John D. Rockefeller, an American business magnate and philanthropist once said, “I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.” This quotation reminds me of my duties and obligations as a Filipino citizen. Citizenship is a thread that connects us to one another. We are bound not by our language or culture, but by the shared values of freedom and equality. I have learned from our lesson that, a citizen is a “person who is entitled to enjoy all the legal rights and privileges granted by a state to the people compromising its constituency and is obligated to obey its laws and fulfill his or duties as called upon.” As citizens of this country, we are all experiencing the same fundamental rights. Everyone is provided with equal opportunities to enjoy their lives. However, it is not always the government that has to give. It is not always you and I using our rights and enjoying our privileges, but also recognizing our roles in society and perform our duties and obligations. Therefore, as a Filipino, what are the duties and obligations I have to acknowledge in order to help my country, the Philippines, in the development of its nation and prosperity? What are the things I have learned with these duties and obligations of mine?

“Ignorance of the law excuses no one.” Yes, we might know what are the laws and rights occurring in our country but, it doesn’t stop in knowing all of it. Given that, the very first duty I have is to exercise my rights responsibly. I should abide by the law and avoid to step out of my limitation. In return to the benefits the government has given to me, it is my obligation to give back to my fellow countrymen by means of volunteerism. During the duration of our NSTP-LTS course, I should volunteer myself to teach literacy and numeracy to the children who are less fortunate. I could use my skills and knowledge in helping the children to know their rights as well. As a pre-service teacher, I’m very much aware that these are just some of my obligations and there will be more in the future. Thus, as early as possible, I am instilling to myself the spirit of volunteerism, leadership, and patriotism. Acknowledging these duties and obligations, I have realized this could be my starting point to actually perform the tasks given to me as an agent of change. Given that, I’ve also appreciated the fact that we can serve our nation in thousands of ways. I do not have reasons not to give back to my country. Furthermore, one of my reflections too is I do not have excuses anymore to refuse my own nationality. The Philippines has given me enough benefits and privileges, enough gray matter to serve her wholeheartedly.

Recently, one of the hottest issues here in the Philippines is the dispute between Korea and the Philippines. The hashtag #cancelkorea became the trending topic in all social media platforms. It all started when a Korean citizen mocks a Filipina influencer because of her tattoos, then calling Filipinos “ugly and uneducated people”, and the latest is when one of them tear the Philippine flag in front of his thousands YouTube viewers. This situation is in line with the issue of patriotism. With regards to it, Section 1 of the 1973 Philippine Constitution states that “it shall be the duty of the citizen to be loyal to the Republic and to honor the Philippine flag, to defend the State and contribute to its development and welfare.” Carminda Arevalo said that the Philippine flag is one of the country’s valued symbols. It serves as the symbol of our freedom and love for the country. The flag is the country’s way to portray itself to the rest of the world. And so, it is devastating to us if see someone being disrespectful to it, worst is tearing our national flag into pieces. As it is our duty to honor our flag and defend our state, our fellow countrymen didn’t waste their time to take concrete actions. Some started to show how beautiful Filipinas are by enumerating our awards and titles in international pageants. Others mentioned top-performing universities here in the Philippines that greatly contribute to international researches and studies. But I am most proud when Filipinos show that even though they disrespect our flag, we still fight with integrity and dignity, knowing our duties and not crossing our limitations. I am one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, as all of you knows, we do not salute to the flag but we respect it very much. Although I do not put my hand on the left side of my chest when singing the national anthem, I remain standing, facing it with all respect. Aside from that, we do not vote for we chose to be neutral. However, that doesn’t mean that we do not fulfill our duties and obligations as members of society. We make sure to always pay our taxes on time, to be a registered voter, and to obey the laws fair and honestly. I always say to myself and everyone that once a Filipino will always be a Filipino.

All the circumstances I mentioned in this journal, are just a part of what I could do to be a worthy Filipino citizen. I should make the Philippines a better place to live in in this struggling world by fulfilling my duties and obligations. If I become a teacher, I will make sure to remind my students their rights, duties and obligations in this country. By this little action of mine, I hope that it will contribute a lot to the betterment of our beloved Philippines. Oftentimes, we might neglect our rights. We might not carry out our duties and obligations well. Some might say that it is burdensome to follow all the laws of the government and even hard to fulfill our duties and obligations. With the help of this lesson, I have learned our duties and obligations accorded with our rights. Above all, it has been reminded to me that these duties and obligations are actually opportunities for me to serve my country. At the end of the day, I should keep in my mind and heart that, “Filipino ako noon, ngayon, at magpakailanman at ang lahat ng gagawin ko ay para sa Pilipinas kong mahal!”

