"The brilliance and compassion of future Kapampangan educators"

Have you ever felt a sense of heartfelt feeling to the phrase “Kailangan kung mayari- para kang
ima ku?” A touch of urge and a strong desire to surpass these milestones, not just to fulfill your
own dreams but especially your loved ones’ dreams for you. This fire ignites more leading to the
strong character that a Kapampangan teacher beholds radiating extraordinary characteristics.

Kapampangans are known to be loving, respectful, hardworking, and visionary people. Even in
a time and position of hardship, we continue to prioritize others more than ourselves. Hence, as a
future teacher studying in Pampanga, I admit that it is never easy. We are experienced, tired,
sleepless, and struggling, but we are still committed and passionate about our mission – even with
this long, heavy, and challenging journey of becoming one. However, we ought to keep in mind that
this is the only way to learn, be better, and be an effective and efficient knowledge provider in the
near future. We often put our own needs and desires on hold because as future Kapampangan
teachers, it is not in our vocabulary to concede as we were raised to be unyielding.

Since Pampanga is known as the lantern capital of the Philippines, it is a common commentary
that the residents on this shore are talented, intelligent, and kind-hearted. They never fall behind in
any field; that is why, as a native, I am proud to have grown up in a province like this. With that
being said, I clearly remember that in my childhood there were colorful, eye-watering lanterns
dancing up in the night sky with Christmas songs like “Star ng Pasko” playing in the background.
Like these lanterns, Kapampangan teachers are colorful light that signifies the hope of a good
future for the next generation – people that are stars not just inside the premises of a school but
stars that will guide the students and will teach not only academic learnings but most especially,
moral lessons that will make a path for dreams to come true. A lantern that will soon be seen as a
star from afar is a Kapampangan teacher who will be appreciated and admired throughout the
vastness of the world for their dedication, brilliance, goodness, and bravery.

Moreover, I strongly believe that all future Kapampangan educators excel in academics and
possess qualities such as empathy and cultural sensitivity – attributes that distinguish them as
outstanding educators. Just like Dr. Jose Abad Santos, a renowned Kapampangan teacher, who
made a significant contribution by upholding justice and the rule of law during the Japanese
occupation of the Philippines in World War II. His refusal to collaborate with the Japanese
invaders, despite facing death, has left a lasting legacy. Learning about this while witnessing the
living customs of the Kapampangan drives the will and desire to embark on a similar journey; to
live and inspire others, to stand for what I know is right, and to lead a meaningful life that is worth
be stamped as a good Kapampangan. Meanwhile, cultural sensitivity is highlighted when educators
embrace and feel proud of their language and culture – being the true instrument for this culture to
be passed on to the next generations while maintaining versatility with these aspects.
 In addition, exemplary academic performance is something that all Kapampangan teachers
demonstrate. I believe our vision is to provide high-quality education to our students. The facts
about how students win academic competitions and do well in school show how committed we are. I
remember one notable Kapampangan teacher Norman King, who became the first Aeta to
graduate from the University of the Philippines—Manila in 2017. Importantly, Norman King’s
accomplishment shows that people from indigenous groups can also do well in college and help
their towns as the country grows.

Kapampangan future educators may have different motivators to strive harder, but it will surely
lead to one outcome – to bear the fruit of knowledge, wisdom, and a good life for the students and
other people. It might be like mine which is to make my mother proud, some might be to improve
their life, or most of us are just called to be a lantern and star that will illuminate in the dark times
to guide others’ aspirations. These motivators will be useful to learn profound skills and characters
to be an effective and efficient educator in the future - wise, fulfilled, adventurous, yet still
compassionate. Challenges and trials might try to overtake us but the value and efficacy of a real
Kapampangan educator will always be unparalleled.