PEC gives hope through book-giving

by Vera Jewel C. Lacerna

Philippine Normal University English Circle (PEC) gave hope to the young through book giving as it successfully carried out PABBIBBIG: PAGIDDU

NA KAKKARAKA [Reading: Love Expression from Manong and Manang], a book-giving event in celebration of World Book Day and an extension program that linked the youngsters with the benefits of literacy through the cultivation of reading, at Roxas West Central School Roxas, Isabela, May 14.

The said PEC-organized event was the second of its kind, in partnership with Muñoz West SK Officials Activities of Roxas, intended to nurture the children’s eagerness towards books and attain proficiencies fitting to their needs in their early developing years as learners. They also offered school supplies to the recipients in Grades 1, 2, and 3.

“I am beyond happy and thankful. This event was postponed a couple of times due to varying reasons, and finally, it’s done! am happy to have had the chance to team up with the Sangguniang Kabataan.This program, whatever and however it had been, would not be like it without their help,” said Roel Thristan Orpia, PEC President.

According to Orpia, PEC plans to contribute books to the school library and hopes for its soonest implementation. He mentioned that the organization is much more open and is looking forward to collaborating with various organizations outside the university for other related events

The book-giving event also served as an avenue among the members of the PNU English Circle for student engagement in community service, hence developing social awareness in this time of pandemic.

Furthermore, members of the PEC contributed to raising funds along with donors and sponsors who gave monetary and in-kind support.# commitment to society to collaborate and transform, had transpired.

Among other subsystems of Philippine Normal University, PNU North Luzon commenced expanded face-toface classes, the second phase of implementation of in-person classes, June 6.

The first phase of implementation was the limited F2F which was attended by the secondyear Bachelor in Science Education with Specialization in Biology and Bachelor in Physical Education and the third-year Bachelor in Physical Education on March 28 to April 8.

Other majors and year levels, such as second-year Bachelor in Filipino Education, third-year Bachelor in Science Education with Specialization in Biology, Bachelor in Social Science Education, and Bachelor in Mathematics Education, joined university in July.

Furthermore, health protocols and standards in the university were observed to the hilt.

Moreover, Dr. Leticia N. Aquino, Executive Director and Provost, also gave an inspirational message about passion, perseverance, and perspective as takeaways to keep during their internship.

“Please don’t fail your parents; take love as an inspiration to graduate this August 12,” uttered Aquino.

Additionally, supervising instructors Prof. Josie Jordan R. Gineta, Prof. Elma B. Siyang, Prof. Maria Lina P. Sario, Prof. Jesus D. Gonzales, Prof. Raquel Geronimo, Prof. Clemente Aguinaldo, and Prof. Apolonio Espiritu Jr., gave the students pabaons (words of encouragements).

Selected student participants Shaine Montales (English), Dexter Ginez and Allen Gumia (Physical Education), and Melanie Pambid (Social Science) performed a special presentation after.

Meanwhile, PNU Student Regent, National Union of Student Governments, Hon. Ariel N. Adalem, delivered a statement of commitment, followed by a petition for spiritual guidance and strength through Dr. Carlino G. Santos Jr., Guidance Counselor.#

PNUNL partakes in International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples’ celebration

As the Hub of Indigenous People’s Education, Philippine Normal University North Luzon partook in the celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with the theme “The Role of Indigenous Women in the Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Knowledge” through the presentation of a documentary special showcasing traditional tattooing taken at Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga where Apo Maria Whang-Od Oggay, a 105-year-old Mangwato or Mambabatok, globally known as Apo Whang-Od, lives, August 9.

The documentary showed Apo Whang-Od demonstrating the unique style of tattooing using Rono a 12-inch-long bamboo stick with a Pomelo thorn attached to a stick, and tattoo ink made up of charcoal from her cooking pot.

The continuous transmission of the culture and tradition is also evident as the documentary presented how the grandchild of Apo WhangOd makes the pomelo thorn as a needle used for tattooing.

In their village, there are already 100 mambabatok mostly women, who learned the tattoo art by observing Apo Whang-Od.

“Nasursurok ti panag-tattoo kadagiti kakaduak gapu ta nakitak kadagiti kakaduak nga agtat-tattoo ket immapalak isu nga nag-praktisak met kenni nanang, isu nga idiay nga naam-ammok ti panag-tattoo met laeng. Ken gapu met laeng kenni Apo [Whang-Od], isu nga nakitak daydiay nga tattoo isu nga kayatko met laeng iti ag-tattoo, isu nga nasursurok,” said Josie, a 36-year-old Buscalan tattoo artist.

[“I learned to tattoo because of my colleagues. felt envious when saw them tattooing, so practiced on my mother. Then, I learned it also because of Apo.

When saw her tattoos, I wanted to learn about them. So, I learned it.”]

Furthermore, the documentary presented the 19 different tattoo styles, specifically, two different snake styles, an arrowhead, a centipede, two different moon sun styles, three different moon styles, three different compass styles, a sun, a scorpion, a scorpion eagle, a standing eagle, a prayer style, a crab, and holding hands.

The documentary also explained that tattoo art is a way to preserve culture, leisure activity, and livelihood.

According to Dr. Jandy Danzalan, OIC-Director for the Center of Indigenous Peoples Education, tattooing became a treasure in Kalinga because of Apo Whang-Od. He hopes Apo’s skills and knowledge will also be passed on to her grandchildren to continue and preserve the culture and tradition.

Dr. Jandy S. Danzalan headed the said celebration with his team, Dr. Agnes S. Reyes, Dr. Raquel R. Geronimo, Prof. Edizon B. Abom, Mr. Alberto Panganiban, and Mr. Joshua E. Mutoc.