The Explorer Quarter 1 and 2 SY 2021-2022

ONLINE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF CENTRO DE CULTURA ELEMENTARY/HIGH SCHOOLCAUAYAN CITY, ISABELA

V O L UME X I S S UE I AUG US T — NO V E MB E R 2 021

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY. A grade 5 learner chooses deserving candidates for the Student Council S.Y. 2021– 2022 via Google Form.

CDC HOLDS ELECTION FOR STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICERS To create an efficient, democratic school environment despite the ongoing pandemic, CDC has decided to revive the SPG and SSG election on September 4 which is participated by learners from grades 4 to 12. According to Teacher Ricky Lagua, adviser of the Supreme Student Government (SSG), this batch of officers is the first to represent the student council virtually.

“The school wants to engage the learners even during this time of pandemic to continue serving one another," says teacher Marielle Alzate, the Stu-

dent Pupil Government adviser. There have been multiple orientations explaining the election and the general process.

One of these was hosted by Teacher Cherie Grace R. Cortez, where she elaborated on the student government’s mission and vision, goals, and objectives, and the roles and duties of the members.

She also mentioned the procedures for signing up for the council. Any interested learners from grades 4 to 10 were given the certificate of candidacy (CoC) and are required to fill

W H A T’S

August 17—- CDC proves that a worldwide pandemic is not enough to stop its staff from going to lengths to ensure the effective and enjoyable learning of its students. P. 3

I

N S I

Following the theme, “Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika sa Dekolonisasyon ng Pag-iisip ng mga Pilipino," the video was a collection of outputs by all grade levels doing a variety of performances, compiled by the teachers of the Filipino department. P. 2

them out before August 21, for screening. After the screening, the screening body announced the students who are eligible to run. They held another orientation focusing mainly on the Video Campaign. The videos made by the candidates were collected and were shown during the last period in their afternoon classes. Lastly, the candidates were interviewed by the SWCS, spearheaded by teacher Cherie Grace R. Cortez. (continued to page 3)

D E ?

To break the monotony of daily online studying, the Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) came up with the idea for the virtual Halloween celebration last October 28. P. 2

NEWS

2

Following the theme, “Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika sa Dekolonisasyon ng Pagiisip ng mga Pilipino," CDCians showcased their talents and wit in a video presented by their Filipino subject teachers in the Buwan ng Wika classroom-based virtual program via Zoom on August 28September 2.

While all students are studying at home due to the pandemic, CDCians’ unwavering support and appreciation to the national language were demonstrated through their recorded videos, written outputs, and artworks assigned by their Filipino subject teachers which were compiled as a video presentation. The tasks assigned and performed by students are as follow: For brainchild to lower elementary, they had singing of the song "Ako'y Isang Pinoy" by the Kindergarteners, the acronym of ABAKADA for the Grade 1 learners, singing of the song "Manang Biday" by the Grade 2 learners, and Sabayang Pagbigkas performed by Grade 3 learners.

For higher elementary

August — November 2021

students, a classroom-based spelling competition was held for Grade 4 learners; poem reading was performed by the Grade 5 learners, and an artistic retelling of a story was demonstrated by the Grade 6 learners.

On the other hand, Grade 7 learners performed Haiku, Tanaga, and Tanka writing.

The grade 8 learners displayed their skills in Digital poster making while the Grade 9 students were tasked to make Slogan in connection with the theme.

Meanwhile, the Grade 10 learners showcased their wits in Spoken poetry; speech writing for Grade 11, and essay writing for Grade 12.

As a reminder, Teacher Shella Marie Pascua said, "Patuloy pa rin tayong makiisa sa pagdiriwang na ito taon-taon.

Sama-sama nating ipagmalaki ang ating wika at pagyamanin ang aspektong kultural ng bansa upang maiwaksi ang mga kaisipan at kaugaliang naglalayo sa atin sa pagiging isang tunay na Pilipino.”

PROUD TO BE A FILIPINO. CDCians during the virtual celebration of Buwan ng Wika.

To break the monotony of daily online studying, the Student Government came up with the idea for the virtual Halloween celebration on October 28.

The students dressed up as their favorite characters from different themes like superheroes, Disney, and characters from computer games. It stimulat-

ed the CDCians to be imaginative and keep the tradition alive.

CDCians were also allowed to use different Halloween backgrounds during their online classes.