During my first year in college, I remember our seniors talking a lot of their journey as education students. They are telling us the success they achieved and the difficulties they encountered in the past years. But among all of their stories, the most memorable to me is when they told us how fun and exciting NSTP-LTS is to them. They said that it is one of the courses they are really looking forward when they were on the same level as us. While listening to their stories and seeing the happiness in their eyes, I realized that I want to feel the same joy too, the same excitement and the same experience. The National Service Training Program or NSTP is one of the prerequisite courses at the collegiate level. It is a program mandated by the Philippine government through Republic Act No. 9163 that aims to nurture the role of the Filipino youths and develop their spirit of volunteerism, leadership, and patriotism while undergoing active and continuous training. Based on the readings, graduate students of NSTP program are expected to be always readily available whenever the country needs them may it be in the field of literacy and numeracy (LTS), military preparedness (ROTC), or in social welfare activities (CWTS). It serves as a training ground for all students to showcase the knowledge and skills they have learned during classroom-based discussions. But, these are just some of the privileges NSTP offers to its students. The questions are: What are the other benefits I could enjoy as we take up this course? Do I need to take NSTP seriously or lightly considering it as a requirement only to pass the college?

According to the module our professor provided, I have learned that NSTP is divided into three (3) program components: Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), and the Literacy Training Service (LTS). As part of the College of Teacher Education, we fall under the component of Literacy Training Service (LTS) in which we are given a chance to teach literacy and numeracy knowledge to the children who may be living in far-flung and poverty-stricken areas. It is a stage prepared for us to learn the different principles, modalities, and techniques in the field of the teaching profession. During the duration of this course, Filipino youths including myself will able to give back to our country by volunteering, giving benefits not only to ourselves and to the children but above all to the national development. I believe that with the help of this program, I will be more holistically matured, from social, physical, and emotional presence to my mental aspect. We all know that we will not be forever a student for eventually we will be out there in the real world, landing on our own professions and careers. NSTP-LTS 1 is our avenue towards the true context of our chosen field.

As an education student, a preservice teacher, it is important for us to develop commitment and instill the value of service as early as possible. Personally, I think this is the foundation of quality education and excellent services. Aside from being a competent teacher, one must love what he/she is doing. NSTP-LTS 1 surely plays a big role in developing these characters, igniting the main driving force of our profession, the happiness of serving other people especially our countrymen.

We are living now in what we called the 21st-century world where changes are inevitable. This generation requires us to be globally competitive individuals, critical thinkers, and well-equipped. NSTP is surely one of the courses that will prepare us to be more qualified than before and will help us to fit in this society. Thus, as a student taking this course, I should see this not just a requirement to pass, but an opportunity to grow. Our end goal must be to pass this course, gaining enough learnings and skills. In the end, I will assure you that we will get that license we are all aiming.

Once Maggie Gallagher said, “Of all the hard jobs around, one of the hardest is being a good teacher.” Indeed, as a first-year education student and aspiring good teacher, it requires great amount of effort, perseverance, patience, and most of all, hard work to become one. You and I may experience days or even weeks of sleepless night, cramming, procrastinating, pressures, heartbreaks, failures, success, unsatisfying line of 3s and flat 2s, rants, and tears but all of this is just a part of what lies ahead. More so, Ed 3: Building and Enhancing New Literacies Across the Curriculum allows us to take another step towards the profession we are dreaming. It enables us to experience what is it to become a good teacher and be literate in all fields. Therefore, as a reflection, you may ask; what are the lessons I have learned in this class? What are the challenges I faced and victories I achieved over the past months? Is it important to reminisce and apply those life lessons in my every day journey? And why? Well, I recommend you to read this blog and find out more!

First, let me tell you the purpose of this course, the Ed 3: Building and Enhancing New Literacies Across the Curriculum. Ed 3 is one of the courses an education student must take under the Professional Education courses. This course “introduces the concepts of literacy as a collection of shared cultural practices and evolving social phenomena. This course will provide a series of field based and interdisciplinary explorations, which will lead students to characterize a literate person as having wide range of skills, competencies, abilities and attitudes that are transferrable across learning areas. As such learning opportunities shall focus on examining problematizing and simulating the age-specific teaching of new literacies necessary in the 21^st century” (Education, B.O.E.C. CHED Memorandum Order (CMO)). The main objective of this subject is to introduce into the 21^st century teachers the new literacies they have to adapt in this rapidly changing world. Since we are now in the world where modern technology lords over the traditional culture, new literacies such as globalization and multi-cultural literacy, social literacy, media literacy, financial literacy, digital literacy, environmental literacy, arts and creativity literacy, and other types of new literacies are big help in adjusting to this era.

I must say, this course is the “busiest but the most pleasing” class in my entire first-year experience. At this juncture, let me tell you my own version of 13 Reasons Why I said it so.

