close to the guy from Manila, as he was also into the same vice… smoking marijuana. Unfortunately, I got close to them via music, as one of them was very adept in playing the guitar. He taught me how to pluck the notes of the popular American folk song, “House of the Rising Sun”, aside from the strumming techniques for other songs. They also got close to one of my best friends, who l learned later to have gotten hooked to marijuana which forced his parents to stop from sending him to school.

The simple friendship developed into the influence that I unknowingly imbibed from such relationship. My classmates did not know that I spent at least one hour with them before attending my classes. During the time I was with them, we enjoyed singing folk songs and sniffs of marijuana. I had my free sniffs as I was literally only a hanger-on in their company. Later, they introduced me to “Madrax”, a depressant that came in tablets and capsules, which they told me got a stronger kick than marijuana, and better taken with two bottles of beer. They gave me tablets for free. Later on, they tried to introduce me to “Corex”, a cough syrup that I declined because of its taste.

Those were the days when some of my classmates noticed changes in my behavior, such as avoiding their company and kicking chairs inside the classroom if I caught them staring at me. Despite what happened to me, I was able to hold on to my slot in the Dean’s List every semester which I direly needed to maintain my scholarship, as well as, my job as a “working student” (janitor, assigned to clean the whole building of the Training Department). The job was granted to me by Fr. Robert O. Sullivan, O.M.I. , the school Director, who got exasperated due to my pestering plea to him that I needed it so badly. At first he declined as there would be some sort of duplication of benefits because while the job entailed a monthly allowance, I would also be enjoying an academic scholarship. In other words, the job would have been better given to another needy student. But when he learned that I was an orphan and on my own since high school, he finally conceded. He was also delighted when I told him that I got his book, “Imitations of Christ” that I won in the extemporaneous writing contest when I was yet in First Year High School and pitted against the upper class students. Although the Irish priest was known to be strict, I got close to him because of that book as he would always ask me about it.

Some friends did not leave me in my distress, and one of them was Ruel Lucentales (who at the time of his demise was a DSW Assistant Secretary). Although, somewhat fearful and apprehensive, another friend, Erna Diaz (who today works as Consultant in a school after retiring as Principal of Notre Dame of Isulan), also stood by to add her support to the effort of Ruel. Our closeness was such, that Ruel and I called Erna our “agot” or youngest sister in the dialect. The three of us were taking the same course, Bachelor of Arts (English/History).

Every school day, Ruel would fetch me at my quarters in the Training Department as early as 1PM, to make sure that I did not stray into the company of my drug-using friends. We would meet Erna in the library or any of the rooms vacated by high school students for the shift of college students. At this juncture, a special friend, Tessie de la Vega also stood by me. She brought honors to the school with her streak of triumphs in the inter-school elocution competitions that brought her to Cotabato City and Koronadal City. They practically became my cordon sanitaire, as while in school, I was with both Ruel and Erna being classmates, after classes in the evening I was obliged by Tessie who was taking another course, to walk her home. On weekends, she would also check me at my boarding house (Biἧas residence) during which she would bring gifts such as home-made pickled papaya or “achara” and other delicacies, to show that she was among those who sincerely cared for me.

My life made a complete turnaround when I was hired by Claudio Estante, to work as his lone assistant in the newly-opened Department of Social Welfare that served the whole province of Sultan Kudarat. The province was virtually in turmoil due to conflicts between the Christian “Ilaga” and Islamic “Black Shirts” since the start of the 1970s but reached its peak when I was in fourth year college. Assured that I passed my course and foregoing the graduation ceremony, after thanking Mr. Estante for his trust, I went to Manila to undergo medical check -up and training for a job in Philippine Airlines, that brought me to Tablas (Romblon) for my first assignment.

This revelation is embarrassing, but I had to do it if only to show the viciousness of illegal drug. I would shiver every time I recall those days. Had it not been for my three friends, I might not have had the chance to work with DSW, an airline, finish a book, and most especially….be blogging now! I am thankful that the adage, “regrets happen last”, did not apply to me. I can also honestly say that God indeed, is good…as I have proven it…but such goodwill must be earned by dint of hard work which I can honestly say, I did!

