Role Model Teachers of UNHS

Role Model Teachers of UNHS

In the work place, I am fortunate enough to have co-teachers who are not only excellent in their respective fields but also more than willing to share their thoughts about the profession they have come to love so that others would be able to get insights from. In this post I would like to introduce them to the readers of this blog. I salute them for their exemplary performance in years of unparallel dedication and commitment in teaching the young minds. These teachers are very determined and highly motivated individuals. They are gifted and talented educators whom students and people in the community always look up to.

Because of their exceptional crafts in the teaching profession, Unidad National High School (UNHS), which I am an alumnus, has become nest of professionals and leaders in the community. UNHS has produced numerous competent and well-rounded individuals in different fields. I will commend here three most outstanding teachers among the power list in the faculty of UNHS.

Drum roll please to Miss Nerissa P. Forrosuelo, the smart, energetic and untiring woman. She is an ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and Biology teacher who teaches with high spirits. She has spent eleven years in teaching but still the glow in her eyes shows a burning love for teaching and it is getting more intense. “I love to teach. I find it fulfilling when I teach good things to my students, “she said. She sometimes talks about real and big concepts that can change the way students look up things, which is why she makes sense to her students. In fact, she has been a big inspiration to them. She gains better insights into the students’ situation. When she is asked about what an ideal teacher is, she is quick to tell me, “An ideal teacher to me is the one who speaks with wisdom, and establishes friendships with his or her students and co-teachers. He or she should have a heart of a mother or father, a confidence builder and is a good counselor.” As far as I am concerned, that is what s he really is. When it comes to Science Competitions, Maam Neriss has been a national coach winner three times in a row now. She is known for her extraordinary approach in teaching science. It’s no wonder she was elected President of the Science Club Advisers Association of the Philippines (SCAAP) in Cluster 5 in the Division and CARAGA Region Philippines. She still yearns to teach, live and grow in the institution where knowledge is pursued and where young students are taught how not to commit mistakes again. She is willing to make some sacrifices for the greater good. She has three words to share with his colleagues in the government service. “Give justice to your work. Love your work and be open-minded, be flexible and willing to learn more about your profession and other essentials things in life.

Another heavy roll also goes to Mr. Abelardo Sarigumba, a very artistic and talented teacher of UNHS. By the sound of his name, you can already associate him with performing arts. His life becomes inclusively and exclusively attached to arts. SAYAWIT, Chorale group, Ethnic Ensemble, NAMCYA and Men and Women Artistic Gymnastics were among the competitions he choreographed and eventually won. Currently he is handling subjects MAPEH and Chemistry. He is also a science coach winner in Chemistry. According to him, teaching is the noblest of all professions. He believes that, “If others can do a thing that is quite hard, I know I can do it also.” He considered himself a fulfilled and successful teacher. “In my eleven years of teaching, both private and public schools, I have had students who are now professionals. Most of them are doctors, lawyers, bankers and teachers now.” Indeed there is a sense of pride in him when he realizes that these students achieved such level of success because of what he taught them in high school. Sir Abe can easily mingle with his students. But when it comes to discipline he said, “I discipline my students through individual heart to heart talk. I always tell them the value of education. In one of my talk with some students, I learned that they have nothing to eat in their meals. They just go to school and attend classes. These students live below poverty line. The parents should be more responsible to give biological needs of their children. When asked how he rated himself in the workplace he said, “I rate myself as an excellent teacher. What is his vision of UNHS? He just answered, “I am hoping that UNHS would become a Comprehensive School.

Mr. Abelardo "Abe" Sarigumba

A resounding applause goes to Mr. Emelito V. Gallegos, the school’s Mathematics wizard. Batches of students come and go. They all appreciated his extraordinary way of teaching Mathematics. In his eleven years of teaching, he could say that he has gone a lot of crests and troughs. “I love Mathematics and I also want the students to feel the same I encounter problems in teaching the subject like students low retention level of the lesson and showing less interest because they found it very difficult. There are factors that could have resulted to the students’ low academic performance. Students nowadays are prone to temptations of “kalingawan” or vices like smoking and drinking without the knowledge of their parents.” Inside the classroom when he starts his lesson, he makes sure everybody participates. “I always tell them that we’re here for learning, so let’s make the most out of our purpose. Since the subject is quiet hard, I tell them to spend time making drill in solving problems and establish a good study habit because it’s really important.”

