RAIN OF FIRE

Cesar G. Bonilla
American education, Marcos burial and a tour guiding seminar

LAOAG CITY -- The gift of education from the Americans is a legacy worthy to be remembered by the Filipino people. The U.S.S. Thomas, a converted cattle ship, ploughed through the calm waters of Manila Bay, many of the 540 teachers on board gazed at the city’s skyline, with domes and towers of churches figuring prominently.

They had finally arrived in the country which they had come to serve on a mission of educating Filipinos. While many of them were just past 20, others were elderly men and women who had brought their families with them. In either case, they were chosen by the U.S. Civil Service Commission from all over America for the job.

Actually, they were not the first Americans who came on an educational mission in the Philippines. Two months earlier, 48 teachers had arrived on board the transport U.S.S Sheridan. But, collectively, American teachers who came and were spread out to many parts of the Philippines were more popularly known as Thomasites.

Of the original Thomasites, 27 died of tropical diseases or were mercilessly murdered by brigands during the first 20 months of their stay in the country. These teachers spared nothing, not even their lives. They braved epidemics, typhoons and initial hostility of the people to establish schools where there were none before and to train Filipino teachers who were to work with them, and, later, to carry on the task they had nobly begun.
Many Thomasites returned to the U.S. after their initial stint, but many others opted to remain to complete other terms. And, as has also been pointed out, more than a hundred opted to stay in the country, switching to other jobs, and, thus, becoming the core of American old-timers who helped build the country into what is today.

The greatest legacy of the Thomasites which will long endure is the Philippine public school system which is of their own making. For this great contribution, we should remember them on this ninety-first anniversary of their arrival, for in remembering them, we acknowledge the contribution of the United States to our present educational system -- education that is open to all and responsive to the needs of the marginalized citizens of the country.
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One decade and nine years after his death, the unburied corpse of former Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos has become a political football between a government keen to bury the past and a widow who wants to keep his memory alive. Yes, it’s Marcos Day in Ilocos Norte on Sept. 11 to keep the memory of the late strongman’s rise to power with incredible feat as architect of the New Society inspired by the political battle cry, “This nation can be great again.”

It was during the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos when the remains of the late president was flown from Hawaii to the Laoag International Airport. Despite the declining political clout of the Marcos family in the Philippines, the government refuses to allow the body to be buried in Manila for fear it could become the focus of renewed political division.

The government fears a Manila funeral could spark violence between diehard supporters and opponents of Marcos. Be that as it may, the government should give Marcos a proper place in history in such a way that it reconciles with logic and reason notwithstanding the negative emotions of some political opponents.
The Ilocanos will never forget what President Marcos did in Ilocandia. History is written by men and it is axiomatic that only God can judge Marcos whatever acts he had committed while serving the government for He knows all of us.
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The tour guiding seminar being conducted by the Provincial Tourism Office under the able leadership of Ms Angel Alvarez-tao is a good start to boost cultural, ecological and adventure tourism in Ilocandia. Tour guides are the ambassadors of goodwill that can bring light to a province whose cultural heritage, worthy to be discovered has not yet been fully revealed in the eyes of the world.

Prominent and brilliant speaker Paul L. So expounded on duties and responsibilities of a tourist guide, guiding techniques, human relations and communication skills. Gov. Michael M. Keon delivered a message during the opening ceremony.
Also in attendance were Vice-Gov. Windell Chua, SP Members Angelo Marcos Barba, Elena Nalupta, Yvonne Ranada and officer-in-charge of the Department of Tourism in the Province Ms Ma. Milagros R. Gonzales. Pepito C. Alvarez did an overview of tourism in Ilocos Norte, the history of Ilocandia particularly the grandeur of each town.

Assistant provincial Tourism officer Joegie B. Jimenez delivered the opening remarks. Tour guides, students, hotel owners, municipal tourism officers, employees and members of the press attended the seminar. Actual tour guiding around Ilocos Norte, election of officers for Ilocos Norte Tour Guides Association and awarding of certificates followed with no less than the dynamic Ilocos regional DOT director Martin Valera who delivered an inspiring message. This writer was chosen vice president of the association. This can be a great privilege and opportunity to promote Ilocos Norte to visiting tourists, both local and foreign.

Gustavo Ples of Airbourne Travel with students of Tourism and HRM of Letran College fully assisted by their instructors explored the heritage city of Vigan and the historical and picturesque places in Ilocos Norte. The Letran students of Calamba, Laguna were bedazzled with the hospitality, kindness and religious spirit of the Ilocanos: Maricar V. Camide, Angelica Calinagan, Sherica Tria Villegas, Dorina Aika Villanueva, Charise Roque, Kriska Villanueva, Sally Genova, Kristel Monteclaro Shereen Go, Kristine Joy Curibot, Aileen Sisante and Reyjlie Maglalang. To all Letran students, you are very much welcome in Ilocos Norte.

I would like to commend the Tourism officer of Dingras Ms Elsie Romero for being active in promoting the culture and traditions of the town.

Happy 18th birthday to my student in Humanities Apple Joy Aurelio. Apple is a responsible student of Data Center College of the Philippines.