‘I am a proud public school teacher’

I am frequently asked why I like being a teacher and why I teach Filipino.

There are three main reasons—passion, capability and a desire to make a difference.

Since childhood, I have always been fascinated by stories in Filipino. I read countless stories and, while I may not remember their titles, I will never forget the feeling and the lessons I learned.

Filipino is the language of the heart and it is closest to my heart. I think that is how the passion to teach began.

I want to teach my students to care about who they are, where they come from and, most of all, where they are headed.

I am a Filipino, I am proud to be a Filipino and, as a Filipino, I want to touch the hearts and minds of all students. What could be the best way to do this than to tell stories in the language closest to my heart?

I believe I have the capacity to teach and make students listen. Hopefully, I can give them something to think about.

I am blessed because God gave me the gift to see the goodness and the potential of my students, and to help them see them, too, and make them productive individuals willing to serve their families, society and the country.

I need to be a role model to my students. I have the responsibility to enhance my profession. Although it is hard to multitask, I am also a dedicated mother to my two sons, a loving wife to my husband and a caring daughter to my parents.

I continuously educate myself and show my students the liberating power of education. Right now, I am trying to finish my thesis on the importance of literary texts in teaching Filipino.

I want to make a difference in a positive sense. I can teach in a private school and get a good salary, but a burning desire to reach the underprivileged and make a difference in the lives of others made me choose Balagtas National Agricultural High School.

For the past 17 years, as a public school teacher, I have always given my best. But I am saddened when I see vacant chairs in my classroom. Knowing the reasons for the absences makes my heart cry.

So I think of ways to help my students, even in small ways. As a second mother to them, I listen to their stories, share my blessings, cry and laugh with them, and dream with them.

I talk regularly to parents about their children’s progress and partner with them in molding the future of their sons and daughters. I do home visits to make sure my students come to school no matter the difficulties.

I want to do more by seeking help and assistance outside the school. I have spearheaded and collaborated with members of an international organization of lay people, Institucion Teresiana, and with teachers of Saint Pedro Poveda College, with the help of my husband, for an annual recollection for graduating students these past 15 years.

It is hard to find benefactors for the students but I am determined to help them realize their dreams because I believe that education can liberate individuals from poverty of heart, mind and spirit.

My life as a teacher continues to evolve, although it is not always easy. I will meet more students in this journey called life.

But there is one thing I am sure of. I will give them something many people do not have—faith—faith in their abilities, faith in their future and, most importantly, faith in God.

If given the chance to live again, I would still be a teacher in Filipino, a simple yet determined, loving, caring and compassionate teacher, creating little miracles in the lives of my students.

Rowena R. Viharin teaches at Balagtas Agricultural National High School in Balagtas town, Bulacan province.