DEPED REGION III CELEBRATES REGIONAL FESTIVAL OF TALENTS

JOEL M. BABADILLA

“Talent and skill choose no age, color, race, gender, status, educational background or any other social factors. These are celebrated with individuality and diversity instead”. - Jewel M. Babadilla

God created us all equal … . We may not have the same special ability, or cope to carry out a task with determined results evenly, one way or the other, we are given with unique gifts individually. And these must be treasured and celebrated fully.

Howard Gardner recognizes the reality of multiple intelligence. That every student learns differently. According to his theory, identifying each student’s intelligences has strong ramifications in the classroom. If a child’s intelligence can be identified, then teachers can accommodate different children more successfully according to their orientation to learning. He suggests that teachers should not only be limited to traditional teaching-learning process but consider all domains such as: Visual/Spatial, Verbal/Linguistic, Mathematical/Logical, Bodily/ Kinesthetic, Musical/ Rhythmic, Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Naturalist, and Existentialist.

In harmony with this, John Dewey’s Learning by Doing insinuates that teaching-learning process should not be passive and traditional but practical and experiential instead. He implies that application is superior than remembering field. Regardless of the learning ability of the child, a hands-on approach must be considered.

These subjects cover the heart of Division Memorandum No. 397, s. 2018, Regional Festival of Talents 2018, “Celebrating Diversity Through the Performance of Talents and Skills for Inclusive Education”, last November 21-23, 2018 at Fortunato F. HaliliNational Agricultural School, Guyong, Sta. Maria, Bulacan, which showcased the talents and skills of Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High School, Senior High School, Alternative Learning System, and Special Education Program Learners. The festival aimed to provide opportunities to learners to display their talents and skills in language, arts, social studies, technology and livelihood education through exhibit of products, services, and performances.

It is a given fact that children learn differently. Hence, teachers should not limit their teaching strategies, techniques, methods, and approaches to traditional and ordinary means. Considering the profile of their learners, their learning types, behavior and attitude relevant to teaching-learning process, failure of students in terms of academic, social, and psychological development can be avoided.

The said event creates a culture of diversity in treasuring one’s talents and skills towards inclusiveness. This only proves that if a child is given the chance to apply, practice, and develop his abilities, a work of art will emerge.

Just like in any other competition, the values of camaraderie and sportsmanship were observed. Winning is not about taking home the awards and recognitions but being true to oneself and giving your best shot. At the end of the day, your placement in any competition does not define your humanity. It is the right attitude to savor victory, accept defeat, and move forward.

— oOo—

The author is Secondary School Teacher

Community High School

I (T.L.E.) at Mabalacat