“The learners gave their effort to prepare even if it happened virtually”, said Teacher Lord Jean Calipjo.

GHOSTLY GREETINGS. Teacher Lord Jean Calipjo (topright) together with her pupils celebrates the first-ever virtual Halloween.

NEWS

August — November 2021

3 CDCIANS CELEBRATE UN MONTH; ANGELES, PANDHER BAG CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE UN QUIZ Two (2) students from Grade 5 and Grade 7 won in the virtual UN Quiz Bee last October 06, 2021, via Zoom–bagging championship awards.

BETTER NORMAL, BETTER EDUCATION. CDC teachers perform a dance number in the opening program hosted by Teacher Angelica Dela Cruz and Teacher Bonifacio Ballesteros Jr. welcoming the students for the school year 2021-2022.

August 17— CDC proves that a worldwide pandemic is not enough to stop its staff from going to lengths to ensure the effective and enjoyable learning of its students. The school invites all learners, parents, and guardians to take in a snippet of how CDC would apply the “new normal” through the form of a virtual program, highlighting the possibilities and achievements a child can reach despite the long-distance learning they must endure.

Through its help, not only are teachers able to educate and teach learners as if they were face to face, but learners also themselves can express their knowledge and talents freely. “I was confused at first, but I somehow managed to adapt to it, so it became easier to navigate over time,” said Sophia Rei Aldana, a 7th Grade student who transferred this school year. “Aralinks is rather easy to use since the whole concept of it is not too complicated,” said Francis John Gamboa, a Grade 7 student The school adapted to who has been using Aralinks online distance learning with for some time already. the help of Aralinks, the website that CDC will be But a long discussion on collaborating with to provide solely academic practices is quality education for all stu- not all to the opening ceremony. It isn’t a CDC prodents.

CDC—As a part of the pre-assessment process conducted every school year, learners from grades 3 to 12 undergo a series of computer -based tests (CBT) which is catered by the newly adapted test provider known as GRACE or Global Resources for Assessment Curriculum and Evaluation.

The pretest was conducted on August 25 which

covered the three major subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and English and it lasted for a half day. Before the exam, learners were given instructions by their adviser and had a chance to practice how to log in and update their profile in preparation for the exam. To ensure that the test integrity is maintained, each learner was required to use two devic-

gram without the smiles of learners and teachers as they display their talents on stage, but since the students are not able to perform, the teachers went ahead and did it for them. Thanks to the choreographic arrangements made

by Teacher Cresel Sicam and the video production of Teacher John Rick Melo Domingo, the teachers can present dances from Filipino folk songs such as Pen Pen de Sarapen to modern dances with modern accompaniment. Thus, the school program ends, but the learning processes that a student must go through will not. With a blast for a beginning and students on the edge of their seats, the school year 20212022 starts.

es—one for answering, and another for test monitoring.

A computer-based test (CBT) is a type of delivering assessment that uses computers as an alternative to the use of the pen-and-paper approach. This test is done with the aid of a computer and the internet. It is also a way to conduct large-scale exams since (continued to page 4)

Out of 28 participants, 14 students from the elementary department and 14 students from the high school department, with three elimination rounds, Gian Angeles and Jasmanpreet Pandher emerged as the champions during the competition.

One of the highlights of the UN celebration is the UN academic quiz bee conducted by the teachers in the Arts and Social Sciences Department consisting of 50 random questions regarding the UN organization.

The UN Quiz Bee for elementary started from 9:30 am to 10:30 am while for high school, it was conducted from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. All participants were requested to turn on their cameras upon entering the virtual meeting.

Gian and Jasman were able to stand by from elimination to the finals without getting eliminated from the participation and were successful in getting the championship, making Joshua S. Ayeona from Grade 5 – Ibanag and Sheena Lyra U. Dimaculangan from Grade 9 – Sorsoganon 1st Runner -ups and Sajan Preet S. Blaggan from Grade 6 – Itawis and Reub Louis L. Cauilan from Grade 10 – Tausug 2nd

BRAIN SQUEEZE. While most youngsters today are engrossed in online games, CDCians join academic quiz bee for diversion!

NEWS

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4

The election happened between 9:00 to 10:00 am, on September 4 using Google forms. To lessen the chances of double voting, the form required the email accounts of the voters.