Ramonito Pernato: His Journey from the Family Barbecue Business

To a Reputable Private Accountant

by Apolinario Villalobos

For one thing, their family is among the pioneers whose business acumen has helped developed the city of Tacurong into what it is now. While other families put up barbers shop, variety (sari-sari) stores, fish and vegetables stalls, hardware, and small restaurants (carinderia), the Pernato family chose the chicken barbecue business during the early part of 1960.

Practically, every member of the family had a part in the business. While their parents administer the overall operation, the children contributed their effort in all stages of the business, the final phase of which saw the broiling of skewered slices over red-hot charcoal pit till late at night. Mon, as friends would call him, was initiated into the family business when he was in Grade Four – dressing chickens aside from running errands.

While other boys of his age were bumming around the just-weaned Tacurong from her “mothers town”, Buluan, Mon, was doing a grown up man’s job together with his elder brothers. Later, he learned the family secret in preparing the marinade for the tasty chicken cuts for which their restaurant became famous, the “Mauring’s Barbecue”. His participation in the business went on until he reached high school, during which he had to help the family till late at night in catering to their patrons. It was only when he went to college that he left his family to study in Davao City.

In Ateneo de Davao College , Mon took up Bachelor of Science in Commerce with major in Accounting. After graduation, he joined Alcantara and Sons (AlSons) in Davao City as a researcher of its Corporate Planning Division, moved up to the Financial Management Group of the same entity, then, as Accountant of the Davao Industrial Plantation, one of its subsidiaries. He later transferred to an Insurance multinational Company as its Davao Branch Accountant. Finally, his expertise in accountancy brought him to Metro Drug Corporation as its one of the Internal Auditors which required him to visit areas as far as Tawi-tawi, the southernmost province of the Philippines.

Having gained enough exposure to the intricacies of the world of numbers, he decided later on to be on his own, by putting up an Accountancy office in Tacurong City from where he reached out to the rest of the business entities in South Cotabato, particularly, Koronadal City and General Santos City. As a routine, after checking matters in the office, he would drive to the mentioned prime cities of South Cotabato.

Not long after he plunged himself into a flourishing private practice, he got involved in the affairs of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) as its Regional Director for Southern Mindanao, then as Vice-President for the institute’s Public Practice sector, and lately, as Executive Vice-President which is a national position. During a rare impromptu meeting with Mon, he confided that he will be moving up as PICPA’s President by July 2016.

Reminiscing on the happy days once-struggling Tacurong which was yet, in its infancy, he is grateful for the discipline that his parents instilled in him and his siblings. We were actually, together in the same section throughout high school that is why, as an added observation, I could say that he was among my classmates whose brilliance in numbers stood out, aside from being among the soft-spoken and well-behaved.

Mon is a contented husband of Mila Jabigo, who works with the Notre Dame of Tacurong/Sienna, as Guidance Counsellor, though, having finished BS Chemistry in Colegio de San Agustin (Bacolod City); and, father to: Ryan Jon, graduate of AB (Political Science, Ateneo de Manila University-Manila), and on his fourth year in Law at San Beda College-Alabang; Katrina Mae, graduate of Bachelor of Business Administration and Accountancy at University of the Philippines (Diliman), and works with Sycip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV), a reputable Accounting firm in the country; Audrey Ann, graduate of Business Management (Accounting) at the University of Santo Tomas and Business in Accounting at La consolacion College; and, Lorena Mae, who is on her second year in Accountancy at De La Salle University-Manila.

To date, the mark of the “Mauring chicken barbecue” in Tacurong City is still evident, thanks to Mon’s two brothers who opened their respective outlets which are happily competing with the rest that mushroomed. Meanwhile, he prepares for the challenges waiting him ahead… as National President of PICPA from July of this year, until June 2017. …a remarkable feat for a guy who started his career in a family business while in Grade Four.

