lahovlogs

This is a follow-up to my earlier post about welcoming our President, BBM. ✍️

Earlier today, some of my Grade 7 and Grade 10 students approached me and said:

"Ma’am, nabasa nako imong post… laina sa uban comments, Ma’am oi."

"Okay lang ka, Ma’am? Wala may lain sa imong gipost."

"Tama gyud to, Ma’am. Mao man na atong gihisgutan sa class…ang pagrespeto sa kapwa ug sa dignidad sa tawo."

Those simple words from my students somehow made my day. As a Values Education teacher, there is something deeply moving when learners remember not only the lessons written on the board, but also the values shared from the heart.

Before posting, I already knew that different reactions would come. In today’s world, forgiveness is often misunderstood, kindness is sometimes withheld, and respect is too easily given only to those we agree with. Yet I still choose to believe that goodness is never wasted.

I shared with my classes a video forwarded by one of my students, and I told them how proud I was to see a Calinan NHSian respectfully take the President’s hand and say "Mano po" to ask for a blessing. For me, it was not about politics; it was a beautiful Filipino gesture of paggalang. It is a reminder that respect and humility are values worth preserving.

I reminded my students that we should continue to show respect to every person we meet, regardless of status in life, political belief, skin color, educational background, or social standing. The dignity of a person does not depend on our agreement with them.

To those who shared my post and expressed their opinions, thank you. I respect your freedom to speak, just as I hope my own thoughts may also be respected. Dialogue becomes meaningful when it is rooted in understanding rather than hostility.

Ako ay proud na tubong Davao, ug mapasalamaton kaayo ko sa pag-atiman nga akong nabati gikan sa atong Tatay Digong and the Dutertes. Apan ang akong pagrespeto dili lamang para sa pipila, kundili para sa tanan nga akong mahimamat. We can honor those who have touched our lives while still choosing to treat everyone with courtesy, compassion, and peace.

In the end, I choose peace over noise, understanding over hatred, and love over division. That is the lesson I hope my students will carry long after they leave my classroom.

(📸 Nhanzy)

“I completely agree with President Bongbong Marcos! promises a future for Filipinos and Americans.” - Ambassador Lee Lipton