Below are the names of the candidates in their corresponding positions. (continued from page 1) SPG OFFICERS

SSG OFFICERS

President

Seana Kalista Santos

Kyla Jeanina Abad

Vice President Peter Troy Lara

Renalyn Maganda Diza

Secretary Shanelle Andrea Diza

Precious Channe Dioquino

Treasurer

Lara Valencia

Mariel Frances Fermindoza

Auditor Lana Gabrielle Tamayo

Sophia Nicole Lara

Business Manager Jeanne Angelique Valdez Public Information Officer Xian Philippe Maramba

Seth Lorenz Rigon

ARE YOU IN FOR A SHOW? Nadine Maramba (above) shows her storytelling skill as she narrates “The Woodcutter”, while Seana Santos (below) demonstrated her talent in storytelling using puppets during the Literary Month Fiesta.

CDCIANS CELEBRATE LITERARY MONTH

Peace Officer Arieana Angela Garin

Shannah Jermaine Burton

Grade 4 Representative Aliyah Nadine Maramba Grade 5 Representative

Jasmin Mari Atienza Grade 6 Representative Laurice Dominique Oliver Grade 7 Representative Anna Sofia Macadangdang Grade 8 Representative

Jochebed Rebekah Uy Grade 9 Representative Jason Paul Salvador Grade 10 Representative Precious Larae Valdez

This September, CDC celebrates Literacy Month – but not just any celebration that restricts students to books and pens alone. With Poetry -Out-Loud, Persuasive Speech, and Story Telling using Puppets, students were able to express themselves, and their talents in literature in a wider variety. As the names suggest, poetry -reading, declamation, and video campaign were held to help children learn and appreciate language skills and proficiencies. These activities were assigned to each grade level, requiring the students to film themselves and submit their literary pieces

to their respective English teachers.

To ensure the participation of the students, their literary pieces are their first mid-quarter examination in English already.

In November, the culmination program, which consists of the compiled videos of the activities – short poem rendition, reading aloud, and poem recitation − Grade 3 learners and the names of the three winners and a full video of the first place from grade 4 to grade 12 are presented in their English class. The viewing of the presentation is divided−each part lasts for 10 minutes−separating into different days of their zoom meetings in their subject.

(from page 3) f2f (face-to-face) classes are still not allowed these days.

“For me, GRACE tests are necessary to evaluate the learners’ understanding of the tackled topics. It may seem inconvenient for us, students, but it’ll help us go over and recall what we have learned from the previous sessions,” said Kyla Abad.

NEWS

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5

Below is the list of the new writers for the school publication in alphabetical order.

After the three phases of this year’s screening, the CDC school paper, The Explorer and The Bulilit Explorer, has concluded with a new set of scribes. Fifteen members made it to the list of the Board of Editors.

The learners have undergone a series of tests such as a grammar test, news writing, and online interview which lasted for a couple of days. Consisting of 4 elementary and 11 high schools, here are the new list of writers in alphabetical order: Meanwhile, during the orientation, Ms. Marielle Alzate, said that the newly appointed writers shall commit to the extra work they chose to be part of despite the academic demands brought by the online classes.

On the other hand, when asked about the role of journalism in the studentry, Sophia Nicole Lara, the Editor-in-Chief, said that there are many setbacks in meeting virtually alone, and one of those is the abandonment of physical interaction. In this kind of environment, it is easy to stay uninformed of the happenings in other departments and levels. It is great that the school decided to open journalism to the students as it allows inter-level communication and would bring new information and knowledge to all.

The fifteen learners were put into different test phases: grammar test, writing test, and interview phase. Each phase aims to assess their abilities both in writing and to also know their eagerness not just only as part of the school paper, but also as an effective tool in fostering knowledge, culture, and discipline among the community.

NEWS NEVER SLEEPS. New editorial board staff conducts their weekly meeting for the planning and distribution of their news assignments.

Abe, Nessa Lorraine Accad, Marchella Atienza, Sophia Bianca Blaggan, Sajan Preet Bueno, Charmagne Jill Cortes, Princess Faith Dioquino, Precious Channe

Estonilo, Chedrique James Fermindoza, Mariel Frances Garin, Arieana Angela Lara, Peter Troy Lara, Sophia Nicole

Lopez, Hazey Kyle Pallaya, Regine Tamayo, Luis Alfonso

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EDITORIAL

6

F2F 2022—2023:

UNDETERMINED

The viable answer to post-pandemic normalcy with Centro De Cultura’s (CDC) proposition for face-to-face education interaction is within reach, but contradictory responses hinder the process. On the 29th of October, CDC sent an email to parents regarding the possibility of their face-toface set-up next school year. In the email, the School Management made it clear that the usual set-up would resume only if all the students are fully vaccinated and if their guardians give their approval.