Fr. Joseph Borreros and his Journey through Life

…from a struggling student assistant

to an Orthodox priest, and educator with Divine guidance

By Apolinario Villalobos

As a youth, he was among the wave of adventurous migrants from Panay Island, particularly, Dao, Capiz who came to Cotabato. He found his place in the Tacurong Pilot School as a Grade Six pupil in 1961. His family lived in the market of the town which that time was just weaned as a barrio of Buluan. He continued his studies at the Magsaysay Memorial Colleges of the same town. In college, he took up a pre-Law course at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City but failed to pursue it when he succumbed to a sickness.

He went back to Tacurong and took up Bachelor of Arts in Notre Dame of Tacurong College. To support his studies, he worked as a janitor and later as Library Assistant in the same school. That was during the directorship of Fr. Robert Sullivan, OMI, a kind Irish priest. After his graduation, he taught at the Notre Dame of Lagao in General Santos, South Cotabato for three years.

In 1973 he got interned at the Marist Novitiate in Tamontaka, Cotabato City, and professed temporarily in 1975 during which he was assigned as a Marist Brother at the Notre Dame of Marbel Boys’ Department (Marbel is now known as Koronadal City). From Marbel, he was sent back to the Notre Dame of Lagao.

In 1976, he left the religious congregation of Marist Brothers, but was taken in by Bishop Reginald Artiss, CP, the bishop of Koronadal, to assist in the establishment of the Christian Formation Center which was located at the back of the cathedral. For two years, he went around the parishes and diocese covered by the authority of Bishop Artiss in training members of the Kriska Alagad, Lay Cooperatos, as well as, in establishing Basic Christian Communities.

As Bishop Artiss perceived his potential as a cleric, he was sent to the Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao in Catalunan Grande, Davao City. Fortunately, due to his extensive and intensive pastoral formation background, he was privileged to skip subjects related to it. After four years of theological studies at the said seminary, he was ordained as a priest on April 1, 1982 by Bishop Guttierez, DD, of Koronadal. His first assignment was the parish of Sta. Cruz , formerly politically under South Cotabato, but today, that of Sarangani Province.

In 1985, he was a “floating” priest, awaiting appointment as Superintendent of Diocesan schools and temporarily established his residency at Our Lady of Parish in Polomolok, South Cotabato with the late Fr. Godofredo Maghanoy. The following year, he was finally designated to the mentioned position which he held for three years.

In 1989, he went on a study leave to take up Masters of Science in Educational Management at the De La Salle University in Manila which he finished in 1991. Two years later, he was about to finish his Doctorate in Religious Education pending the completion of his dissertation under the guidance of Bro. Andrew Gonzalez, FSC, but failed to do so due to an important and life-turning decision….to have a family and develop a Non-Government Organization. Driven by his new-found advocacy in life, he worked as Coordinator of the Community Volunteers’ Program under the Council of People’s Development, a Pastoral NGO of Bishop Labayen for three years in Infanta, Quezon.

From 1995 to 2004, he was with the Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA) as a Monitoring Officer of the projects in governance. While with the said NGO, he studied Orthodoxy theology on his own, a week after which, he was consecrated by His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew at the Orthodox Cathedral located at Sucat, Paraἧaque, Metro Manila.

He was inspired to bring along his former 61 parishioners in Maricaban, a depressed area in Pasay City when he presented himself and his family to Fr. Philemon Castro, parish priest of the Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral in Paraἧaque. Like him, he found his former flock to be also journeying spiritually. After several months of catechism, they were accepted to the Orthodox Church. They were further accepted by the former Metropolitan Nikitas Lulias of Hongkong and Southeast Asia.  A little later, Fr. Joseph was ordained to the Minor Orders as “Reader”, for which he started to render regular duty at the Cathedral on Sundays which did not affect his NGO-related activities.

He was asked to leave his NGO responsibilities in 2004, in exchange for which he was sent to Greece to serve as a full worker in the Ministry – live with the monks of the Monastery of St. Nicholas of Barson in Tripoli, southern Greece. Afterwards he was sent back to the Philippines to do catechesis in different mission areas, particularly, in Laguna, Sorsogon and Masbate.

In 2006, he was ordained to the Orthodox priesthood and assigned under the Omophorion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople which is presently headed by His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, Successor to the Apostolic Throne of St. Andre, the first-called apostle.

