Parents-Teachers’ Association –
Agsoso Elementary School
Agsoso, Loon, Bohol
VISION:
Each pupil turned into a successful FarmTalEntrepreneur
Kada usa sa magtutungha nahimong usa ka malampusong Mag-uumang Negosyanteng De-abilidad
Through a Team-Synergistic PTA
Pinaagi sa usa ka mabungahong pagtinabangay sa PTA
Bringing true total progress and sustainable development to the old village
Nga naghatud ug tinuod nga ka-asensohan ug maluntarong kalambuan sa
karaang balangay
Where the good of the ancient meets the best of the modern
Diin ang mga maayong butang ug pamaagi sa karaan ug bag-ong panahon nag-abot
Thus, preventing forced migration, foreign slavery,
Nga maoy nakapaundang sa pinugos nga paglalin, kaulipnan sa langyaw nga nasud,
And marital breakdown and family disintegration and scattering,
Ug pagkawasak-wasak ug pagkabungkag sa kaminyoon ug pamilya,
Sparing our children from the temptations and short-lived passing sweets of the cities,
Magapalikay sa atong mga kabataan sa mga tentasyon ug lumalabay katam-is sa syudad,
Shielding them from the immorality and spiritual degeneration
Magataming kanila batok sa imoralidad ug spirituahanong pagka-ot-ot
and lasting bitter pains and deadly dangerous traps of the modern world,
ug kalamayong mapait nga kasakit ug mapanganib nga mga lit-ag sa modernong kalibutan,
Restoring the ancient ideal of whole happy family,
Nagpabalik sa karaang aydiyal nga tibook ug malipayong pamilya,
Praying together and working together just around the corner
Sabay mag-amo ug sabay nanginabuhi
And living together in one home,
Ug nahiusang nagpuyo.
So that as one family and one nation, together we love, together we serve,
Aron isip usa ka pamilya ug nasud, sabay kitang nahigugma, sabay kitang nagsilbi
Yahweh-Jehovah-Jesus, our Father, God and Savior
Kang Yahweh-Yehoba-Hesus, atong Amahan, Ginoo ug Manluluwas
And together we love our fellow Creation as well as ourselves and families,
Ug sabay kitang maghigugma sa atong isigka-Nilalang sa Dios
ug sa atong mga kaugalingon ug mga pamilya,
Enjoying inner peace, abundant joy, true and full freedom,
Nagtagamtam sa tiunay nga kalinaw, madagayaong kalipay, tinuod ug hingpit nga kagawasan,
Lasting prosperity and eternal life in Christ
Malungtarong prosperidad ug walay katapusang kinabuhi diha ni Kristo.
And harmony with God, Fellow Creations, Family and Self.
Ug naangayng kalinay uban sa Dios, Isigkanilalang, Pamilya ug Kaugalingon.
So help me Abba.
Busa alalayi ako Amahan.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
PTA MISSION
PTA MISSION
TO ACHIEVE THE VISION:
To wholistically educate children so they will be turned into successful, self-employed,
independent, enterprising, home-based AGRO-INDUSTRIAL CITIZEN,
that is,
Farmer-Talentist-Entrepreneur (FarmTalEntrepreneur).
Who and What Is a
Farmer-Talentist-Entrepreneur (FarmTalEntrepreneur)?
He is a
A WHOLISTICALLY EDUCATED & TALENTED CHILD OR PERSON
Who is willing and committed and very able to help achieve the National Vision for the country.
WHAT IS A WHOLISTICALLY EDUCATED & TALENTED CHILD OR PERSON?
The whole person is made of heart-spirit, mind-soul and physical body.
So, a wholistically (holistically) educated child or person is he or she who is
Well-cultivated, nurtured and developed in body, mind-soul and heart-spirit
Where the body is strong, healthy and beautiful,
Where the mind-soul is intelligent and wise in God’s ways, not worldly ways,
And where the heart is filled with love and loving emotions towards God, neighbors and self,
Leading to prosperity and abundance in material things,
in wisdom-intelligence
and in healthy, loving, positive feelings-emotions
Based on the Order of God where He is our Father
and we are brothers and sisters to one another (Matthew 23),
becoming rich or prosperous in both earthly and spiritual riches.
TO ACHIEVE THE VISION:
To wholistically educate children so they will be turned into successful, self-employed,
independent, enterprising, home-based AGRO-INDUSTRIAL CITIZEN,
that is,
Farmer-Talentist-Entrepreneur (FarmTalEntrepreneur).
Who and What Is a
Farmer-Talentist-Entrepreneur (FarmTalEntrepreneur)?
He is a
A WHOLISTICALLY EDUCATED & TALENTED CHILD OR PERSON
Who is willing and committed and very able to help achieve the National Vision for the country.
WHAT IS A WHOLISTICALLY EDUCATED & TALENTED CHILD OR PERSON?
The whole person is made of heart-spirit, mind-soul and physical body.
So, a wholistically (holistically) educated child or person is he or she who is
Well-cultivated, nurtured and developed in body, mind-soul and heart-spirit
Where the body is strong, healthy and beautiful,
Where the mind-soul is intelligent and wise in God’s ways, not worldly ways,
And where the heart is filled with love and loving emotions towards God, neighbors and self,
Leading to prosperity and abundance in material things,
in wisdom-intelligence
and in healthy, loving, positive feelings-emotions
Based on the Order of God where He is our Father
and we are brothers and sisters to one another (Matthew 23),
becoming rich or prosperous in both earthly and spiritual riches.
