Representing as Kyle F. Taruc's (Grade 2-Kanlaon) guardians, this blogger and his wife Rosalina participated in this exercise. Here's our observations and reflections to that excellent teaching methodology.
The activity is highly commendable for teaching values. Children are induced to do good to the less fortunate, like sharing of merienda and books, and encouraged to exchange learnings and talents. Games that promote friendship were played, and the participating pupils were helped build more self-confidence.
With teacher Ms. Ariette Pacle of Grade 2-Kanlaon as the overseer, the participating mothers/guardians as led by CPO Mrs. Hyacinth acted as the learning facilitators, paving the way of the children to the right direction and expectations.
With that exercise, we observed significant differences between the two groups (pupils from Ateneo and Payatas) physically and socially. Children from Payatas are generally smaller (in height and weight) with signs of nourishment deficiency, and seem generally reserved and lack self-confidence. Yet, we can observe that both groups enjoyed and expressed happiness for the entire period of exercise, without any feeling of discrimination.
While this experience is excellent for both groups, value formation is a process which may require longer time. Values are better caught than taught. Observed values (during the exercise) may only be superficial. It can and should be reinforced at home, church and company. Yet, such Bigay-Puso program can be a very good springboard for value formation and development required of our society.
The mother/guardian-facilitators are fortunate enough to witness the exercise, as they can reinforce this experience in their homes. It is not enough for the mother to limit her love and discipline to her own child. She must also share these good values to the company and other people surrounding her child, so she could build good influence and create a multiplier-effect in the society.
To be "motherly" is fine, but sometimes, motherly love is confined only to her child. I think that is not ideal for a good society. Motherly love should be oozing-out, not only to her own child, but to other children as well, as "no man is an island" as one saying goes.
The host class (Grade 2-Kanlaon) we observed seems to be an excellent example to emulate, as shown in the postings and decorations around - Most Clean, Pinaka-maagap, High-Pointers in Sports (Blue Eagle) and what have you. Teacher Ariette really deserves commendation for the job well-done.
Finally, I wish that more exercises like this, be replicated in other schools as a form of excellent "cross-fertilization" adapting and/or transferring good values from one pupil to another. Afterall, God created all the children equal. Inequality like poverty came to the Payatas children only by accident. No one likes to be born poor.
On the sideline, this is not a showbiz gossip - it is true that Ms. Cherry Pie Pecache, that fine actress-celebrity, is a very active mother-guardian of Ateneo Grade School pupils, having her son studying in this school. We saw her very busy during this Bigay-Puso program. (Dr. J. Falla Blogs)
P.S. Also posted here is the gallery of selected photos of Bigay-Puso Day. (JSF)
I was one of the payatas students in 2011 who was a beneficiary of this program. I just remembered my partner who was a student at the university. He was very kind. He gave me story books. The only thing I remember was what he said before we left the campus of the university: BE CAREFUL. MY FRIEND, READ THE BOOKS I GAVE YOU I couldn't even thank him and his mommy but I'm so happy that I was one of those who experienced that project sana makita ko pa siya at magpasalamat ng personal
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