THE CORE VALUES IN MOTION

CATHERINE Q. CANLAS

“What’s the sense of being educated when we just leave our trash anywhere only to be picked up by an uneducated man, “so inquires the author of this Facebook post that got this writer pondering on the pressing concerns of education and its relevance in today’s world.

While the individual’s mental sharpness has long been the single, most prioritized faculty cradeled in the bivouac of formal education, it should not be denied that the fundamentals of cognition are immediately moderated by what reality the former espouses.

Thus, for the youth to truly become life-long learners, they must be imbibed with values needed to suffice learnt academics, technical skills includi ng.

Makadiyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, Makabansa. These are four such values too often uttered, too seldom mustered.

Makabansa. If recent studies are valid, then it is to be accepted that this generation of learners, for whatever reasons they have, is increasingly growing impatient with history-with the past. How current is their state-of-mind, we can only hope the past is not something the present is taking away from them. At this point in time where our national identity is so often bullied by diplomatic breaches, this nation deserves the socio-cultural fervor of its people more than ever!

Makakalikasan. Human intelligence has brought about tremendous progress to mankind, but with it is the dramatic degradation of natural resources. It is about time we give back what we have taken away so the learners of today must realize this; if we continue ignoring our issues with environment, it would be barely possible to sustain what progress, itself, has long bestowed.

Makatao. We all so long for this once upon a time when every one was just so polite and considerate. Respect for others is one such value that must find its way back to us and with this comes the voluntary intention to embrace diversity and honor goodness as the source of one’s unconditional service and dedication of human vitality to all that is essential and meaningful.

Above all, Maka-Diyos. But what learning is more essential than love of God?

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The author is Teacher II at Information and Communication Technology High School (ICTHS)

JANETTE C. LOPEZ

The Department of Education is committed to promote physical education and school sports as integral parts of the Filipino learners’holistic development.

Physical Education, one of the components of MAPEH, aims to make students physically strong, well-poised, sound and efficient, mentally alert and active, and emotionally tempered and well-balanced.

Introducing physical activity or regular exercise to students would help their body’s systems to function better. Nowadays, we should all be more than fit, and regular exercise would give us benefits in many ways.

PE teachers should make their students understand that physical activity makes overall lifestyle much better. It can also help them manage stress more effectively. Most importantly, it gives strength to fight life’s challenges – which they need in their lives, every day. Being physically fit boosts energy, increases strength, stamina and ability to do continuous work. Exercise elevates metabolism, burning more calories and preventing excess weight gain or helping maintain weight loss.

It is the task of PE teachers to instill in their students’minds that being fit, amidst today’s lack of physical activity, would give them boosted immune system, which reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes and certain types of cancer. It slows the aging process, too, and increases the longevity of life. It keeps bones strong and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

It also has social and emotional benefits, too, boosting one’s confidence and fighting depression. The effects of physical activity and exercise on one’s mood are immediate. Studies also show a relationship between physical activity and function of the brain. According to the Institute of Medicine, active children perform better on tests and have faster cognitive processing.

Although other factors come into play in a student’s academic performance, these kinds of activities may improve his overall performance.

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The author is Secondary School Teacher II at San Vicente-San Francisco High School.