REGULAR AGENDA
REGULAR AGENDA:
Sharing of deeper interpretation and understanding of our PTA Vision and Mission by assigned parent and teacher and other instant volunteer/s;
Suggestions on how to achieve our PTA Vision and how to accomplish our PTA Mission;
Agree to a common plan, project, program or action to attain our PTA Vision and Mission and assign them to an ACTION AGAD TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS – PROJECT X;
Monitor the progress and evaluate these common plans, projects, programs or actions; agree on ways to facilitate or speed up their completion;
Count the blessings and benefits of achieved common plan, project, program or action. Give gratitude to whom it is due, e.g., to man and to God and other benefactors.
Information dissemination useful to parents and teachers and pupils;
Skills trainings and enhancement for parents, teachers and pupils;
Effective livelihood for teachers, parents and/or pupils;
Resolution of problems of teachers, parents and pupils;
Success techniques of teachers, parents and pupils;
REGULAR ACTIVITY DURING PTA MEETING:
* Cooking PTA snacks;
* Baking demos;
* Health & healing demos;
* Skills demos;
* Livelihood lectures and demos;
* Presentation of Pupils’ Talents
REGULAR PTA MEETINGS:
FIRST SUNDAYS OF JULY, SEPTEMBER, NOVEMBER, JANUARY & MARCH
Note: Subject for movement in case of other important schedule or celebration.
Sharing of deeper interpretation and understanding of our PTA Vision and Mission by assigned parent and teacher and other instant volunteer/s;
Suggestions on how to achieve our PTA Vision and how to accomplish our PTA Mission;
Agree to a common plan, project, program or action to attain our PTA Vision and Mission and assign them to an ACTION AGAD TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS – PROJECT X;
Monitor the progress and evaluate these common plans, projects, programs or actions; agree on ways to facilitate or speed up their completion;
Count the blessings and benefits of achieved common plan, project, program or action. Give gratitude to whom it is due, e.g., to man and to God and other benefactors.
Information dissemination useful to parents and teachers and pupils;
Skills trainings and enhancement for parents, teachers and pupils;
Effective livelihood for teachers, parents and/or pupils;
Resolution of problems of teachers, parents and pupils;
Success techniques of teachers, parents and pupils;
REGULAR ACTIVITY DURING PTA MEETING:
* Cooking PTA snacks;
* Baking demos;
* Health & healing demos;
* Skills demos;
* Livelihood lectures and demos;
* Presentation of Pupils’ Talents
REGULAR PTA MEETINGS:
FIRST SUNDAYS OF JULY, SEPTEMBER, NOVEMBER, JANUARY & MARCH
Note: Subject for movement in case of other important schedule or celebration.
OUR VISION
OUR VISION
WE, the Filipino, a tribe in the family of nations,
Cradled in this beautiful and richly blessed Pearl of the Orient,
Created after the image of the Almighty and All-loving Father of all Mankind,
Whose purpose is peace, happiness, success, prosperity,
justice, equality and abundant life
for all of us His human children,
envision ourselves as a people who are economically prosperous
because we are founded on and guided by the true moral values
that, among us, nurtured faith and love;
taught discipline, diligence and productivity;
borne peace and happiness;
and guaranteed total sustainable development of and for
our people and nation.
WE envision of a prosperous people and a peaceful society,
Established upon the solid foundation of the true moral values
of honesty and discipline, patience and diligence,
resourcefulness and responsibility…
of the Christian beatitudes of love and compassion,
mercy and kindness, faith and hope, humility and
gentleness…
which are the true and eternal keys to total and sustainable development.
We envision of a society where there is abundance
of beauty and richness of nature.
The valleys are verdant and the plains are beckoning.
The landscape is awesome and the surrounding is poetic
and musical.
A society where life thrives
and living is conducive, joyous and exciting.
A lush beautiful dwelling place
abounding in clean and plenteous water, bubbling fresh.
And abounding in pure, cool, refreshing air.
The land is fat and the farm exudes health and
brilliance to all families.
The food is abundant, delicious and nutritious
We envision a family life in the countryside which is farm-based.
A farm which provides us with sufficient, fresh and
nutritious fruits, vegetation and crops.
A farm that gives health, strengths, healing, wisdom and wealth.
We envision a sea with wealth and abundance
Which are more than enough for countless of succeeding generations.
A sea which showcases the beauty of Creation and tells
of the greatness of the Creator
We envision of an agro-industrialized country
Where both agriculture and industry thrive together
and mutually support each other.
This means to say that it is an industry that does not deplete our soil,
Nor degrade the richness of our lands,
nor poison our livestock and vegetation,
Nor pollute our rivers and seas, air and food,
Nor deny us of our health nor rob us of our precious life.
Rather, it is an industry that preserves and protects our environment
Replenishes the resources of the Earth,
respects our life relationships
And contributes to our well-being and happiness.
It will be an industrialization that is situated in places
Where there are enough trees and plants to absorb the exhausts
And recycles the wastes of factory and its products;
Thus, preventing pollution of the air, food and water.
More hopefully, it will be an industry whose products
as well as wastes are life-friendly,
That is, not harmful to the environment or to human beings.
We also envision of an industrialization that spreads into the countryside
To solve and further prevent urban congestions, traffic,
pollution, poverty, fires, crimes and immoralities.
We envision an industry that protects and preserves the
sanctity of marriage and family.
It is an industry that is usually rural-based
So that workers will be safe and away from the dangers
of the spiritually degenerating cities.