1. Ed 3 let me experience how to be on the digital/online classroom. At first, it was challenging at the same time is exciting. I have experienced how to utilize my time well so that I can join the online discussion and take my quiz within the given time.
2. Internet is a struggle on this country. It may be slow or worse, it is broken to the point that anyone will be pissed. But out of this, I have learned to be patient all the time and do the online assignment ahead of time. In that case, deadline and slow internet connection won’t bother me.
3. Creating a blog was never been an easy thing to do. It can be seen by the public so, I should be careful with my words and sentences construction (I know, mine is still on progress). But at the end of the day, it is so satisfying to see that I’ve worked hard to post a blog. I am really proud to show in the virtual world that I’ve learned a lot.
4. Ma’am Kae asked us to produce a digital story, I know that it was quite challenging from the shooting to its final touch. As the chosen leader of the group, it made me realize that I have talents in directing and editing videos that will surely beneficial to me for the coming years of my college journey. Our teamwork led us to create a meaningful and unique video about the connection of new literacies, culture and technology.
5. Nowadays, making scrapbook is not only limited on doing it with paper-based method. We can now actually create scrapbook digitally. On this part, I’ve learned to explore different websites just to create a good and quality digital scrapbook and I really enjoyed editing and manipulating the photos and information I gathered to achieve my expected output. Fortunately, my grade is worth of my time and effort.
6. For our final output on this course, our class was given the task of conducting a classroom-based seminar-workshop. My groupmates and I picked the Arts and Creativity Literacy. I would admit that I myself doesn’t like Arts that much. I didn’t even know how to draw but with the help of this activity, I’ve learned that being a visual literate individual, one must not only know how to draw but to appreciate art and see the message behind. That is a true artist!
7. Furthermore, as the group leader of this task, the most important lesson I gained throughout our preparation for this seminar-workshop is to do my best, work hard and be patient. Of course, I should remember that moral all the time as a student as well as to be a good teacher.
8. On the other hand, the Financial Literacy group really did well. Being the first group to present what they have prepared, it was tough. They served as a model to us on what should we do and what shouldn’t. I enjoyed the entire discussion to the point that I am now practicing to be financially literate student.
9. That week, 21 February 2019, the next presenter was the Ecological Literacy group. They came really prepared so I was challenged by their performance. But at the end of the day, it is not their presentation that matters, it is the lesson that we should now take action to save and protect our lovely Mother Earth, be responsible and be ecologically literate.
10. Making a lesson plan is one of the competencies an education student should master and Ed 3 let us to experience that. Although we have a little background how to make it, plotting our detailed lesson plan is not easy as others think it would be. But as I finished my own, I found out the hardship but the joy of being a teacher. It really makes me realize to work and study hard.
11. I can also see how passionate and dedicated our instructress, Ms. Kaesel, on her chosen career. I am truly amazed how she integrates her experiences into the lesson that made our classroom discussion interesting and fun. It is a good character any aspiring educator should perceive as model.
12. Despite of the difficulties, struggles throughout this course, I am happy that we are all, the BSEd 1-1, faced and overcome it. It just proved us that every problem has a solution.
13. Lastly, I really love my classmates, this course and my instructress. I am beyond grateful that I am an education student!

Have you heard the saying “We cannot direct the winds but we can adjust the sails”? Yes, sometimes we felt we wanted to quit, to turn our backs to the problems we are facing, to just disappear but, what we will be in the future will depend on what we do with our lives today. We may depend on many other people like classmates and instructor/instructress but at the end of the day, the one who will adjust the sails is us. All in all, as I about to end this blog, I would like to make a promise that these lessons out of all the challenges and victories surely, will be important to me as I live unto it. As a future 21^st century teacher, I will do my best to be literate in all fields and be a good, great educator. Yes, let us all BE LITERATE!

People nowadays rely mainly on technology; be it in school, office, home and even in unwinding. Both the youngsters and oldies enjoy the privileges and benefits technology brought. Indeed, this era is progressing rapidly.  Modern-day technology has made our lives easier. Its adaption has been pumping up and dominant most especially the youth of today wherein it has been coined in their everyday lives. The Internet has given birth to what we call “social media”, and ever since, communication has never been easier. These tools for communication have made the world smaller. You can even travel with just one click! But here’s the catch; While Tech may help us in a lot of ways, it may also ruin the most fundamental part of our existence. Therefore, how is media affects us and our life? And how can we cope with these?

Actually, there are different types of media but Social Media in the 21^st century society is the common thing that most people prefer to. “Social Media is your opportunity to reach a massive number of people with transparency, honesty and integrity.” It is not something that you do; instead you have to be socially active. We can’t deny the fact that we are being accessed on what we called, “social media”, or also known as “social networking sites”. Today, it has been part of our daily undertakings, through this; we can also work easier than before. Social media is one of the most common activities of today’s children and adolescents. It has a broad door to the once hidden world. These sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the like make the world go around. They make life more fun and free up time for more relevant works. These were now very essential to our society. These have also something to do in the accessibility through innumerable ways.

