ILOILO – He never imagined a simple initiative would ripple through his community amid the public health crisis.
Sir Jessie Comprendio’s earnest project recently made rounds online, rousing innovativeness in other educators.
Comprendio, Master Teacher 1 at the Calinog National Comprehensive High School (CNCHS) in Calinog town, printed photos of his 40 students in Grade 9, Section Blueberry and affixed these to the chairs in class.
With the distance learning, “ang ginikanan du karon ang madul-ong sang ila modules diri sa schools every two weeks,” Comprendio told Panay News.
“Pagsulod sang ginikanan sa door, makita na nila kon diin nga bangko ang ila nga mga bata. Dira nabutang ang ila modules and kuhaon na lang nila,” he said.
Comprendio also displayed baskets in front of his classroom.
“Diri naman nila i-drop ang finished modules before magkuha sang bag-o inside,” he explained.
Also, with the pandemic depriving teachers of seeing their students face-to-face, this was Comprendio’s way to recognize his learners in the future.
“Bisan sa picture lang nanda makita ko ang anda nga itsura. Basi maggwa kami sa schools kag magsumalangay kami, kondi ma-recognize ko, ‘Ay amo ‘ni ang akon nga advisory’,” added Comprendio.
Before Comprendio implemented the initiative, he first ensured it had permission from both parents and learners.
Comprendio, a Filipino subject teacher, proved he does not need a medal, trophy and certificate to be recognized as a good teacher.
“Bisan sa simple lang nga bagay nga imo gina-obra basta halin sa tagipusuon ma-apresyar kaw gid sang mga tawo,” said a beaming Comprendio, who worked for seven years as volunteer teacher and 13 years in public school.
Comprendio did not expect that his unique initiative would immediately get the attention not only of netizens but also of high-ranking officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) and other teachers.
DepEd-6 director, Dr. Ramir Uytico and other officials personally went to CNCHS to check Comprendio’s initiative, deemed a first in Western Visayas.
September is Teachers’ Month.
CHALLENGES
Comprendio is also one of the many teachers facing challenges due to the pandemic.
He explained since modular learning is being implemented, it is inevitable he will sometimes worry if the learners are actually the ones answering their modules.
“Budlay gid kay indi mo ma-determina ang pagsabat sang kabataan kon husto ukon indi. Kon sanda gid man bala ang nagasabat sang ila module, amo gid dia ang una nga problema,” said Comprendio.
Comprendio also took extra care for himself as he returns to school almost every day to check modules. He feared he might catch COVID-19.
“Indi mo maman-an kay ang aton kontra indi mo makita. Halong lang gid,” he added.
MORE THAN A TEACHER
Comprendio, 42, is not only known for his dedication as a public teacher but also as a compassionate person in the community.
Even before he established a name as an educator, he was already doing outreach programs.
He also mentors altar servers and is a member of the Parish Pastoral Council.
“Ako ang naga-giya man sa mga kabataan kon paano sila mangin maayo nga tawo sa pira ka adlaw. Ako man ang naga-lead sa community service or kon ano ya activity sa simbahan ako naga-lead sa ila,” said Comprendio.
On his birthdays, Comprendio and his co-teachers visit the Aeta community in far-flung barangays in Calinog to share blessings.
It does not end there. Comprendio and his co-teachers also hope to set up a “Payag sa Kaaram ni Juan” in a barangay in Calinog to accommodate learners struggling with their lessons.
Comprendio said they will place the “Payag sa Kaaram ni Juan” in an “open space” to ensure that minimum public health standards are observed.
DON’T STRESS MUCH
As the pandemic drags on, Comprendio said there’s beauty in deep breaths.
Don’t sweat it, he said.
Let the crisis be an inspiration “nga mag-isip pa gid sang bagay nga maayo para sa aton mga estudyante… para sa aton kaugalingon,” said Comprendio, emphasizing the need to deliver quality education to children.
To the students, Comprendio said learning should not be taken lightly.
“Indi maghambal nga module lang. Tuod-tuoron naton kay ini indi lang para sa eskwelahan, indi para sa akon kundi para sa ila bwas damlag. Ang edukasyon amo gid ang mapag-on nga pundasyon para sa ila bwas damlag,” Comprendio stressed.
Parent should also be supportive.
“Indi kita magkataka sa pagsuporta sa aton kabataan, atipanon ang kabataan, tudloan ang kabataan,” Comprendio said.
PRIDE OF CNCHS
The teaching force of the CNCHS headed by principal, Ma. Emily Calumpang lauded Comprendio.
According to Calumpang, she saw how Comprendio exerted effort in class, which is why she was not surprised when everyone praised what he did.
“Everytime magkadto ako sa room niya may improvement. Happy gid ako, not only the CNCHS but also our DepEd family here in Calinog, the congressional up to the regional office,” said Calumpang.
Drawing inspiration from Comprendio, his fellow CNCHS teachers followed his initiative.
Apart from that, many teachers from other schools either went directly to CNCHS to check on it or inquire via social media about the initiative./PN