IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE: A TEACHER’S VICTORY AGAINST POVERTY
Elger David, Teacher III of Senior High School in Meycauayan National High School (MNHS), Bulacan, exemplifies the values of perseverance, excellence, and victory. His competence and desirable attitudes as an educator have already been proven several times through different recognition he has received. But behind his success lies a story that can inspire everyone.
Elger was once a janitor who strived to finish his studies. Coming from a poor family, he understood that his parents could not send him to college. The scholarship offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) gave him a chance to eventually pursue college.
To support his financial needs, Teacher Elger worked as a fastfood crew, a bagger, and a seller of eggs. Through these, he was able to finish his two-year associate degree. After graduating from TESDA, he dreamt of becoming an exemplary teacher and so he decided to study again–a college student in the morning, and a janitor in the evening.
Because of poverty, Elger thought that it would be best for him to stop studying and planned to work abroad as a farmer. Unfortunately, his savings and effort were wasted when an illegal recruiter scammed him. Despite this, he realized that he was rich with good friends who contributed money to help him finish his studies. Fueled by his strong will to become a teacher, he finished Bachelor in Secondary Education, Major in Chemistry.
Elger successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) right after graduation. Aside from Chemistry, he also excels in teaching Computer Systems Servicing. He became the first assessor in the Division of Meycauayan City.
More opportunities opened for this young man. Elger demonstrated his full potential as a CSS teacher, coach, and trainer when he trained Don Ignacio, his Information and Communication Technology (ICT) learner who won third and first place in Computer Systems Servicing category during the National Festival of Talents (NFOT) in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Likewise, he is proud that all of his 69 students in ICT are very competent as they all became TESDA National Certificate II (NC II) holders.
Elger’s achievements, acquired through dedication and effort, are proof that he truly deserves his recognition as Outstanding Teacher from 2015 to 2019.
As a teacher who was once a janitor, Elger learned that what one has become, is a product of one’s own actions and decisions. His story serves as an inspiration of hope to all learners. He has this faith that “for those who believe will never be disappointed.”
Fernand Kevin A. Dumalay is the Assistant School Principal II, Senior High School Department, Meycauayan National High School, Bulacan, Region III