As mush as possible, it will be a home-based industrialization
So that family members will not be separated from each other,
So that each workers be safe from the abuses of alien
oppressive employers,
So that couples shall be spared from the temptations
Caused by geographical and emotional separation.
So that all members of the family can share work,
Life and happiness together
Thereby building a close-limit family
as the foundation of a strong society
And as the source of strong and upright leaders
And builders of tomorrow ‘s renewed Philippines.
We envision of a mechanized country
to lighten up the burdens and toils of each man and woman.
To enhance the quality of workmanship and to speed up production
And, consequently, allow families enough time off work
To enjoy family life together
And for each member of the family
to develop his/her talents into hobbies
Or even turn his hobbies into an enterprise
for more excellent service to mankind
Nevertheless, such mechanization should not be pollutant
So that our environment would be kept fresh and healthful.
Furthermore, it should not be too concentrated in one place
So that our place would not become too unbanized
To the extent that our value of familism would get eroded
And godliness replaced by materialism and immorality.
In others words, we envision a society
where there is much beauty and health, cleanliness and freshness,
Where Love and righteousness, work and leisure,
joy and peace, richness and abundance
Are preserved and spread to all parts of nation and to all the earth —
Where the all-important God-ordained institutions of marriage and family
Are protected from destruction
Where mechanization produces an industrialization
That does not endanger our relationship with and in our families,
neighbors, and with our Creator.
This is our vision of total and sustainable development,
For the people, by the people, with the people, through the people
And with the help, blessings and the guidance of the Almighty Ever-merciful God
Who is our Creator, Provider, Sustainer, Savior and Everlasting Father.
This is made possible
Because we are a people made after the image of God
Richly endowed with Wisdom and Love from above.
Because of which we are a diligent, patient, responsible, disciplined,
Upright, kind, merciful, peace-loving people.
We build, nurture, sustain and maintain.
We produce rather than consume.
We save rather than spend.
We invest rather than waste.
We are a thrifty, honest and diligent and productive people.
This, too, is our vision for a national character.
And this we will achieve with all our hearts, mind and might,
In service to man for the glory of God…..
So guide and equip us God….
* * *
WE, the Filipino, a tribe in the family of nations,
Cradled in this beautiful and richly blessed Pearl of the Orient,
Created after the image of the Almighty and All-loving Father of all Mankind,
Whose purpose is peace, happiness, success, prosperity,
justice, equality and abundant life
for all of us His human children,
envision ourselves as a people who are economically prosperous
because we are founded on and guided by the true moral values
that, among us, nurtured faith and love;
taught discipline, diligence and productivity;
borne peace and happiness;
and guaranteed total sustainable development of and for
our people and nation.
WE envision of a prosperous people and a peaceful society,
Established upon the solid foundation of the true moral values
of honesty and discipline, patience and diligence,
resourcefulness and responsibility…
of the Christian beatitudes of love and compassion,
mercy and kindness, faith and hope, humility and
gentleness…
which are the true and eternal keys to total and sustainable development.
We envision of a society where there is abundance
of beauty and richness of nature.
The valleys are verdant and the plains are beckoning.
The landscape is awesome and the surrounding is poetic
and musical.
A society where life thrives
and living is conducive, joyous and exciting.
A lush beautiful dwelling place
abounding in clean and plenteous water, bubbling fresh.
And abounding in pure, cool, refreshing air.
The land is fat and the farm exudes health and
brilliance to all families.
The food is abundant, delicious and nutritious
We envision a family life in the countryside which is farm-based.
A farm which provides us with sufficient, fresh and
nutritious fruits, vegetation and crops.
A farm that gives health, strengths, healing, wisdom and wealth.
We envision a sea with wealth and abundance
Which are more than enough for countless of succeeding generations.
A sea which showcases the beauty of Creation and tells
of the greatness of the Creator
We envision of an agro-industrialized country
Where both agriculture and industry thrive together
and mutually support each other.
This means to say that it is an industry that does not deplete our soil,
Nor degrade the richness of our lands,
nor poison our livestock and vegetation,
Nor pollute our rivers and seas, air and food,
Nor deny us of our health nor rob us of our precious life.
Rather, it is an industry that preserves and protects our environment
Replenishes the resources of the Earth,
respects our life relationships
And contributes to our well-being and happiness.
It will be an industrialization that is situated in places
Where there are enough trees and plants to absorb the exhausts
And recycles the wastes of factory and its products;
Thus, preventing pollution of the air, food and water.
More hopefully, it will be an industry whose products
as well as wastes are life-friendly,
That is, not harmful to the environment or to human beings.
We also envision of an industrialization that spreads into the countryside
To solve and further prevent urban congestions, traffic,
pollution, poverty, fires, crimes and immoralities.
We envision an industry that protects and preserves the
sanctity of marriage and family.
It is an industry that is usually rural-based
So that workers will be safe and away from the dangers
of the spiritually degenerating cities.
As mush as possible, it will be a home-based industrialization
So that family members will not be separated from each other,
So that each workers be safe from the abuses of alien
oppressive employers,
So that couples shall be spared from the temptations
Caused by geographical and emotional separation.
So that all members of the family can share work,
Life and happiness together
Thereby building a close-limit family
as the foundation of a strong society
And as the source of strong and upright leaders
And builders of tomorrow ‘s renewed Philippines.
We envision of a mechanized country
to lighten up the burdens and toils of each man and woman.
