Teachers: Epitome of Nationalism Among Learners

Norween T. Malonzo

“Nationalism is nourished by a sense of history. It is of its essence to know profoundly the past, so that we may be in complete openness with the men who made that history and in intimate communion with their thoughts, their deeds, and their noble lives.”, these were the words of Claro M. Recto Jr. His words alone would imply that every Filipino should learn to pay respect not only to the men behind our history and freedom but also with history itself.

Achieving Philippine Nationalism took a long journey before finally achieving it. It is through the heroic deeds of many young and brave Filipinos that this was made possible. They were motivated primarily due to the struggles they faced. All the efforts, hardships and sacrifices of the beloved Filipinos should never put to waste. Hence, Nationalism should continuously be inculcated among learners today. But how nationalism be viewed during this pandemic time? During the onset of the pandemic, negative thoughts appeared both in print and nonprint media; that the government is not acting accordingly to address the pandemic and help its citizens. Despite of all the negative and unforeseen circumstances, one should not forget the Filipino Frontliners who made sacrifices not for their families alone but the entire nation. Frontliners in the medical field who never ceased in providing medical assistance. The men and women in uniform who made sure that everything is in order despite of the chaos brought about by the pandemic. And of course, education frontliners who have shown diligence, perseverance and dedication to continue education amidst the pandemic.

Many questioned as how teachers will perform their task and deliver their lessons. But none of these mattered as they continuously served every Filipino learner. They submitted themselves to various trainings and webinars to simple be adaptive to the new delivery of learning. They conquered what seem to be unconquerable. The fruits of all the sacrifices were indeed sweet. Learning continued. Learners learned through different modalities. And at present, limited face-to-face is being conducted. All these were made possible because of the great love of country. It is their nationalistic ideas that set the desire to continue education. And this may also be inculcated among Filipino learners.

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The author is Teacher III at Marisol Bliss ES SDO Angeles City