Aside from the students, CDC personnel must also receive their protective inoculation. Meanwhile, the teaching staff of CDC is already fully vaccinated, and the majority of the non-teaching staff have already taken their shots. They were injected with AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Sinovac. Muscle pains, chills, and headaches were the common side effects that several of them had to endure. Some did not have any adverse reactions to the vaccine at all.

Surprisingly, one teacher, vaccinated with Sinovac shared that he even grew hungry after his appointment. Considering that a large number is already vaccinated, the question still lies if the school is ready to open their classrooms to the students as early as S.Y 2022-2023?

Recently, the Philippines has started to distribute doses of vaccines for minors, specifically from ages twelve to seventeen.

Adolescents with comorbidities may now get their doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. Several high-school students have already received their shots in the

different vaccination sites within the province of Isabela. Quite like their teachers, the vaccination had some students go through fevers, fatigue, and headaches.

The most common side effect was the numbness and pain on the vaccinated arm.

With the extra protection rolling out to different areas in the country, many questions if this is the sign for schools to start opening their classrooms to students eager to have their face-to-face sessions.

A teacher in the high-school department gave his insight saying, “I’m still skeptical about the concept of face-to-face due to unpreparedness and lack of discipline. Schools might be prepared but the learners especially, have the tendency to be overly excited and would absentmindedly take off their masks or worst, will hug their friends.” The declaration of next year’s learning system is in the hands of the school and the Department of Education. The policies that contain and mitigate the viral spread are considered in the decision-making process. Additionally, the welfare of everyone is of utmost importance.

A vaccinated Grade-8 learner said, “Yes [I would like to have the face-toface setup] because I want to experience the life of a middle schooler and a high schooler as well and to make learning a lot easier.” The pandemic undoubtedly brought great challenges to the educational system. It forced everyone to be confined within the walls of their homes and towards online learning. Because of

this, some learners find the traditional face-to-face setup more manageable and efficient.

Contradictory to the prior response, a vaccinated Grade-9 learner said, “No, I do not want to go back to face-to-face classes because even if you are vaccinated does not mean you are safe from this virus and you can put your family in danger if you get the virus.” This hesitation is brought by an evident fear. Some people still have internal debates on whether to allow their children or themselves to get vaccinated. The effectiveness and their side effects are the roots of their uneasiness. Despite the encouraging statements from pediatricians and other physicians worldwide, it looks like more reassurance and clarification are needed to alleviate their worries and misconceptions.

Many are still avoiding physical contact, and others are uncertain of the vaccines’ effectiveness. Hence, the possibility of next year’s face-to-face classes remains undetermined.

For the time being, prioritizing one’s health is vital. Being fully vaccinated, adhering to the government’s precaution protocols (e.g. wearing protective gear, social distancing, handwashing, etc.), and being physically healthy and hygienic are imperative to promote the possibility of a face-to-face educational system in the shortest time possible.

Chedrique James Estonilo, Grade 7 — Manobo

Photo by Karl Magnuson/unsplash.com

F EATURE A

lbert

Einstein

once

August — November 2021

said,

on it for too long. Keep in mind, that failure

“Few are those who see with their own eyes

is not the opposite of success but a part of

and feel with their own hearts”. Truly, many

it.

will have a hard time finding their so-called “whats”, “whys”, and “hows” in their lives.

There are many facets in life that are yet to be explored and discovered. Some may regard it as trudging the unknown. In fact, most students are still facing this big challenge towards self-discovery.

Uncovering one’s inner strength and passion are indeed one of the hardest tasks because there are no guidelines, no hard and fast rules, like living in a realm of oblivion.

For some, knowing what they want may be easy but for most people, they should actively invest a lot of time, effort, and hard work just to discover their character, potential, and capabilities.

The foundations of discovering the creative self may root back in childhood. The moment a child starts engaging in activities like sports, singing, dancing, drawing, scribbling, and creating stuff are the times when a child slowly discovers his/her passions, potentials, and skills although he may not be fully aware of them.

