AN ESCAPE FROM DYSTOPIA

VICTORIA T. AGUINALDO

Let me take you to the ever-existing imaginary world where educators dwell— it’s the place called dystopia.

In my twenty-five years in service, I have been a witness of the inevitable cycle that continually unfolds in the field of teaching. Multitude of aspiring teachers come and go in the department— some gets hired, serves, and quits eventually for countless reasons and one of these is their urgent desire to leave the disappointing “status quo”.

Even the lyrics in the song “Walang Natira” of the prominent Filipino rap artist Gloc 9 featuring Sheng Belmonte attest to the glaring reality in our country. The continuous exodus of Filipino teachers is mentioned in the lines: Napakaraming guro dito sa amin ngunit Bakit tila walang natira… Nagaabroad sila. Sad, but it is the reality.

In the latest result of the 2016 survey provided by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the total number of OFWs is estimated at 2.2 million, in which a considerable percentage covers Filipino migrant teachers. A truth that we must embrace because of the attractive salary rates and other incentives for their loved ones, many Filipino teachers pursue teaching jobs overseas. In the process, the Philippines is losing many of its better, if not the best, teachers in major subjects like Science, Mathematics, and English. Anyway, who wouldn’t dream of teaching in US where teachers earn 7-8 times more than Pinoy counterparts?

The experience of under appreciation from work, the pessimistic career advancement, and the insultingly low compensation have continued to push thousands of seasoned Filipino teachers to work abroad. Many have moved to the US, Middle East, and other Asian countries like China, Japan, and Indonesia to teach. Let’s face it, the job is physically and mentally draining, and so annually Filipino teachers opt to leave the country and eventually look for more financially rewarding jobs.

Statistics shows it all. We can’t deny that each year, a considerably high rate of professional teachers joins the fad of migration, with high hopes of achieving their personal and family goals. Who would not sacrifice their personal career in order to venture in the greener side of the globe? Who would not grab the best opportunities that knock on their doorsteps?

May it be related to teaching or not. The answer is obvious. Record of indefinite leaves are filed in various offices, numerous resignation letters tendered and received, and silent departures heard from a good fellow.

And who are we to raise an eyebrow? Who are we to just simply give a bitter verdicts to these fellow professionals who deserted us in our long-battle for quality education and have forgotten the oath we wholeheartedly took together and the mission and vision we have been trying to live up to?

The truth is, we live separate lives, we toil differently, we dream uniquely for ourselves and our families. We aren’t even in the best position to think negatively of other’s professional choices. Instead, we must salute these teachers who made the sweetest escape of their lives.

Salute to the seasoned and the young ones who chose to break free from dystopia; for it takes a while to realize that everything isn’t right after all.

Salute to those who cheerfully gave their last hugs and goodbyes to the ones they love; for the nostalgic memories cut like knife each day and night away from the significant persons they cherish so much in their lives.

Salute to the dauntless peers who swallowed their pride to labor miles away from our Motherland; for the competition is high, and everything is quite tough and new.

Salute to those migrant teachers for it’s not easy to conquer another land and start over again; for it takes a bigger heart and an enduring faith to withstand all hardships and undertakings. And above all, to the metamorphic system that taught us how to be stronger, and bolder.

Cheers to the bravest and the ambitious ones, for you have celebrated our dignity and self-worth!

Bon Voyage, dear teachers!

— oOo—

The author is a Teacher III at Don Jesus Gonzales High School Pandacaqui, Mexico, Pampanga