To enhance the quality of workmanship and to speed up production
And, consequently, allow families enough time off work
To enjoy family life together
And for each member of the family
to develop his/her talents into hobbies
Or even turn his hobbies into an enterprise
for more excellent service to mankind
Nevertheless, such mechanization should not be pollutant
So that our environment would be kept fresh and healthful.
Furthermore, it should not be too concentrated in one place
So that our place would not become too unbanized
To the extent that our value of familism would get eroded
And godliness replaced by materialism and immorality.
In others words, we envision a society
where there is much beauty and health, cleanliness and freshness,
Where Love and righteousness, work and leisure,
joy and peace, richness and abundance
Are preserved and spread to all parts of nation and to all the earth —
Where the all-important God-ordained institutions of marriage and family
Are protected from destruction
Where mechanization produces an industrialization
That does not endanger our relationship with and in our families,
neighbors, and with our Creator.
This is our vision of total and sustainable development,
For the people, by the people, with the people, through the people
And with the help, blessings and the guidance of the Almighty Ever-merciful God
Who is our Creator, Provider, Sustainer, Savior and Everlasting Father.
This is made possible
Because we are a people made after the image of God
Richly endowed with Wisdom and Love from above.
Because of which we are a diligent, patient, responsible, disciplined,
Upright, kind, merciful, peace-loving people.
We build, nurture, sustain and maintain.
We produce rather than consume.
We save rather than spend.
We invest rather than waste.
We are a thrifty, honest and diligent and productive people.
This, too, is our vision for a national character.
And this we will achieve with all our hearts, mind and might,
In service to man for the glory of God…..
So guide and equip us God….
* * *
MY VISION FOR A NATIONAL CHARACTER: A nation that is both meek and wise
MY VISION FOR A NATIONAL CHARACTER:
IN MEEKNESS LIKE DOVE BUT NOT TURTLEDOVE;
IN WISDOM THAT OF A HAWK OR A SERPENT
MEEKNESS DRIVES AWAY CRUELTY
One time, the Lord was exhorting the disciples to be meek, and not repay evil for evil, nor anger for anger, nor fire for fire. On this, He cited the little unimposing gnat who playfully buzzes around and though a little bet bothered, the mighty lion dismisses its presence and allow its activity for the gnat is below the dignity of the king of the forest, meaning: it’s not for a lion to fight against a gnat!
Drawing lesson from this example: We can understand that one’s smallness or humility will spare us many troubles. As a matter of fact, it is the meekness or softness of a woman that can pacify the anger of a mighty man.
You might be also surprised to realize that the lowly coo of a turtledove spares it from the preying hawk hovering above looking for its meat.
“When nature wakes soft pity's coo
The hawk deserts the dove,
Compassion melts the creature through,
With palpitations felt by few,
The wrecking throbs of love. “
From the poem The Powers of Love, George M. Horton
Analyze the line of the poem. The pitiful coo of the turtledove (Visayan: tokmo, crocoto) melts the cruel heart of the hovering hawk and ‘the hawk deserts the dove’.
Gentleness conquers cruelty.
That is what God and His servants keep on reminding us. King Solomon wrote a proverb: ‘Soft answer turns away wrath.’
Paul wrote: “Do not repay evil for evil. But when your enemy gets hungry, feed him… Overcome evil by doing good.”
This has been the behavior of our race – the black and brown race, the descendants of Cain-Ethiope.
Even if our curly-haired, thick-lipped, black Negrito race lived long in the wild forest, we were not ferocious, but as the foreigners said, “we were a gentle race”.
This kind of character is very likeable. Even the hawk-wise Americans like us to be their employees and fondly consider Filipinos their ‘little brown brothers’.
Peace and prosperity also reigned between the White race and Black slaves in America when and as long as compassion was in the heart of the white master and humility in the heart of the black slave. In this case, ‘slave’ is a nice experience.
TURTLE MEEKNESS GIVES WAY TO ABUSE OF AN EVIL HAWK
Not dove only is meek; a turtle too. And not good wisdom alone resides in a hawk, also an evil cunningness.
When meekness is turtle’s, it is naïve meekness. It is meekness paired with dullness. It is this kind of meekness that opens up for abuse and exploitation by the deceitful animal of prey.
When the cunningness of the hawk reigns in the heart of the master, as with many of our former Spanish masters, then misery would be the lot of the people! For neither brotherly love nor neighborly love does reign in such master’s heart, but greed, lust, pride and covetousness. And so, he would turn his subjects into a milch cow, a prostitute, and a slave. It is because he does not love.
Let me quote to you, for the nth time, the negative parable of the hawk and the turtle, to wit:
THE PARABLE OF THE HAWK AND THE TURTLE
One day, there was a turtle struggling on a mudhole in the meadow. On the other hand, in the sky there was a hawk hovering. The hawk noticed the struggling turtle.
The Lord: “The hawk first eagerly helps the turtle out of its mud-hole in the meadow, only to be grabbed by the hawk in its neck during its search for herbs, carried aloft and smashed into a rock.
“Why did the hawk do that? So that she can enjoy the turtle’s flesh as a reward for its previous eagerness to help. My, children, do not do that!
“Do not follow the evil inhabitants in hell who serve out of selfishness, for everyone there expects to be served.
“They are like the story of the turtle and the hawk
“Service should be given in love and with true brotherly feeling, as is customary in the heavens.”
I envision not of a humility with naivety, such as that of the turtle , which renders us outsmartable and oppress-ible.
I envision of a meekness-humility-mercifulness like that of a Dove , who by its wakening coo
“The hawk deserts the dove,
The former’s heart melts by compassion
With palpitations felt by few,
The wrecking throbs of love.”