In 2009, he did mission work in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Until today, he carries the same responsibilities but the area expanded to include SOCSKSARGEN area (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos), as well as, Davao del Sur.

To date, he was able to firmly establish three communities, such as: Holy Resurrection Orthodox Community in Lake Sebu; St. Isidore of Chios Orthodox Community in San Guillermo, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur; and Apostles St. Andrew and James Orthodox Community in Kisulan, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur.

Aside from taking care of the Sacramental life of the faithful, his mission work also includes values formation of students. Two particular schools that are benefiting from this are the Marvelous College of Technology, Inc. in Koronadal City, and Pag-asa Wisdom Institute in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat where he also serves as Principal. According to Fr. Joseph, the two institutions are community-centered, privately-owned, mission-oriented and most especially, cater to the less in life but with a strong desire to overcome their socio-economic barriers.

Fr. Joseph and his family live at the Theotokos Orthodox Mission Center in Surallah, and which also serves as the nucleus of his mission works. His life is typically austere as shown by the structure that accommodates his flock during worship days. The same character also defines the rest of the “chapels” throughout the areas that he covers. But since there are other things that his Mission needs, he unabashedly appeals to the “mission-minded souls to help in their capacity, sustain, strengthen, so that it will grow with flourish for the glory of God”.

Fr. Joseph, as an ordained Orthodox priest has been given the name, “Panharios”.

For those who are interested to reach out to Fr. Joseph, his address is at:

Theotokos Orthodox Mission Center

120 Dagohoy St., Zone 5

Surallah, South Cotabato

Philippines

Email: theotokos_mission@haoo.com

Cellphone: 09165433001

Ang Pamilyang Pilipino: Misyonaryong Alagad ng Eyukarista

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Isang matatag na hibla ng pananampalatayang Kristiyano…ito ang pamilyang Pilipino. At, ang panata ay marubdob na pagpapalaganap ng Eyukarista, simbolo ni Hesus na nagligtas sa sangkatauhan mula sa mga minanang kasalanan. Ang malalim na pagkaugat ng pananampalataya sa bawat tahanan, payak man o nakakariwasa ay bunga ng halos limampung siglong paghubog ng mga Kastilang prayle sa kanilang mga ninuno. May sangkot mang karahasan, inunawa na lang dahil sa layuning maka-Diyos, at dahil na rin sa paniniwala na ang mga nabulagang prayle ang nagkamali noon at hindi ang simbahan.

Hindi lang Pilipinas ang sinasaklaw ng taimtim na pananampalataya dahil kahit sa ibayong dagat, saan man nakakarating ang mga anak, ina, o ama ng isang Pilipinong pamilya bilang dumadayong manggagawa, kipkip pa rin nila ang Bibliyang pilit pinalulusot sa mga paliparan at daungan. Sa mga bansang iba ang umiiral na pananampalataya, nagagawa pa rin nilang magtipon-tipon nang palihim upang ipadama sa isa’t isa na buo ang katatagan nila bilang mga Kristiyano na hindi nagsasawa sa mga salita ni Hesus. Marami nang naparusahan, subalit hindi hadlang ang kanilang kamatayan upang ang pagsamba nila sa Diyos ay mapigilan.

Ang Eyukarista na maituturing na isang pagtitipon, kung saan ay nasa gitna si Hesus… ay lalong tumatatag at lumalawak pa ang nilalambungan ng biyaya nito dahil sa pambihirang katangian ng pamilyang Pilipino. Marami nang hadlang ang kanilang nalampasan sa pag-usad ng panahon na lalo pang nagpalakas ng kanilang pananampalataya dahil sa paniniwalang walang makakatalo sa kapangyarihan ng Diyos na siyang naglalang ng lahat sa ibabaw ng mundo. Hindi sila mahirap akayin dahil sa paniniwala na kung tungo sa kabutihan ang landas na tatahakin lalo pa at ang gabay ay si Hesus, walang pasubaling sila ay susunod.

