Startlingly Simple, Serene Island

One of the many views of Balas-Balas Island

Probably because the place is barely lined with sand, that the folks of Dapitan call it Balas-Balas, suggesting the meagerness of the beach-soil at the sides of the limestone-structured island. A pump boat ride got us there in about fifteen minutes. We enjoyed looking at the edge of the west coast of Dapitan, landscaped with nature-carved  sedimentary rocks and lively green vegetation while on the way to the island. Simple as it is, the island offers a variety of picturesque sights at different angles. Serenity and simplicity make this humble island a venue for a get-together with friends, where you can truly hear what every one would say as there are no loud sounds from appliances. I heard that a number of people would come to the place during the Feast of St. John the Baptist. Last April 28, there were two parties aside from us that went there. 

Nearing the captivating island 

I and Pilar pose in match-in-color summer wear

Jellyfish presence is something not familiar ( to the people in Dapitan, accordingly.) But there were at least three when we were there. One of our friends was stung (by about a couple of inches) by a such a venomous young cnidarian. I was grateful I wasn't though I was swimming a lot there. I think, one has to be really careful and observant enough about the presence of these relatives of Medusa. I did snorkeling and found some sea urchins hiding in the rocks. I spotted some starfish and young corals at the bottom. The water was virtually still while I was swimming. Though not highly rich in biodiversity, the presence of marine life at the nearby seafloor and the coolness and cleanliness of the water are enough to enjoy viewing sea creatures through goggles. Lovely's brother Pagong and Harvey her husband with their son Kenzie, also enjoyed snorkeling, but were not stung by any jellyfish.

I chat with Sweet in the cavern. Pilar took this picture. 

After-lunch moment with Pagong, Me, Pilar and Lovely

Given another time to revisit the island, why not? The beach, though not the usual heavily sanded, offers venues where one can have fun under the summer sun. The rock formations are great backdrops for photo shoots. There are at least two shallow caves, which are evidently formed by chemical weathering on the limestone. Visitors can sit down the caverns while looking at the scenic views from the island. The "edge" extends generously before you get to the deeper area, so swimming is convenient. The beach is also naturally setup having only waves, insects and birds that serenade the stunning island. It's truly a nature trip going to and being in Balas-Balas island. 

Just another view seen from the island

Balas-Balas, simple, but naturally scenic island. 

My second commencement speech

The first graduation message I had was addressed to Marcelo Spinola School 2010 Graduates. This one below was conveyed, well, to my very students and now, co-alumni of WMSU. I somehow realized later, that it had to be a WMSU graduate, who should talk about WMSUans in this modern period. 

WMSU GRADUATES 2012: MOVING TOWARDS THE CHALLENGES OF THE NEW CENTURY

I am truly honored having been chosen as your speaker for this memorable commencement exercises. Being an alumnus of Western Mindanao State University, I could say that your graduation from college brings oneness in the sense of achievement with all of us that finished our studies from this university.

Dear graduates, the ones close to you couldn’t be any prouder and more content having seen you wearing your graduation suits, in crimson, the color associated in some biblical passages with richness of knowledge of good. Indeed, you have been enriched by our Alma Mater with the bounty of learning amidst all the real challenges you faced until you come to this very day, when you would probably say, “at last, I made it!” “What a journey it has been.” “Thank you dear God that you have blessed me with the sweetest fruit of success from all the efforts that I took.” You should have realized this time that those actions you took in facing difficulties that seemed to be unsolvable were just possible after all. This is the time to cherish all the triumphs you have gained.  

You finished your studies when there are innovations in education such as UBD, K+12. This is also the time when our national government seriously addresses issues on good governance. Technological advancements are at their peak. Undeniably, along with these developments, your life as students was not that easy. Other than the demands of your mentors and subjects, financial constraints would have been a barrier to finish your course. Personal issues would have weakened your spirits. But look at you now, steadfast and successful. “Congratulations!” You are most deserving of this greeting. You are graduates of the new century.