I do not however envision us to remain a Turtledove (naivety and shortsightedness of a turtle and weakness of a dove) who by its sad and sorrowful coo, softly tells the world that it is unhappy in its humbled condition. Its plaintive cooing indicates that it is ‘quietly mournful’ and ‘weakly complaining’ e.g., probably because it is oppressed or suppressed and does not find freedom within its sphere like a discontented mother and a regimented wife.
I envision a meekness where wisdom, peace, love, joy and freedom reign.
I envision us as individuals and as a nation evolving from a unhappy turtledove into a happy peaceful dove.
While at the same time, I envision us as individuals and as a nation like an awakening turtle getting out of the confinement of its shell so that, light and free, it can metamorphose itself into a bird, untouched by the treacherous hawk, able to soar the sky on its own, and view the whole perspective, and thus, become wise – even wiser than the hawk or as wise as a serpent, as Jesus said, without losing the harmlessness [meekness, gentleness] of the dove and never adopting the evil cunningness and treachery of the hawk-serpent.
LIKE THE DOVE WITH PURIFIED GENTLENESS, MEEKNESS, HUMILITY AND MERCY, AND LIKE THE HAWK OR SERPENT GREAT IN ITS WISDOM WITHOUT IMITATING ITS DECEITFULNESS –
THAT IS MY VISION OF CHARACTER FOR MYSELF AND FOR MY PEOPLE.
It is the turtle’s naivety, ignorance, and lack of wisdom that makes our meekness corrupt and impure, weak, gullible, beguile-ible, easy to fleece, easy to seduce, easy to deceive, abusable, oppress-able. Without true wisdom, the Filipino meekness has become a weakness. That is why we were colonized by many foreigners for over 400 years. That’s why we were exploited, suppressed, oppressed, and deceived.
But with wisdom, the Filipino meekness will be purified of its inherent weakness and soon will be like that of a dove whose coo melts the heart of the preying creature [e.g., hawk], provokes its into compassion. A meekness that conquers all cruelties.
I am challenged to think that had we had Christ’s wisdom and not the turtle’s naivety and carabao’s unselective, unconditional submission, certainly the Spaniards would not have subjugated us for 300 years and they would not have corrupted our character with pride, wastefulness [gambling, drunkenness] and indolence. We would have been long time ago a nation rich in God’s blessings, and thus, great in the nations’ eyes. As a promise which can be attained, we could be “the head and not the tail; we shall lend and not borrow” as we shall “serve and not be served”, and “not a slave even as we are not a master”.
Towards the true greatness that God has in store for us all, attainable by any nation, we can advance our selves by (1) first, purifying our meekness using God’s wisdom, thus converting it from being a turtle meekness into a dove meekness; and (2) if that is accomplished, proceeding to expanding our self-love into divine love for God, neighbor and self. Thus, we’ll have positioned ourselves prepared and ready to accomplish any thing – any dream – any vision – any mission – any goal – any aim – any purpose – any height - that this matured noble love may set before us!
That is the strategy towards our Vision for a National Character.
IN MEEKNESS LIKE DOVE BUT NOT TURTLEDOVE;
IN WISDOM THAT OF A HAWK OR A SERPENT
MEEKNESS DRIVES AWAY CRUELTY
One time, the Lord was exhorting the disciples to be meek, and not repay evil for evil, nor anger for anger, nor fire for fire. On this, He cited the little unimposing gnat who playfully buzzes around and though a little bet bothered, the mighty lion dismisses its presence and allow its activity for the gnat is below the dignity of the king of the forest, meaning: it’s not for a lion to fight against a gnat!
Drawing lesson from this example: We can understand that one’s smallness or humility will spare us many troubles. As a matter of fact, it is the meekness or softness of a woman that can pacify the anger of a mighty man.
You might be also surprised to realize that the lowly coo of a turtledove spares it from the preying hawk hovering above looking for its meat.
“When nature wakes soft pity's coo
The hawk deserts the dove,
Compassion melts the creature through,
With palpitations felt by few,
The wrecking throbs of love. “
From the poem The Powers of Love, George M. Horton
Analyze the line of the poem. The pitiful coo of the turtledove (Visayan: tokmo, crocoto) melts the cruel heart of the hovering hawk and ‘the hawk deserts the dove’.
Gentleness conquers cruelty.
That is what God and His servants keep on reminding us. King Solomon wrote a proverb: ‘Soft answer turns away wrath.’
Paul wrote: “Do not repay evil for evil. But when your enemy gets hungry, feed him… Overcome evil by doing good.”
This has been the behavior of our race – the black and brown race, the descendants of Cain-Ethiope.
Even if our curly-haired, thick-lipped, black Negrito race lived long in the wild forest, we were not ferocious, but as the foreigners said, “we were a gentle race”.
This kind of character is very likeable. Even the hawk-wise Americans like us to be their employees and fondly consider Filipinos their ‘little brown brothers’.
Peace and prosperity also reigned between the White race and Black slaves in America when and as long as compassion was in the heart of the white master and humility in the heart of the black slave. In this case, ‘slave’ is a nice experience.
TURTLE MEEKNESS GIVES WAY TO ABUSE OF AN EVIL HAWK
Not dove only is meek; a turtle too. And not good wisdom alone resides in a hawk, also an evil cunningness.
When meekness is turtle’s, it is naïve meekness. It is meekness paired with dullness. It is this kind of meekness that opens up for abuse and exploitation by the deceitful animal of prey.