Sir Belong, as he is fondly called is intelligent, open-minded and a proactive teacher. He has a good work ethics and is ever supportive to the welfare of the school. He shows a good working relationship with his co-teachers. His advice for his colleague: “Work hard; love your work and work not to attain praises.”

He philosophizes that students become great if they believe in their power to make a difference. “Share not boast, dare to make a difference”, he would tell them.

The UNHS is recognized in the Department of Education (DepEd) Division Office Surigao del Sur, Philippines as the “Center of Excellence in Mathematics”. What an accomplishment! Many people said that UNHS deserves it. This accomplishment is not without the concerted effort of other Math teachers. When I asked about his feelings for the news he said, “I have mixed feelings about it. I don’t know on which criteria or guidelines our school is evaluated. It’s good news to everybody in UNHS. We hope we would win more in MTAP (Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippine, an annual Mathematics Quiz) competition in the division level, regional level, or even in the national level.”

Our role model teachers have a sense of self-gift to others especially to the students. They show their willingness and generosity to humbly serve and make some sacrifices despite of their Herculean task as mentors. In that since they have a lot to answer for the questions I asked.

Mr. Emelito "Belong" Gallegos

Zaldy: Why do you choose teaching as a profession?


Ma’am Neriss: After having received a diploma in a degree of AB History, my mind was set on historical findings and research. But by some streak of fate, God led me to Saint Theresa College (STC) in Tandag, Philippines where I spent joyful and fulfilling years of teaching. It was there at STC where I realized teaching as a very worthy profession. I become a teacher not but choice of a degree but by an “accidental calling”.

Sir Belong: It was because of poverty why I chose the Bachelor of Science Education (BSE) course. BSE in our time was inexpensive course. And teaching is the only profession I am exposed to. I’ve been with teachers and school in the entire 90% of my life. So basically, I am familiar with the nature of their job. I don’t know if there is already a study on this, when I was a child I used to play a teacher role.

Sir Abe: I chose teaching because I saw how noble teacher’s work is. Teaching is about transforming lives. The teacher invites his students to cross, then facilitate their crossing, and encourage them to create bridges of their own.


Zaldy: What do you think are your great contributions to the progress of UNHS?

Ma’am Neriss: I am putting UNHS over the National map of excellence in Biology, albeit what I consider my greatest contribution is my being more than honest and sincere enough in my work. Extending time for extra school work is a regular routine. Modesty aside, I have a “teachable personality”. I am open to give the best in me without reservation or for any accolade.

Sir Belong: I am supporting the administration for every good cause and I am opposing the same for no good cause. Winning in the different competition in Mathematics can be considered the other.

Sir Abe: This is my contribution to the school and also to mankind: I make it sure that I am with my students in the class to share with them, show sympathy and look after of their own welfare. I always treat every student like real human being.IDE

Zaldy: In your own point of view, what is a proactive teacher?

Ma’am Neriss: A proactive teacher for me is the one who does his/her obligations with perseverance and an open heart. Teachers are God’s special creation. They are endowed with special gifts as stewards of goodness and beauty. Every teacher has a responsibility to take good care and sustain what God has given. He/she should speak with wisdom to the learners because they are seedbeds of God’s continuing creation. His task is to help the child unravel the greatness of God’s creation within him which is webbed in his potency.

Sir Belong: A proactive teacher is a person who does more work than relaxation. For I believe in this world there is more fighting than resting.

Sir Abe: For me a proactive teacher is a person who is self-motivated and does his/her part in molding the students’ minds and hearts. His primary function is to provide a vehicle for a child wider vista of horizon.


Zaldy: What philosophy and core values do you instill in the minds of your students?