Hindi maiwasan kung may ibang pamilyang napapalihis ng daan dahil sa umiiral na makabagong panahon, subali’t may mga pangyayari at pagkakataon na nagpapakita ng pagbabago…at ito ang hangad sa kanila ng ibang pamilya na sa kanila ay maigting na kumakapit upang hindi tuluyang maligaw. Ang damayan ay bahagi na ng kultura ng mga Pilipino na nagpapatatag ng bawat tahanan, at isa rin itong katangian na ginagamit sa paggabay sa kanilang kapwa upang mapanatili ang katatagan ng pananampalataya. Nagsisilbi din itong lakas na ginagamit ng bawa’t pamilyang Pilipino upang maakay pabalik sa tamang landas ang mga naligaw.

Mapalad ako dahil ako ay bahagi ng isang pamilyang Pilipino na may matatag na pananampalataya sa Panginoon at bahagi ng pagtitipong Eyukarista… na ang kahalagahan ay pilit kong pinamamahagi sa abot ng aking makakaya. Hindi man nakakariwasa sa anumang materyal na bagay, hitik naman ang pagkatao ko ng mga bagay na buong puso kong inaalay sa Kanya. Ang puso ko ay pinatitibok ng taos kong pananampalataya, at ang aking payak na karunungan ay umaapaw sa paniniwala sa Kanyang kapangyarihan.

Nagpapasalamat ako dahil itinuring ako ni Hesus bilang kapatid niya…at sa pagturing na yan ay kasama ang aking pamilya. Sumasama ang aking kalooban kapag nakakarinig ako ng panlalait kay Hesus ng mga hindi nakakaunawa sa Kanya. Halos magutay ang aking puso kapag ako ay nakakakita ng mga sinasadyang paglihis mula sa itinuro niyang tamang daan. Tinatanong ko ang aking sarili kung bakit sa kabila ng paghirap at kamatayan Niya sa burol ng Golgota, ay nagagawa pa rin ng ibang siya ay itakwil.

Ganoon pa man,  dahil sa nakagisnan ko nang katatagan bilang katangiang bahagi ng pamilyang Pilipino, naniniwala akong sa abot ng makakaya ko… namin….at nating lahat, matatamo din ang matagal nang inaasam na kapayapaan at pagkakaisa na siyang layunin ng Banal na Eyukarista – simbolo ng pagmamahal ni Hesus sa sangkatauhan at buong mundo!

Ricardo Jamorabon, Jr.: “Mr. Discipline”

And Among the Pillars Of Notre Dame of Tacurong College

By Apolinario Villalobos

Even before I entered the gates of Notre Dame of Tacurong College as a first year high school student in the early part of the ‘70’s, I already heard the name “Jamorabon”, who was known for being “strict”. He was in-charge of the PMT (Preparatory Military Training) and ROTC (Reserved Officer Training Corp) of the school. When I finally enrolled in first year high school, I saw and heard him talk – with an intimidating booming voice that became his signature for years to come. It was Boy Scout for the first two years of my high school, but on my third and fourth years, there was no choice but to undergo the rigid PMT drills in the amor seco –filled activity ground of the campus. He was indeed, strict, having proved it myself after several push-ups and runs that I did for being late during several formations.

Our school was small compared to other Notre Dame campuses in Cotabato that time, before the province’s partition that made our part become Sultan Kudarat, with the rest as, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, and Maguindanao. We were also among the smallest in population. But every time there were inter-campus drill competitions, we were always on the top three. Thanks to Mr. Jamorabon who took pains in sharing with the corps, platoon, and squad commandeers what he knew about military drills. To be a “commandeer” then, was a sacrifice on the part of the chosen outstanding students, as practice drills after classes would last up to the “novena hour” which was six in the afternoon. On the other hand, the string of patience was practically extended as needed by the big-voiced mentor.

The rigid discipline that was imposed by him among the PMT cadets was also experienced by the college students who took up ROTC, and that included me later on, because he was with us, until our graduation…with our batch of college graduates in 1975 being the last. The college department was closed temporarily due to the lack of enrollees that could sustain its operation. While we left the campus as graduates, Mr. Jamorabon stayed behind as the High School Department was still in operation, besides, he was also teaching Mathematics, and most especially, he was the coach of the basketball team. That was also the last time that I saw him.