When the cunningness of the hawk reigns in the heart of the master, as with many of our former Spanish masters, then misery would be the lot of the people! For neither brotherly love nor neighborly love does reign in such master’s heart, but greed, lust, pride and covetousness. And so, he would turn his subjects into a milch cow, a prostitute, and a slave. It is because he does not love.
Let me quote to you, for the nth time, the negative parable of the hawk and the turtle, to wit:
THE PARABLE OF THE HAWK AND THE TURTLE
One day, there was a turtle struggling on a mudhole in the meadow. On the other hand, in the sky there was a hawk hovering. The hawk noticed the struggling turtle.
The Lord: “The hawk first eagerly helps the turtle out of its mud-hole in the meadow, only to be grabbed by the hawk in its neck during its search for herbs, carried aloft and smashed into a rock.
“Why did the hawk do that? So that she can enjoy the turtle’s flesh as a reward for its previous eagerness to help. My, children, do not do that!
“Do not follow the evil inhabitants in hell who serve out of selfishness, for everyone there expects to be served.
“They are like the story of the turtle and the hawk
“Service should be given in love and with true brotherly feeling, as is customary in the heavens.”
I envision not of a humility with naivety, such as that of the turtle , which renders us outsmartable and oppress-ible.
I envision of a meekness-humility-mercifulness like that of a Dove , who by its wakening coo
“The hawk deserts the dove,
The former’s heart melts by compassion
With palpitations felt by few,
The wrecking throbs of love.”
I do not however envision us to remain a Turtledove (naivety and shortsightedness of a turtle and weakness of a dove) who by its sad and sorrowful coo, softly tells the world that it is unhappy in its humbled condition. Its plaintive cooing indicates that it is ‘quietly mournful’ and ‘weakly complaining’ e.g., probably because it is oppressed or suppressed and does not find freedom within its sphere like a discontented mother and a regimented wife.
I envision a meekness where wisdom, peace, love, joy and freedom reign.
I envision us as individuals and as a nation evolving from a unhappy turtledove into a happy peaceful dove.
While at the same time, I envision us as individuals and as a nation like an awakening turtle getting out of the confinement of its shell so that, light and free, it can metamorphose itself into a bird, untouched by the treacherous hawk, able to soar the sky on its own, and view the whole perspective, and thus, become wise – even wiser than the hawk or as wise as a serpent, as Jesus said, without losing the harmlessness [meekness, gentleness] of the dove and never adopting the evil cunningness and treachery of the hawk-serpent.
LIKE THE DOVE WITH PURIFIED GENTLENESS, MEEKNESS, HUMILITY AND MERCY, AND LIKE THE HAWK OR SERPENT GREAT IN ITS WISDOM WITHOUT IMITATING ITS DECEITFULNESS –
THAT IS MY VISION OF CHARACTER FOR MYSELF AND FOR MY PEOPLE.
It is the turtle’s naivety, ignorance, and lack of wisdom that makes our meekness corrupt and impure, weak, gullible, beguile-ible, easy to fleece, easy to seduce, easy to deceive, abusable, oppress-able. Without true wisdom, the Filipino meekness has become a weakness. That is why we were colonized by many foreigners for over 400 years. That’s why we were exploited, suppressed, oppressed, and deceived.
But with wisdom, the Filipino meekness will be purified of its inherent weakness and soon will be like that of a dove whose coo melts the heart of the preying creature [e.g., hawk], provokes its into compassion. A meekness that conquers all cruelties.
I am challenged to think that had we had Christ’s wisdom and not the turtle’s naivety and carabao’s unselective, unconditional submission, certainly the Spaniards would not have subjugated us for 300 years and they would not have corrupted our character with pride, wastefulness [gambling, drunkenness] and indolence. We would have been long time ago a nation rich in God’s blessings, and thus, great in the nations’ eyes. As a promise which can be attained, we could be “the head and not the tail; we shall lend and not borrow” as we shall “serve and not be served”, and “not a slave even as we are not a master”.
Towards the true greatness that God has in store for us all, attainable by any nation, we can advance our selves by (1) first, purifying our meekness using God’s wisdom, thus converting it from being a turtle meekness into a dove meekness; and (2) if that is accomplished, proceeding to expanding our self-love into divine love for God, neighbor and self. Thus, we’ll have positioned ourselves prepared and ready to accomplish any thing – any dream – any vision – any mission – any goal – any aim – any purpose – any height - that this matured noble love may set before us!
That is the strategy towards our Vision for a National Character.
Our Vision and their Charter Change - an introduction
Our Vision and their Charter Change
A great sage once said, “Without Vision, the people will perish”. Why? Because they will cast out all restraint, refuse to discipline themselves and neglect to direct their steps to a destination.
Without vision, they have no aim. Like driftwoods, they are tossed to and fro by the ebb and tide of the never-ending sea.
Without Vision, they have no propeller to make advance steps to some beautiful destination. With vision, they are like boat without rudder to guide themselves to a happy end.
Following is our National Vision. This is our Blue Print – our map for the future. This National Vision will act as our propeller (fuel and inspiration to keep us moving) and our rudder to guide us away from danger and towards the safe paths of life.
Then our life will be meaningful and purposeful!
This National Vision is very necessary in the face of the efforts of others to complete the disintegration of this poor wretched nation. With this Vision, animated by our love, we shall no longer perish! These men are orchestrating the Charter Changes which we do not need; as a matter of fact, their proposed Charter Changes will further bring us to greater captivity and poverty.
