LOGARTA
The recognition that the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. gives to exemplary individuals and outstanding institutions is very helpful for educators guiding young people as they define their dreams and search for models to make them feel that these are not beyond reach. I had a high attending the awarding ceremonies; in fact there were moments when I was actually physically moved. So, many thanks to Tess Abesamis who made this attendance possible.
The presentation on the Philippine Eagle Foundation was fantastically beautiful. The overwhelming visual delight strongly stressed that to save the Philippine eagle there is needed many caring hearts for the forest and the communities nurturing this national treasure.
In the book, “7th RAFI Triennial Awards” we are informed that a main objective of the organization is to increase the population of the Philippine eagle. Together with this scientific objective is a very culturally appropriate approach. They recognize the sense of the cultural communities that the eagle and the forest is their heritage, an inheritance treasured, to be both nurtured and guarded not by one generation but for generations to come. The arrangement occasions a mutual learning. Those involved with the foundation learned from the indigenous people the many unique ways that they have cherished the eagle and the forest. At the same time that the foundation shares what they can to not only conserve the Philippine eagle population but also what can be uplifting for these communities lives. With their activities the Philippine Eagle Foundation connects us to relatives, family we may have forgotten — the eagle; they bring the cultural communities closer to the rest of the nation.
Sarah Pasion Cubar teaches us that there is very much a teacher can do. Two times her schooling was stopped because of limited resources. But she persevered and actually finished a degree in education and even proceeded to have a master’s degree. She then made it her mission to provide access to schooling to children in far-away places, at a risk. To implement this, she climbed mountains and crossed rivers. As a district supervisor of the Department of Education she operated with the conviction that one has to seek out those who need your service. Here she was able to actually touch the lives of those who belonged to indigenous communities, providing not only schooling but also tools for development. Providing education to their children brought so much joy to their parents; so there was a great deal of cooperation. In confronting the dangers of armed confrontation she brought peace. After the program, I approached Sarah to hug her and tell her what a great inspiration she was. Behind me was a young man who declared that he was a teacher and how this exposure would light up his teaching, too!
Two persons with disabilities were cited that evening. Norlan Pagal of San Remigio, Cebu called “the fearless steward” came in a wheel chair. He has been paralyzed from the waist-down because of gunshot suffered while guarding the sea. That did not stop him from continuing his efforts to stop illegal fishing. While he continues to be vigilant by the sea on his wheel chair armed with binoculars and communication devices, he also works with the fisherfolk assisting them for their registration and their fishing gear. He has also been cooperating with the local government officials in the implementation of the local fisheries code. What is also amazing is that he serves “without bitterness.”
Mateo Quilas of Bohol is blind so he is described as “The Sightless Visionary” in the RAFI book; but he has many accomplishments. He organized the Bohol Federation of Persons with Disabilities. With this PWDs can have access various to various forms of assistance. That was just the beginning of the organization of PWDs in 47 municipalities in Bohol. With his initiatives PWDs realize that they can be gainfully employed and be actively involved with the community. But more than this Noy Toting has shown them their disabilities are not barriers to a meaningful fulfilled life.
RAFI always ends the triennial awards with the quote from Bishop Ken Untener’s “Prophets of a Future Not Our Own.” Let me quote a line: “We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.” It is a humbling reminder, but still a strong invitation.