The sparks which started in the early years may be ignited once a person nurtures these skills and talents by courageously and

constantly using these and flaunting them to the world. There are institutions, like schools and other training centers which will aid in furthering and mastering these Godgiven gifts. One may take hold of this op-

In this journey of self-discovery, one must

portunity to hone and develop his/her po-

learn to trust the process. This venture may

tential. Know that there is no limit on what a

be tough, meticulous, exhilarating at times,

person can do. It is a matter of knowing

but in the end, it will be most gratifying. To

what someone is passionate about, what

encounter a lot of bumps and obstacles

he values the most, the tools he needs, and

along the way is normal but it is up for the

the goals and deadlines he sets towards

person to not give up and to keep going.

realizing his dreams.

This may sound cliché, but “It’s okay not to be okay” when failure arises but don’t dwell

7

F EATURE The One We Control or The One THAT Controls Us? An Output from Empowerment Technol ogies Anselmo Benedict S. Condat, Grade 11– Waray

History cannot be changed – it cannot be altered, they say. However, the article entitled, “Decorated Duterte: Digital Objects and the Crisis of Martial Law History in the Philippines” written by Deirdre McKay (2020), proves otherwise. Contrary to the aforementioned sayings, McKay explained how technology in today's world had played a massive role in revising history in the minds of the present generation. According to his written work, the power of ICT was used as a weapon in an attempt to revolutionize how people see the history of Martial Law during Ferdinand Marcos's time. From being a traumatizing experience that left a scar deep within the hearts of the victims and their families, the period of Martial Law is now suddenly seen as the “golden age” in Philippine History (Francisco, 2016), all with the influence of social media platforms and other types of media.

As the article argues, social media is indeed an extensively influential tool in all aspects of life. In the Philippine context, many historical events like the EDSA People Power Revolution, EDSA Dos, Million People March, and more have been fueled by the said platform's power. Turning our gaze on how McKay expressed the reform that these digital objects brought the country and the people's minds in terms of the Marcos' regime, it is seen how well-divided thoughts and subtopics played a contributory role when discussing issues of this kind. Furthermore, the author's proper choice and usage of words helped produce a large-scale impact for the intended audience. Through factors such as precise word choice, conciseness, and a firm focus on only one main idea, the writer conveyed his ideas well (Monash University, 2020).

Looking at how the people of today's generation get easily influenced by what they see online, the author's stance acts as a belief an individual is likely to firmly stand with. A portion in the article well-argues how Facebook's algorithm targets a certain audience regarding specific posts that eventually may brainwash the current conviction of individuals about the democratic system the Philippines is under (Ressa, 2016). Here, it is explained how Facebook uses statistics and data to make certain posts reach an audience that holds similarities. Like Facebook, TikTok, which is another newly spreading app that reached its peak during the first quarter of 2020, quickly disseminates videos across its millions of Filipino users within a matter of minutes (Iglesias, 2021).

With those said, information about how Marcos senior "effectively" and "heroically" ruled the country is rampantly circulating the online platform, also explaining why Marcos supporters continuously express pride and honor for Marcos junior, a presidential candidate for the upcoming 2022 nationwide elections. This proves how the reality of the Martial Law era is different from what is in the minds of some Filipinos today.

Although the article made several agreeable points, what it lacked was the goal to quickly communicate the author's thoughts to its targeted or intended audience. It is a presumption that the author was aiming to reach an audience from the generation today for his written work to enlighten such individuals about how what they see on online platforms may alter how they think of certain topics. (continued to page 8)

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8

F EATURE

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9

(from page 7) While it is not impossible for the intended audience to comprehend the text, it is still in the complex and very much technical jargon that creates a small barrier that acts as a hindrance in immediately understanding what the author is trying to tell. Unfortunately, his terms are only more likely to be effortlessly understood by people in the academe or experts in the field of academic writing.