Ma’am Neriss: All God-fearing practical knowledge for human development is the real philosophy for me. I always remind my students, “Let God be the end of all ends.” It’s always for Him that we need to sanctify our dream, our desire and our material cravings. With God, we’ll not get lost. No matter how hard we strive, this world is tricky enough to sway us from the path of righteousness. But His love and faithfulness will always take us back to His fold. God is always true to His promise.

Sir Belong: The philosophy I instill to my students I summarized it in a single word- NUMBER which means, Never Underestimate Man’s capacity and ability, But be Even more Respectful.

Sir Abe: It is found in Philippians 2:14 which says, Do all things without murmuring and disputing. Students should follow the wisdom of the ages, the people who have deeper experiences in life. And when they do, they are always in the right track.


Zaldy: In what way can a teacher be an active and effective molder of a holistic education?

Ma’am Neriss: Well, being an effective teacher is more than a longing for earning. A teacher must be a disciple of God, an instructor, a caregiver, a confidence builder, and an ethical mentor. The center of teaching should focus on to the child as a holistic being far above the subject areas. A child-centered educator should learn the nature and the peculiarities of every child when he or she interacts with the others. He should draw and walk with the child to find his or her fullness as a person.

Sir Belong: A teacher is an effective one if the students could still remember and apply what they learned from him/her. Then education becomes holistic if the students become better persons because of the teacher’s instructions.

Sir Abe: He becomes an effective teacher if he has transformed the students into responsible individuals in the society. After all, education is for the total development of the human beings. And you are an effective teacher if you have Jesus Christ in your heart, because Jesus Christ is the greatest teacher ever walked on Earth.


Zaldy: What development program do you want to advocate making UNHS not only a haven of learning but also an institution that produces students of problem-solvers in the society?

Ma’am Neriss: I love to see students who exude confidence in what they are doing and persistent to reach their goals. It’s fulfilling to see students who are vision-oriented, creative, innovative, flexible and assertive. A massive integration of values education and character formation provides that avenue coupled with the institutionalization of a “caring culture” in the school that the good thing taught must be caught realistically at all angles in the campus. In addition, they need to be honed with a research mind that can freely connect people’s ideas across the globe. Oh my God! Let it happen. We need our school to be connected in the internet now.

Sir Belong: I would like to promote tutorials to students who need them the most. We know there are slow learners; we can’t just let them pass the subject without learning the subject. It will only weaken them and our school system when we just let them graduate. Why not give them the appropriate curriculum? Aside from our standard curriculum, let’s promote tutorials in whatever form.

Sir Abe: The components of individual intelligence should harmonize with his environment. I would like to advocate programs that recognize the total development of the students in the academic, music, arts and sports.

Moving Towards A More Challenging Future

Moving Towards A More Challenging Future


How very nice that I am given this rare privilege to deliver an inspirational message. Abundant thanks to Mr. Webster who defines “inspiration” as creative impulse to influence and stimulate others. He gives me inkling on where and how to begin my talk.

This afternoon, I will talk of something that everybody knows already. I will talk of something, which everybody at sometime, has been practicing but tends to forget because of the passion of the moment and the circumstances of time, place and other events in one’s life. I am going to talk to three major audiences present in this occasion. The first group is composed of teachers; second, the crowd of students and the third group, the parents and relatives.

Now, let us start with audience number one- the UNHS teachers. How often is it said that teachers are purveyor of truth and molders of society? Teaching is truly the noblest of all professions! I would like to quote William Arthurward who once said that “mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires”. Here in UNHS, the teachers exemplify their work, demonstrate enormous enthusiasm in teaching the young minds. Here in UNHS, we have dedicated and committed teachers who strive hard to educate and lead the students to become responsible citizens in the community. The teachers have multifarious roles, which include the following: teacher of a variety of subjects; budgeter of time; data gatherer; organizer and encoder of some reports; accountant for commercial venture the school is engaged in; fund raiser for all reasons from repair of wall to the replacement of old classroom decoration; one man/woman tourist bureau; recreation leader; moralist and teacher of traditional values; a disciplinarian; he/she captives students to innovations which are introduced to the education system; an d he/she is a skilled psychologist ready to respond to every bureaucratic whim and caprice.