More than ten years later, while I was attending a seminar as a PAL employee, at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay, I received a note from, of all people, Mr. Jamorabon! He was also attending a seminar in the same facility. He saw my name among those in the list posted on the door of the room where my group was having sessions and took chance in sending me a note for the confirmation of his curiosity. When we finally met, I could not explain what I felt, for having been honored by such curiosity. I was not expecting him, a well-respected teacher in our school, to remember me, as I considered myself an insignificant student when I was in high school and college. After that meeting, it took years again before we saw each other, and that was when I was invited by our school as Commencement Exercises speaker during the last term of the Dominican Sisters as administrators. That meeting was followed, after a long time again, which was when I visited his wife, Ma’am Emma, after her stroke.

When I had a rare chance to talk to Mr. Menandro Lapuz, a respected pioneer resident, I asked him for names of people in our city, whom he consider to be outstanding as local citizens. He mentioned “Jamorabon” among the first five names without hesitation, before groping for the rest of names in his memory.

An important note on Mr. Lapuz…he and his two brothers, Eusebio and Felipe, arrived in the area when Tacurong was yet a vast land of rice paddies and swamp. They came from Luzon and upon arriving in the wharf of Cotabato they took a local ferry plying the Rio Grande de Mindanao that took them to one of the villages in Sultan sa Barongis. The Lapuzes were already comfortably settled in Tacurong when it was weaned from Buluan as one of its sitios known as Pamansang. He was around when the foundation of the Notre Dame, one of the first Catholic schools in the whole of Cotabato was established by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) fathers. He was also around when the pioneering teachers and staff of the school, together with the “working students” joined forces to construct the basketball court and multi-purpose stage, as well as, in undertaking projects for the parish church. Among those in the “volunteer labor force”, according to him, was “Ric” Jamorabon who caught his attention because of his intimidating “big voice”.

I am in touch today with Mr. Jamorabon through his sons who follow my blogs in facebook. I see in the statements of his sons when they make comments, the same rigidly- disciplined personality and wit that I experienced from their father. I do not know if my “remarkable teacher” could still recall how he let me clean the “armory” during one afternoon of PMT formation, to escape the “hair cut inspection” that he would conduct. I failed during the time to have a hair cut simply because I had no money… that, I told him straight before the formation in the field when he beckoned to me. With a straight face, he told me to run to the “armory” and sweep its floor which saved me from suffering the humiliating “crisscross” hair cut that he would give to the long-haired cadets. That recollection triggered my desire to write this blog, for how can I ever forget such kindness behind the intimidating booming voice? He knew for a fact, that being on my own, and also a working student that time and without parents, a peso meant so much.

My ardent wish is for this unassuming guy to be given due recognition that he more than deserve after spending and sacrificing the best time of his life in molding the early waves of the students of NDTC – I, being one of them, a proud graduate of an equally- proud campus in the whole of Cotabato, that used to be a struggling parochial school, but today garnering recognitions for excellence!...I am just looking back to where I came from.

The Making of the NOTRE DAME

OF TACURONG COLLEGE  MUSEUM

By Felizardo “DING” L, LAZADO

ANYONE who chooses to see something - a thing of the past that has something to say about the present and future, then, he is one rare kind of person of social interest. A family that still keeps the belongings and holdings of its great ancestors and never attempt to let them go in any way is a house built on the rocks of perpetual heritage. If you believe that that there are no useless things here on Earth and everything is useful , then, in this world of ours there is nothing to throw away except feces, urine, domestic wastes and other biodegradables.

I FOUND myself in the shadow of this aweful but awesome and amazing world of saving legacies. And if you go with me, I am sure you got a good guess of what I am talking about. This is concernment in museology. It is not all about curating antiques, artifacts and artworks as many would have viewed it that way. Museology is an interesting field of anything collected anytime for use all the time. As long as an object indicates a story to tell and significance to show, it deserves a space in the museum or better still it deserved to be spared. But museum is not always a big building ornately structured and designed. It can just be a corner, a room in the house, or a house itself if it dearly holds rare, unique and even a run-of-the mill - pieces of collections.