In the final analysis and to sum up this paper, McKay laid out clearly how ICT indeed was partly, if not significantly, responsible for why people in the current period regard the Martial Law era as something "great" or of "big [positive] change." Undeniably, with how others argue with a firm belief to such fallacies that even beings who were not living during those agonizing times of the Marcos' dictatorship, it is evident how social media "altered" history. Now, Bongbong Marcos's supporters desire to elect him as the country's next president in hopes of providing an "impetus for national reconciliation and healing" (Tuvera, 2021). What is disturbing is how individuals are willing to risk just for their blind devotion to the Marcoses. This showcases how scarily powerful online platforms may be in the 21st century. With continuous space for improvement, however, developers of such platforms never stop advancing the extent of these technologies, making people wonder how ICT may soon overpower humans. #

References: Francisco, K. (2016, September 22). Martial Law, the dark chapter in Philippine history. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/martial-lawexplainer-victims-stories

Iza Iglesias, TMT. (2021, January 5). TikTok — a source of positivity for Filipi nos. The Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/01/06/lifestyleentertainment/show-times/tiktok-a-source-of-positivity-for-filipinos/823161 McKay, D. (2020). Decorated Duterte: Digital Objects and the Crisis of Martial Law History in the Philippines. Modern Languages Open, 2020(1): 27 pp. 1–

10. DOI: https:// doi.org/10.3828/mlo.v0i0.316 Monash University. (2020). Writing Clearly, Concisely and Precisely. https:// www.monash.edu/rlo/research-writing-assignments/writing/clearcommunication/writing-clearly-concisely-and-precisely Ressa, M. (2016, October 8). “Part 2, How Facebook algorithms impact democra cy.” Rappler. www.rappler.com/newsbreak/148536-facebook-algorithms-

impact-democracy.

Tuvera, T. (2021, November 2). [OPINION] Why does Bongbong Marcos get so much support? Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/voices/imho/opinion-why-does-bongbongmarcos-get-so-much-support Photo by Photo Credits.com

F EATURE

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10

By Anonymous She was always the first person to greet me when I enter the school gate; the one who would offer ice when I make my ice coffee on a lunch break. When I could not slice my calamansi, she lends me a knife which is always available inside her lunchbox. And when I struggle with my printing and internet connection, I would approach her and ask for her assistance. For me, she was like a fairy godmother—she doesn't hesitate to offer her help even if she's busy dealing with the day's hustle and bustle. At the end of the day, I would always tell her my line: "Buti nalang nandito si Ma'am Almi," and she would just laugh.

Ma'am Almira or Ma'am Almi was the Property Custodian of the school. Her work involves managing the school materials and making sure they are ready for distribution or retrievals. She also helps in the maintenance of the school's internet connection where she assists teachers to fix their connection problems. So whenever one of the teachers approach her, there could be two reasons— either their LAN connection is in trouble, or they would ask for materials for their subjects.

I still remember that summer when we were having a Journalism Training and was asked to print the certificates on the day of the awarding. I hurriedly approached her for the printer and special papers. To my surprise, she refused to give these to me. Instead, she asked for the request form, yet I do not have it at that time. One of my colleagues texted me that we only have an hour before the awarding. I began to panic and started to cry thinking what could happen if I fail to print the fifty certificates. Moments later after my contemplations, I decided to just print the certificates outside. However, Ma'am Almi came back and approached me with the materials, and handed me the request form. I was silent at first until she started to talk. "Alam mo ba kung bakit hindi kita binigyan ng materials?" (Do you know the reason why I did not give you the materials?") "Kasi, hindi kayo nagrequest ahead of time.." (Because you did not request ahead of time.) Guilty for what I have done, I remained quiet until I finished my task.

That was not only the time Ma'am Almi taught me the importance of planning ahead of time. For years of my stay in CDC, she became my adviser, life coach, and friend. She inspired me with her stories, particularly on how she takes care of her family, from being a full-time mom and wife, and a daughter to her parents whom she continuously takes care of at all costs.

Ma’am Almi is more than an employee. Her dedication to her work became an inspiration for us to continue despite the rigorous times. She spent most of her time serving the community while doing her family obligations as well. Her passion is a reminder that when you love what you do, you give more than your best. She was indeed a “wonder woman.”

On November 17, her 40th day, her husband brought her urn to the school for the CDC family to pay tribute before she will be sent to her resting place.

“Isa siyang mabuting maybahay,” that’s how Sir Gomer described Ma’am Almira. During her inurnment, he recalled their story as husband and wife—from the time when they first met, until she rested. He bravely shared their journey, their struggles, and their difficulties, as COVID-19 patients.

Ma’am Almira might no longer be with us in this earthly dwelling, but her memories will live on. Things might never be the same again, but the laughter and tears that we have shared will comfort our hearts. From the management and staff to her family, and friends, she will always be a family, a friend, and even an “ate.” The name “Almira” is indeed a name to remember.