After printing our National Vision below, will follow our comments whether or not their versions of Charter Change will help us achieve our vision.
A great sage once said, “Without Vision, the people will perish”. Why? Because they will cast out all restraint, refuse to discipline themselves and neglect to direct their steps to a destination.
Without vision, they have no aim. Like driftwoods, they are tossed to and fro by the ebb and tide of the never-ending sea.
Without Vision, they have no propeller to make advance steps to some beautiful destination. With vision, they are like boat without rudder to guide themselves to a happy end.
Following is our National Vision. This is our Blue Print – our map for the future. This National Vision will act as our propeller (fuel and inspiration to keep us moving) and our rudder to guide us away from danger and towards the safe paths of life.
Then our life will be meaningful and purposeful!
This National Vision is very necessary in the face of the efforts of others to complete the disintegration of this poor wretched nation. With this Vision, animated by our love, we shall no longer perish! These men are orchestrating the Charter Changes which we do not need; as a matter of fact, their proposed Charter Changes will further bring us to greater captivity and poverty.
After printing our National Vision below, will follow our comments whether or not their versions of Charter Change will help us achieve our vision.
OUR NATIONAL VISION
OUR NATIONAL VISION
WE, the Filipino, a tribe in the family of nations,
Cradled in this beautiful and richly blessed Pearl of the Orient,
Created after the image of the Almighty and All-loving Father of all Mankind,
Whose purpose is peace, happiness, success, prosperity,
justice, equality and abundant life
for all of us His human children,
envision ourselves as a people who are economically prosperous
because we are founded on and guided by the true moral values
that, among us, nurtured faith and love;
taught discipline, diligence and productivity;
borne peace and happiness;
and guaranteed total sustainable development of and for
our people and nation.
WE envision of a prosperous people and a peaceful society,
Established upon the solid foundation of the true moral values
of honesty and discipline, patience and diligence,
resourcefulness and responsibility…
of the Christian beatitudes of love and compassion,
mercy and kindness, faith and hope, humility and
gentleness…
which are the true and eternal keys to total and sustainable development.
We envision of a society where there is abundance
of beauty and richness of nature.
The valleys are verdant and the plains are beckoning.
The landscape is awesome and the surrounding is poetic
and musical.
A society where life thrives
and living is conducive, joyous and exciting.
A lush beautiful dwelling place
abounding in clean and plenteous water, bubbling fresh.
And abounding in pure, cool, refreshing air.
The land is fat and the farm exudes health and
brilliance to all families.
The food is abundant, delicious and nutritious
We envision a family life in the countryside which is farm-based.
A farm which provides us with sufficient, fresh and
nutritious fruits, vegetation and crops.
A farm that gives health, strengths, healing, wisdom and wealth.
We envision a sea with wealth and abundance
Which are more than enough for countless of succeeding generations.
A sea which showcases the beauty of Creation and tells
of the greatness of the Creator
We envision of an agro-industrialized country
Where both agriculture and industry thrive together
and mutually support each other.
This means to say that it is an industry that does not deplete our soil,
Nor degrade the richness of our lands,
nor poison our livestock and vegetation,
Nor pollute our rivers and seas, air and food,
Nor deny us of our health nor rob us of our precious life.
Rather, it is an industry that preserves and protects our environment
Replenishes the resources of the Earth,
respects our life relationships
And contributes to our well-being and happiness.
It will be an industrialization that is situated in places
Where there are enough trees and plants to absorb the exhausts
And recycles the wastes of factory and its products;
Thus, preventing pollution of the air, food and water.
More hopefully, it will be an industry whose products
as well as wastes are life-friendly,
That is, not harmful to the environment or to human beings.
We also envision of an industrialization that spreads into the countryside
To solve and further prevent urban congestions, traffic,
pollution, poverty, fires, crimes and immoralities.
We envision an industry that protects and preserves the
sanctity of marriage and family.
It is an industry that is usually rural-based
So that workers will be safe and away from the dangers
of the spiritually degenerating cities.
As mush as possible, it will be a home-based industrialization
So that family members will not be separated from each other,
So that each workers be safe from the abuses of alien
oppressive employers,
So that couples shall be spared from the temptations
Caused by geographical and emotional separation.
So that all members of the family can share work,
Life and happiness together
Thereby building a close-limit family
as the foundation of a strong society
And as the source of strong and upright leaders
And builders of tomorrow ‘s renewed Philippines.
We envision of a mechanized country
to lighten up the burdens and toils of each man and woman.
To enhance the quality of workmanship and to speed up production
And, consequently, allow families enough time off work
To enjoy family life together
And for each member of the family
to develop his/her talents into hobbies
Or even turn his hobbies into an enterprise
for more excellent service to mankind
Nevertheless, such mechanization should not be pollutant
So that our environment would be kept fresh and healthful.
Furthermore, it should not be too concentrated in one place
So that our place would not become too urbanized
To the extent that our value of familism would get eroded
And godliness replaced by materialism and immorality.
In others words, we envision a society
where there is much beauty and health, cleanliness and freshness,
Where Love and righteousness, work and leisure,
joy and peace, richness and abundance
Are preserved and spread to all parts of nation and to all the earth —
Where the all-important God-ordained institutions of marriage and family
Are protected from destruction
Where mechanization produces an industrialization
That does not endanger our relationship with and in our families,
neighbors, and with our Creator.
This is our vision of total and sustainable development,
For the people, by the people, with the people, through the people
And with the help, blessings and the guidance of the Almighty Ever-merciful God
Who is our Creator, Provider, Sustainer, Savior and Everlasting Father.