The house of a friend, Bot Villalobos is one of this kind, a unit in a subdivision somewhere in Cavite , Artifacts carefully shelved along the walls were aesthetically scaled. A side table drawer was almost full of wristwatches of all kinds. The cupboard beneath the stove was a caveful of multi-sized earthen jars (kolon) , one of which contained cooked " tambalang nga dagmay" which he served to me. The most unique was the " inupong nga humay" displayed on a coffee table in the living room. That small bundle or sheaf of palay was given by a farmer friend from Ifugao's rice terraces for good luck and prosperity.

 And, museum is not all Picasso, da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Fall of Rome, Alexandria and Granada, hegira, or ruins of Parthenon. I was able to obtain a few pieces of rocks from the debris of Berlin Wall from my lady professor at Silliman University. Allegedly, she had them picked up onsite when the Berlin Walls was knocked down. She was there while pursuing a doctoral degree on anthropology

The Notre Dame of Tacurong College ) NDTC Museum was put up without a hint and dint of the above. There was no aforethought of museology. This museum which is now called NDTC Tri-people Musuem was an offshoot of my sheer foolish imagination which later in educational forum I called  “teaching strategy”...or was it? The Jesuit evaluator during our PAASCU accreditation evaluation confirmed to me during an interview that what I did was not a teaching strategy.,,"If ever you consider it a strategy that is something inimical to teaching". We both laughed. " But your strategy has paid up for your efforts, you have this one great museum in this part of Mindanao" the Jesuit concluded with a grain of consolation.

" Bring to the class ANYTHING FILIPINO, ANYTHING OLD" (AFAO) . Simple was that instruction but definitive and conclusive for compliance among my students in History 1 (Philippine History) and Humanities 1 (Art Appreciation) for them to earn a perfect 10 points for P (project) in AQRP , equivalent to a 40 % component of the final grade in any subject taken. That began in 1995, the year I was busy for the Talakudong Festival revival.

One male fruit vendor/ student from Isulan ( who would  drive his tricycle from Isulan early morning for his classes and back home at noontime this time, fully laden with assorted fruits bargained from his “suki” (favourite wholesaler) at Tacurong Public Market), proudly  unwrapped before me a small object. " Sir, ari special AFAO gid ning akon (here sir, is my special AFAO) . The whole class laughed when he further said, “onto ni sang lolo ko nga ginkuha ni lola sang napatay siya. Kanugon kuno sang onto kay mahal pa naman ini". (It is the false denture  of my grandfather who died, and which was kept by my grandmother, as she thought it to be expensive, to be just thrown away.) I told him, “Take it back home with you, as that might scare other collections. Your lola needs your lolo's false teeth than any other”. I motioned to him to take back the controversial item. "Ti ang grade ko sir? ". (“how about my grade sir?”).  "Sigi perfect 10 kana" (“don’t worry, you will get perfect 10”).

Running it from 1995 to 1998. the AFAO project has become a byword among my students. One time I caught one guy shouting : “Ay ABAW”, (oh, my!) referring to AFAO. Submitted projects became an array of collectibles and collections. Trending in campus, AFAO has even made some teachers feverish too, thus dozens more of personal items were turned in that swelled up the room. Worthy of mention were 3 pairs of old patadyong (native Visayan tube skirt with geometrical pattern), and kimono (sheer blouse made of piἧa fibers with butterfly sleeves), and 3 pieces of "sinukla" from Mrs. Josefina Lechonsito's late mother. Ricardo Jamorabon Jr, gave his personal baby's crib. Rev. Antonio Pueyo while he was still a Parish Priest in Cotabato City sent in a big bronze crucifix and elegant rosary beads which he said was once owned by a Catholic lady but turned them to him when she married General Salipada K. Pendatun. Five big boxes were left to the museum by Bishop Colin Bagaforo when he moved to Cotabato City to assume his new post as Auxiliary Bishop of Cotabato. Most of the artifacts were "santos" (holy images). "rosaritos" (rosary beads), as well as, other sacramental and clerical habits. The Bishop's collections occupied one room of the ground floor and labeled “ecclesiastical collection”. Opposite room was assigned to several Muslim brasswares including kulintang (brass xylophone) and “agong” from the former Sultan Kudarat governor Pax Mangudadatu.

