Teacher, ‘mabuhay ka’ always

This is a reaction to the Youngblood article titled “Teacher’s shoes” which was written by C.P. Bolalin (Opinion, 8/29/13).

Really teaching is the noblest profession. I can agree with this proposition without any mental reservation since I am one among the thousands of teachers who painstakingly strive to remain a teacher till the end of time. Yes, till the end of time because even now that I am fully retired, I am among the many teachers who still reach out to unfortunate children abandoned in many ways, most especially those who have dropped out of school due to poverty.

Teaching is in the heart, and this makes the teacher spiritually linked to our Lord Jesus Christ. The spirit “to help and to share” is in the heart of every teacher who truly deserves to be called as such. Look around you, and you will certainly find retired teachers who, in one way or another, persistently labor to right a wrong in their communities. Look at the many retired teachers who have organized themselves to show their concern about abuses in government.

Hardly can they walk to join rallies, but they are there. Look at the wrinkles in their faces, arms, etc.,  these are their credentials, which qualify them to take part in the task of reaching out to others and of imparting  “Gods’ truth” till their last breath on earth.

Mabuhay ka, Teacher of all times!

—SALLY C. DATOC,

retired professor, PNU,

Bignay, Project 2,

Quezon City