Then you might ask the questions: What makes a good teacher? What are his/her professional qualities? Well, the following are among the long list. He must: posses desirable qualities that could ensure his/her successful career; be naturally interested in teaching; have a good personality; have a natural love, understanding and consideration for students whom he/she will mingle with; have patience and self-abnegation despite the fact that teaching is replete with more thorns than roses, and is full of trials and tribulation, unlike other professions; he/she must be resourceful and creative; he /she must have a flare of art; have initiative and leadership for these are indispensable qualities since rural people look upon teachers as leaders and people of authority; have a good PR (public relation); be submissive to good suggestions and constructive criticisms; and realize that teaching is not merely a profession-it is a mission.

You see! Being a teacher is not that easy. But look at the UNHS teachers, look at their faces; despite of so many responsibilities, aren’t they happy and contented? They deserve to be appreciated and acknowledged! You should be grateful! Indeed, there is dignity and joy to be educators and molders of people and society.

Now, let us talk about audience number two. The clienteles of teachers, the so-called students. So dear students please lend me your ears and open up your senses that you may capture my message.

Someone has said that the obvious sign of learning is change. Many changes take place when you move on to your teen years. For one, your body begins to show changes. As your body undergoes changes, so does your mind. You learn to question things. You discover many new feelings that tend to confuse you. Oftentimes, these changes may bring you both joy and pain. While they make you aware that life is worth living, they also show that they can also be cruel.

Dealing with these changes is a part of growing up. This is the crucial moment that you need to be educated and get informed the most. The role of educating now comes into play. Education, I would stress here, is very important, so important that it should not be neglected because it is an instrument for the improvement of your life. That explains why students are sent to school.

Dear students, in school, learning does not need to be boring. Oftentimes, it is a lot fun! English subject is not boring, Filipino subject is not boring, Science and Math are not boring subjects as well as Araling Panlipunan, TLE, MAPEH and Values Education subjects! These academic subjects are designed to make you competent individuals. What you learned from these subjects, you could apply them in your own lives.

You have just witnessed the happy faces of the honor students who proudly march here in front to receive their awards. You could be like them! And why not! If you want to follow their footsteps and want to be listed among the achievers in the third grading period until the end of this school year, well, you need to do the following: (1) Love your subject areas and study them religiously; (2) Do your homework, assignment and other school obligations; (3) Comply your school projects/ requirements promptly; (4) Approach the subject teachers if there are some points you find difficult to understand. They are willing to explain them for you; (5) Read good books to broaden your horizon. Most bright students are avid readers of books; (6) Show a tremendous sense of responsibility in your studies. Take time to view your lessons for he day before going to sleep; (7) And of course the most important, ask wisdom from God. He is willing to give it to you. Follow my advice. Try it. It’s amazing. You may not realize it, but it works!

Finally, let us proceed to the third group, the audience number three, the parents and relatives of the students. According to Elsie L. Buck that a successful parenthood is built on three great principles: Love, Discipline and Security. And she is right.

We oftentimes hear that home is where the love is! This is what I learned that students will be delightful performers and achievers in school and keep doing well in their studies if they are living in a more favorable environment conducive to their cerebral growth and soaring. The students need your generous and supportive hearts. They need your constant reinforcement may it be financial or moral. Sometimes, they need to be understood because after school they need to replenish their energy used up already while doing school works.

In the solitude of your home, you are in the best position to mold, shape and develop them into the kind of persons you want them to be in the future. Inscribe in them everyday and every hour your instructions, your spirit and your good examples.

Teachers are sometimes complaining about the student’s character. The best opportunity to build character is within families where the students are constantly tested and most vulnerable to lapses. The character building begins at home. I strongly believe that the kind and nature of students today reflect the kind of discipline they have had from their parents.

I will end up my talk with congratulations to the three major audiences: to the teachers for keeping up with their teaching; to the students who are doing well in their studies including those who are coping up; and to the parents who are always with their sons and daughters in hard times and in good times. Together, let us move forward to a more challenging future.