I enjoy the tradition of Thanksgiving in that it is actually giving thanks and remembering what we should be grateful for — which can sometimes be drowned by negativity and buried under rubbles of suspicion and uncertainty.
But there is much to be thankful for as Negrenses. Because our Island is full of exemplars, of role models, of heroes and she-roes.
When I look back at the past year, I can say it was not our best. It was challenging, at times irritating, there were days when our belief in the goodness of people was tested.
But it was also a year of survival, a year of lessons, and a year of knowing that through it all, we are a community bonded together.
We are grateful for our active churches for the sermons and life lessons, and for keeping us close to God, and with each other.
We are thankful for our leaders in local government for guiding this Province and the cities/municipalities in it.
We are thankful for our media who are always guided by truth and principles.
We are thankful to our business sector and entrepreneurs who exercise responsible enterprise and the belief in shared value.
We are thankful to our teachers who go over and beyond the lesson plan, and who teach about a fulfilling life as well. And a special mention to our daycare and kindergarten teachers for their genuine care and love given to our kids.
Thank you to our police and security sector for keeping us safe.
Thank you to the janitors and garbage collectors who help keep our Province clean.
Thank you to the scientists and environmental warriors for finding ways and implementing new means to create this balance with the environment, and prevent a more devastating climate change.
Daghan pa kaayo. There are so many things to be thankful for. How about you? What are you thankful for? Why not have this exercise everyday to count at least three things you are thankful for. It is healthy, and keeps things in perspective.
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I have been busy with projects that are really close to my heart and I am happy to share them:
Projects such as the leadership and mentorship initiative with the US Embassy called the Girls Congress, which brings together intelligent young women from the universities of Silliman, St. Paul Dumaguete, and Foundation who also aim to make an impact in their communities.
The Peace Education project with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation and the Palanca Foundation which aimed to respond to the CHED Memo 2019 to integrate peace education in the curricula. And I am really impressed with the ideas of the educators on how to move this forward.
Of course, I continue to promote the strengthening of the research and innovation culture in the Province. I believe there is a lot of untapped potential in science, the humanities, and in the other disciplines. I can imagine what we can accomplish if we put our heads together, and create.
The young people of the Illuminates of the Spectra, on the other hand, restored my faith in humanity — not with grand gestures or fanfare but of creativity and passion and this genuine intention to make a difference.
I saw the best of humanity weave stories that heal, and art that brings people together. Because of these souls, we now have beautiful stories about acceptance, characters that teach us that it is okay to be different, and illustrations that show us love in its many colors. Their Reading Rainbow, a project that creates storybooks for children, is an incredible initiative.
Meanwhile, I was stunned when my students in Foreign Affairs answered my question on what they really wanted to learn in their class with me: their answers were not politics or foreign countries but they said they wanted to know more about the world in order to make informed decisions, and to contribute to a better society.
I felt like standing up and applauding.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
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Author’s email: [email protected]
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