“Walang pasok” might as well be for “wala ng (puma)pasok na pag-unawa” among us...
Suspension of classes during this rainy/typhoon season here in Baguio and Benguet has been a constant issue. Both are under separate government units. Thus, its respective local government’s discretion on such weather-concerning decision is rather sought, apparently for all the “authority and liability” aspect’s worth.
One major concern however is that, there seems to be a discrepancy on the two governing bodies’ jurisdictions along the inclement weather’s path (and radius), geographically within a common “area of responsibility” which raises these concerns:
- Baguio is in Benguet
- What if a student happens to be a resident of, say, La Trinidad but studies in Baguio or vice versa...
- Do we have to rely (every time) on their discretion? How about considerations leaning towards common sense which could affect one’s academic performance (isn’t that ironic)... will it be taken against the students; as much as there’ll be make-up classes nonetheless...
- Is there a need for a common ground for a decision which both parties could perhaps agree on?
- Should we even subject the respective heads to decide on these matters amidst other and more pressing issues at that given the fact that it could be decided based on our own call?
- Isn’t deciding “on impulse” the easiest way out of a supposedly firm decision for a commitment other than the lack of a forethought?
- Are we really keen on not having classes for health and safety reasons, notwithstanding, we wander around all the same...
These and possibly more, remain in question as much as it could simply be addressed, yet we “complicate” it and seem to forget that it likewise causes negativity and animosity at the expense of our sense of understanding and affinity. What really matters are in fact being overlooked.
- We question as much as dislike “the late unfavorable announcement” compared to a “popular decision” as we’re seemingly more concerned about our self-serving preference over something that we’d nevertheless prepare for (on a regular basis) considering it’s part of a process that students should be trained and equipped with ~ readiness regardless of time; that kind of pressure-laden preparedness for a scheduled and essential undertaking one would likely encounter in the real world so to speak.
- We tend to manifest that sense of entitlement at our convenience... And yet, we ironically get dismayed by those who display a lackadaisical attitude or work ethic as well as those who always complain out of preferential wants over viable needs. It’s no different from spoiling our children (and ourselves) with what they want as opposed to what they should learn from and what they can’t (always) have. But then, it defeats the notion of us not liking the idea of our kids “being spoiled brats”, thus, we want them well-trained practically... Through the rain, it’s quite a feasible way for one to be “well seasoned”... Physically, we likewise protect our children from a susceptible immune system by not babying them too much against such elements...
- Decisions are to be carried out after much thought. Timing is likewise key. There have been instances wherein classes were suspended yet the supposedly productive school day has rather gone for naught as the sun was peeking through after all (or at least, rains were moderate enough or even tolerably strong to have been weathered (pun intended)).
- What ever happened to overcoming adversities and learning from things that don’t go our way? Can’t we just laugh it off when our umbrellas turn upside down for instance? We’re more concerned about our fancy getup getting wet than the funny experience of getting soaked... or we just want to inertly take advantage of the “bed weather” than resourcefully brave the bad weather? Nowadays, we only see the negative side of things instead of looking still for the positivity behind apparent setbacks happening for a reason. Whatever happened to sensible reasoning and acceptance?
- We compare other people’s “level of judgment” and rely on it for our own gain or against our stand relative to our own bias towards/against someone. We even use it as some leverage to build up tension and spark friction. We get drawn by the “blame game” for a crucial play we assume a major role in. Worse is that, we smear their names. Whereas, those on the other side take advantage... Where did our own critical and impartial thinking go?
While Benguet’s early suspension of classes could be laudable (as much as it could be premature), let us not discredit these above-cited possible reasons from Baguio’s side of the factional spectrum (which on the other hand could also have been decided-on earlier). It shouldn’t be a case of whose side are we on or who’s better at it. Better yet, let us not add up to the already pounding downpour. Let not our spirits be dampened but instead, let us look at the bright side. It’s raining hard for a reason. And the reason could be for us to realize how we should rather be united in times like this. We’ve proven our resilience while being united as Filipinos countless times, only to engage in that “blame game” afterwards... Stop! And as Filipinos, we even belong on this country side of cordial people wherein we could perhaps make more sense and be more resilient with that reasonable disposition. We might as well learn to adapt to Baguio’s distinction as the city with the highest rainfall average; however, we’re still Baguio and not “Bagyo” (read: Baguio City, not “AnimoCity”). Let us not be stormed by what will further destroy our good-natured character, if only for our relationship and oneness to erode.
If we are to relive, as much as try to regain that old Baguio-Benguet affable rapport, we might as well “go back to school” and recognize the more acceptable rainy day nursery rhyme “Rain, rain go away. Come again another day...” and NOT “Rain, rain go away. Calm what Baguio wants to say: “Bagyo” is making us part ways”. The rain may not stop if only for us to be taught a valuable lesson. For those who are opinionated as vocal as the sound of the torrential rain, the difference is that the sound of raindrops is soothing...