The new century has brought you graduates of education and computer courses together for a great endeavor that waits ahead. What a powerhouse tandem you make! Just recently, the partnership of the University of the Philippines Open University with the Information and Communications Technology Office of the DOST, through the iSchools project evaluated and validated the so-called Computer-Based Learning Objects. These learning objects are teaching complements which can be used during the conduct of the lesson, remediation, reinforcement, and enrichment with and even without the teacher’s facility. The Alternative Learning System, which is catering learners of all ages enjoys the utilization of digitized learning modules. I have learned that some computer science students ventured on computer-based researches at some of the schools in our province. On the other hand, a number of BSEd students utilized IT in their practice teaching. The BEED students transacted with their research adviser online. With our ESU’s online resource venue, you are so in sync with how studies and researches are done in this modern era.

However, amidst these overwhelming advancements, there is still so much to do. This world is setup dynamically. Innovations are here, there and everywhere and they happen anytime. There are schools that have not been installed with IT. There are still issues in education that have to be addressed, one of the most pressing concerns – the achievement rates of the learners. There are teachers, students and citizens who have yet to get acquainted with the ever-evolving computer programs. In the society, there are still necessities that call out loud for useful inventions. A number of government services have yet to be made more time-efficient and convenient.  The challenges of the new century are indeed big. These challenges highlight the job that you graduates, shall be doing comes your turn as employees of the society. 

But we have a bright future ahead of us. What makes you advantageous among all other graduates of the country is that you are WMSU graduates. This university has geared you with appropriate, relevant courses that shall enable you to confront the present time’s demands. We often hear good remarks about WMSU graduates. The students taking up masters and doctors at the university gain great reputation from the community. Its motto: “La Universidad, para la comunidad”, “the University for the Community,” is an assurance that this university turns out graduates who are highly potential agents of positive transformations in the society. You, who completed your well-earned courses from this institution, are undeniably directed towards facing and answering the challenges of the new century.

But are these challenges of the technologically advanced century confined in computer-based or IT-related concerns? Certainly, you have enough knowledge and skills to keep yourselves attuned to what is trending in the technology now. As graduates of computer science, you can be employed by agencies that require IT-skilled applicants. You are surely adept at dealing software programs and operating systems, and even efficient with working on the hardware components of a computer. And as education graduates, your knowledge on the foundation in education and skills in the utilization of educational technology shall make you good teachers in the field.

Aside from or even more than your knowledge and skills, is your attitude. The way you will move yourselves in this new millennium shall be greatly influenced by your values. Among the louder challenges that ring in this modern world, is the call towards self-transformation. Issues on corruption, poverty, social injustices, crimes, illiteracy and environmental problems continue to exist in this contemporary time. These are real challenges, where you graduates are moving into. Not only has this university called you to address them, but our very own country, the Philippines. You are the shining hope, being a breed of new blood in transforming this country to a more developed state, where there is social justice and prosperity. You shall be the frontline workers in taking care of our environment and in preserving the rich biodiversity of our province. You, computer science graduates shall be inventors of schemes that would allow our government to dispense fast and efficient services to the public. You, teacher-education graduates, shall mold the minds of the young to be competent and self-reliant. All of you, graduates, shall be agents of good governance and nation-building.

Dear graduates, the world out there is indeed challenging. After this graduation, you will get yourselves ready for the exams such as CS eligibility and LET. This is yet another tough mountain to climb. Some of you may endeavor on finding a job. The journey just commences today, and WMSU celebrates this beginning, as it sends you forth not to the world of unemployment, but to the venues of tremendous possibilities. Live by the good values as you make use of your earned knowledge and skills as you take your next steps. Trust in God. Our faith strengthens our spirits and motivates us to do what is right and just. Believe in yourself. Your relentlessly burning confidence shall keep you going and moving towards the fulfillment of your dreams. Once again, congratulations and Godspeed!

-          Darwin Q. Lumosbog

-          April 22, 2012