 Verbally but encouragingly, Sr. Leonor Pagorogon, OP, Phd. then the College President instructed me to put up exhibits on June 12, 1998 in connection with the CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE PHILLIPINE REVOLUTION. So came the unprecedented preparation. Presentable and exhibitable and truly expressive of anything Filipino, anything old were all moved to the exhibit area - the college lobby. To make the exhibit validly significant and reflective of the centennial celebration, the miniatures of the evolution of the Philippine flag and framed pictures of the early revolutionists including Bonifacio and Aguinaldo formed part of the rush works. My sons. Glenn and Ron and one working student put the final touches on the eve of Exhibits Day.

The opening came the morning after but since it was a national holiday, the influx of visitors from other towns, especially, students was observable on the second day. The exhibit was run for two straight weeks with MOVERS (Museum Organization of Volunteers, Errands of Responsible Students) on the watch line. The MOVERS was organized at the height of the preparation. When the exhibit ended, the MOVERS themselves moved all the items to the Sullivan Hall - a two- story building that in itself was also “antique”. The moving signalled the birth of the museum.

The two-story Sullivan Hall, was without the necessary facilities to be called a museum. Here came my big problem. If I had to resort to requisition, I was sure I would only be told "no budget "..that I didn't like to hear. I put all the responsibilities upon me as I silently shout...COME WHAT MAY I WOULD BUILD THE MUSEUM MY WAY ! I told nobody as nobody has ever told me to stay in the museum in the evening.

At day time during my vacant periods I roamed around the campus - spotting anything useful and loadable - in the garbage area, carpentry shop, stock room beside the gymnasium. Late sundown after supper to the museum I went my way to spend the night.. Like a nocturnal owl and a thief in the night I focused my attention on my "operation". Sensing that silence now reign the evening hours, like a cat I stealthily moved around ...pulled and dragged whatever item I could move inside the museum. Flashing lights indicated that a security was on the roving time. I had to look for cover to elude the Blue Guard. Then on weekends - Saturdays and Sundays I did carpentry works. I picked up pieces of assorted nails at carpentry when there was no carpenter visible. I bought a hammer and a saw so that nobody at home would ever wonder where have all the saw and hammer gone ifever needed.

On June 30,1998, the NDTC MUSEUM was given official recognition, as Sr. Leonor Pagorogon OP, PhD. signed my appointment as First Curator and a certificate was issued recognizing me as Founder of the NDTC MUSEUM. A respite from museum-related activities came when I accompanied the Talakudong contingent to Davao City to join the Kadayawan Festiva in mid-August of the same year.

My exit from the museum which was brought about by my retirement in 2008 saw the entrance of equally energetic Dr. Edgar Gonzales who took over as the new curator. Under his administration, the museum made three good projects: 1) The ground floor was fully renovated with modern facilities; 2)  A decent fund was obtained from the NCAA for the procurement of other facilities and training; and,  3) The museum was renamed NDTC TRI-PEOPLE MUSEUM.

For over a decade of curatorial work, 13 years to be exact, museology has taught me more meanings of life and more learning from love of USEFUL AND USELESS THINGS. In my retirement speech, I humbly mentioned the time when I was a nocturnal owl, a thief in the night, a stealthily moving cat, a scavenger, a carpenter, an AFAO strategist, not a teaching strategist, inventor of the new 3 Rs - Remake, Retake, Reshape...I DID ALL THAT for my contributions to the meaningful NDTC Vision Mission and my commitment to the promotion of cultural heritage.I would like to thank all my students/alumni and fellow teachers who in one way or the other have helped me build the NDTC MUSEUM.

Pagtatakda ng Pananampalataya

na may Bagong Pananaw Sa Mundo ng mga Dukha

ni Felizardo “Ding” Lazado