One
Fine Monday
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| H.E. EVELYN D. AUSTRIA-GARCIA |
The school was chosen as the venue
for the Commemoration of the 125th Birth Anniversary of the 6th
Philippine President Elpidio Quirino. Her Excellency came along with Mr.
Reynold D. Banda (Attaché of the Embassy), Col. Emilio T. Hulipas (Defense
Attaché), Mr. Glen A. Paloyo (Administrative Assistant- DAFA), Atty. Edna Forto
(Director IV, Legal Sector, COA- Central Office, Quezon City) and Ma’am Olivia
C. Flores (Regional Supervising Auditor- COA, Department of Education, Cagayan
de Oro City). On this momentous occasion also, His Excellency Aderitu Hugo da
Costa (Vice-president of the Parliament of Timor-Leste) joined everyone in a
day of history, solidarity and unity.
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| Dignified Guests and the Vice President of the Parliament the RDTL with the School Adminstrators |
The program started with the angelic
voices of the MIS’ Glee Club as they led everyone in a prayerful spirit. A
welcome remarks by the school’s Director for Academic Programs Mr. Charles
Michael B. Papay followed immediately. Maharlikan students in keeping the
vitality of the event showcased and impressed the visitors with their wonderful
“Bendian” and graceful “Polka sa Nayon” dances.
Guro
to Pangulo
Her Excellency then took the podium
and gave an outstanding overview of the life and works of the late President
Quirino. The Ambassador began by stating that she is also a part of the world’s
noblest profession, i.e., teaching. President Quirino before entering public
office immersed himself as a barrio teacher signifying this man’s extensive
hands to the cultivation of the youth’s minds and the betterment of his nation
as a whole.
Teaching as a noble profession
doesn’t guarantee someone of gargantuan financial gains. However, being a part of someone else’s
success give you happiness and contentment. Someone even said that teaching is
not a profession but a vocation. Educators painstakingly perfect a learner in
all aspects therein. They assume different roles in different situations. It is for this reason that the Administrators
of Maharlika International School particularly its Executive Director put a
great emphasis on continuous education and essential trainings for learning
does not stop and opportunities are countless in making a difference in the
life of others.
Who
is a Statesman?
The Ambassador pointed out two
striking points that are worth mentioning from the journey of the great
Nationalist and Diplomat. Initially, President Quirino lived a life of selfless
sacrifices for the good of the country. A statesman is more than just a political
figure but more so of the person’s ability to go beyond himself for a greater
cause. Secondly, the President in his desire for peace and harmonious
relationship between and among nations pardoned and gave freedom to the
Japanese prisoners-of war. This yet another selfless act which has baffled
historians proves that he really is a peaceable man despite of what the
Japanese did to his family during the Second World War.
Peace
so Elusive yet so Dear
The Dignitary headed the
congregation in a moment of silence and of prayer to the victims of the
terrorist’s attack at France and similar atrocities happening in the world
over. She noted that such act of violence is what President Quirino championed
against with.
Indeed, peace must come from
ourselves slowly spreading to our families, communities, nations and to the
world. A great man once said that peace is so elusive in this world because men
only talk about it but they don’t really possess it.
A
Walk through Time
An exhibit was the second part of
the event. The Embassy carefully laid out the timeline of Quirino’s lifetime in
a series of captivating and engaging pictures coupled with interesting
information. There was also a film showing dedicated particularly to the
Statesman. Pupils and students were guided by the faculty and staff as they
learned lessons and values from another perspective.
The language of understanding and
the culture of caring is not limited and as such Maharlikans can truly be
inspired to be leaders in their own accord and help in fostering a strong and
prosperous nation.
Meal-Oriented
Filipinos
Tradition has it that Filipinos love
to gather for a food or two. A gathering which will lead to conversations and merriment. This exemplifies how dynamic and colorful our culture is. As such,
after the event, a hearty and delectable snack from the Embassy was shared by
two unique yet mutually inclusive races; Filipino and Timorese.
On
the Road Again
The Ambassador expressed her
gratitude to everyone who have participated in the conduct of the successful
event particularly to the school administration, faculty and staff, pupils,
students, parents, her staff from the Embassy and guests. She hopes to see
similar activities to be celebrated in Maharlika International School in the
years to come.
With a grateful heart, the school
wishes the Philippine Embassy in Timor-Leste and Her Excellency all the best. Mabuhay!