This is made possible
Because we are a people made after the image of God
Richly endowed with Wisdom and Love from above.
Because of which we are a diligent, patient, responsible, disciplined,
Upright, kind, merciful, peace-loving people.
We build, nurture, sustain and maintain.
We produce rather than consume.
We save rather than spend.
We invest rather than waste.
We are a thrifty, honest and diligent and productive people.
This, too, is our vision for a national character.
And this we will achieve with all our hearts, mind and might,
In service to man for the glory of God…..
So guide and equip us God….
* * *
WE, the Filipino, a tribe in the family of nations,
Cradled in this beautiful and richly blessed Pearl of the Orient,
Created after the image of the Almighty and All-loving Father of all Mankind,
Whose purpose is peace, happiness, success, prosperity,
justice, equality and abundant life
for all of us His human children,
envision ourselves as a people who are economically prosperous
because we are founded on and guided by the true moral values
that, among us, nurtured faith and love;
taught discipline, diligence and productivity;
borne peace and happiness;
and guaranteed total sustainable development of and for
our people and nation.
WE envision of a prosperous people and a peaceful society,
Established upon the solid foundation of the true moral values
of honesty and discipline, patience and diligence,
resourcefulness and responsibility…
of the Christian beatitudes of love and compassion,
mercy and kindness, faith and hope, humility and
gentleness…
which are the true and eternal keys to total and sustainable development.
We envision of a society where there is abundance
of beauty and richness of nature.
The valleys are verdant and the plains are beckoning.
The landscape is awesome and the surrounding is poetic
and musical.
A society where life thrives
and living is conducive, joyous and exciting.
A lush beautiful dwelling place
abounding in clean and plenteous water, bubbling fresh.
And abounding in pure, cool, refreshing air.
The land is fat and the farm exudes health and
brilliance to all families.
The food is abundant, delicious and nutritious
We envision a family life in the countryside which is farm-based.
A farm which provides us with sufficient, fresh and
nutritious fruits, vegetation and crops.
A farm that gives health, strengths, healing, wisdom and wealth.
We envision a sea with wealth and abundance
Which are more than enough for countless of succeeding generations.
A sea which showcases the beauty of Creation and tells
of the greatness of the Creator
We envision of an agro-industrialized country
Where both agriculture and industry thrive together
and mutually support each other.
This means to say that it is an industry that does not deplete our soil,
Nor degrade the richness of our lands,
nor poison our livestock and vegetation,
Nor pollute our rivers and seas, air and food,
Nor deny us of our health nor rob us of our precious life.
Rather, it is an industry that preserves and protects our environment
Replenishes the resources of the Earth,
respects our life relationships
And contributes to our well-being and happiness.
It will be an industrialization that is situated in places
Where there are enough trees and plants to absorb the exhausts
And recycles the wastes of factory and its products;
Thus, preventing pollution of the air, food and water.
More hopefully, it will be an industry whose products
as well as wastes are life-friendly,
That is, not harmful to the environment or to human beings.
We also envision of an industrialization that spreads into the countryside
To solve and further prevent urban congestions, traffic,
pollution, poverty, fires, crimes and immoralities.
We envision an industry that protects and preserves the
sanctity of marriage and family.
It is an industry that is usually rural-based
So that workers will be safe and away from the dangers
of the spiritually degenerating cities.
As mush as possible, it will be a home-based industrialization
So that family members will not be separated from each other,
So that each workers be safe from the abuses of alien
oppressive employers,
So that couples shall be spared from the temptations
Caused by geographical and emotional separation.
So that all members of the family can share work,
Life and happiness together
Thereby building a close-limit family
as the foundation of a strong society
And as the source of strong and upright leaders
And builders of tomorrow ‘s renewed Philippines.
We envision of a mechanized country
to lighten up the burdens and toils of each man and woman.
To enhance the quality of workmanship and to speed up production
And, consequently, allow families enough time off work
To enjoy family life together
And for each member of the family
to develop his/her talents into hobbies
Or even turn his hobbies into an enterprise
for more excellent service to mankind
Nevertheless, such mechanization should not be pollutant
So that our environment would be kept fresh and healthful.
Furthermore, it should not be too concentrated in one place
So that our place would not become too urbanized
To the extent that our value of familism would get eroded
And godliness replaced by materialism and immorality.
In others words, we envision a society
where there is much beauty and health, cleanliness and freshness,
Where Love and righteousness, work and leisure,
joy and peace, richness and abundance
Are preserved and spread to all parts of nation and to all the earth —
Where the all-important God-ordained institutions of marriage and family
Are protected from destruction
Where mechanization produces an industrialization
That does not endanger our relationship with and in our families,
neighbors, and with our Creator.
This is our vision of total and sustainable development,
For the people, by the people, with the people, through the people
And with the help, blessings and the guidance of the Almighty Ever-merciful God
Who is our Creator, Provider, Sustainer, Savior and Everlasting Father.
This is made possible
Because we are a people made after the image of God
Richly endowed with Wisdom and Love from above.
Because of which we are a diligent, patient, responsible, disciplined,
Upright, kind, merciful, peace-loving people.
We build, nurture, sustain and maintain.
We produce rather than consume.
We save rather than spend.
We invest rather than waste.
We are a thrifty, honest and diligent and productive people.
This, too, is our vision for a national character.
And this we will achieve with all our hearts, mind and might,
In service to man for the glory of God…..
So guide and equip us God….
* * *
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