Here are the other advantages of using social media:

• Connects with the people.

Yes, you can connect now to all people in the world with just one click. There are different social media platforms that can be used as channel in linking to your family and friends.

• Easy and instant communication.

Indeed, people now no longer have to wait for the replies. We have video chats and online calls that even our loved ones in abroad can connect with us.

• Real time news and updates.

If we wish to know anything new then we could refresh our newsfeed and update our knowledge with the current happenings in the world.

• Great opportunities for businesses.

Today, business owners can connect their official pages on the social media platforms. And then, voila! Their products will be seen instantly and quickly by the consumers.

• Fun and enjoyment.

One of the features of social media that its users find it interesting is the sharing of their post and gaining likes. People satisfied themselves if they see comments and hundreds of reactions on their posts.

Social Media make us delighted, entertained, and merely obsessed from what can social media give to us, but some of us didn’t know that there are many possible threats that may harm us because of these social media. It ruins the mind of them especially the youth of today. Cyber bullying, pornography, plagiarism, prostitution and deception are extreme blades of social media that gave us a trending tremor that rocks our society; these may lead us in a huge conflict. Many of the users’ privacy declined, due to over posing of their photos or videos from what they are doing to the public. Some of us accidentally go to the sites that are prohibited to visit. Moreover, the concentration of our youth on their studies may be lost and become lazy from doing their assignments and other school stuffs.

From this point, let me tell you some consequences and risks of using and spending too much time on technology, particularly on social media. These disadvantages were based on a research and we must know it in order for us to be aware for the incoming outcomes in getting over-dependent on technology.

• Ab ridged their Intelligence Development

Due to too much dependence on technology, teen’s knowledge growth may be devitalized. For instance, they don’t know how to spell accurately because of spell checkers; browsing in the internet as resources makes them more confident for their homeworks to be answered easily. Their self-concern for their studies may be set aside and focus on the entertainment and other stuffs brought by technology.

• Stumble upon Social Inharmony

According to research, 95 percent of teens (12-17 years old) are always online, 78 percent of them have mobile phones and 76 percent use Social Networking Sites (SNS). With the increasing number of teens and young adults who use social media, there is a tendency they might be a victim of rape, cyber- bullying, human trafficking and other serious cases.

• Radiation Contact

As technology conquered every one’s interests and be part of our daily habits, it is also affected our health. Teens and young adults are always exposed to new technologies; meaning they are much bare to radiation that can trigger them various kinds of disease that could turn to the point of causing death.

• They become ineffectual

The youth are supposed to be the hope of our future. As technology kicked off and became prevalent on youth, their usual things to do as a youth – studying well, preparing for their future, and engaging in several valuable activities in school, community and other institutions were set aside. They give more time on texting, chatting, playing video games, and sharing their private entities on the public instead of doing such things that can help them to get ready for their future.

• Up-to-the-minute Gadgeteers

Teens and young adults nowadays are very much aggressive to teens before. Now, they mutually vie to have the latest gadgets in order to satisfy their wants, to be always up to date, and to be fame from other people. There are no conflicts for a person who is competent of buying those luxurious gadgets but for those who can’t, this will become a hindrance if they force themselves to get gadgets they can’t afford. This only means that, our youth of today can’t possess the feeling of contentment.

• Dropping off their Social Aptitudes

The more they slot in themselves to technology; the less developed their social competence are. We all know that social network sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc. are great instruments to pass on information and develop relationships right away; but we also need to go outside, get some refreshing air, and mingle with “real” friends and loved ones.

• They become hotheaded

There is no “hang on” time in the digital world. You just type, click, and there it is. Unnecessary use of technology can restructure their personality at a snail’s pace and cause them to become more hasty, forgetful, and even more impatient.

Despite from benefits that we get from technology today, let’s not always depend on technology in our needs, let us put in our minds that everything has its own inside track, but it has also its incommodity that can merely harm in our lives. It’s better to be aware from the things that we are not actually practiced or know more about it, it’s better to be prepared than to suffer at last. Furthermore, youths are the common victims of cybercrimes. For today’s choice, we must think before we click. We are liable on what will happen due to the use of social networking sites. Let us lighten our mind through the right way of using various sites. Let us all be a role model to others as a responsible social media user in order to attain the true meaning of success, a success that will be achieved without any harms.

 

References:

Online Source:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using social media. Panwar, S. Retrieved from: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-social-media-1

Videos:

A Social Life. Retrieved from; https://youtu.be/GXdVPLj_pIk

Are you living an Insta Lie? Social Media Vs. Reality. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/0EFHbruKEmw

 

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton