Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya—Teaching is known to be the noblest profession. Teachers do not just talk in front of the class discussing about pretty interesting facts that make student be amaze of all the happenstances in the world. They do not just write on the chalkboard information that enriches every student’s knowledge. But above all, teachers nurture their students.

Teachers also nurture their students with essential values to mold them into a better individual. They cultivate their students’ spirits so that they may be equipped with valor and courage in order to withstand life’s challenges.

Knowing all the significant roles of being an educator, I took Bachelor of Science in Education, major in Secondary Education. Until now, I am still very grateful to the divine help because I was able to graduate, to finish my studies and fulfill my greatest dream—to teach.

I am not the most influential person in the world. No. Not even in our municipality. I am just an ordinary person who inculcates facts in the innocent minds of people hungry for knowledge.

I am Rogie B. Alcesto, the LGU Link of Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya. I assist the Municipal Link the implementation of the government’s Conditional Cash Transfer program, popularly known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Though my job as a LGU Link does not have any connection to what I have studied, to my field of specialization, I fully understand my essential role in this program. I learned and embraced with my whole heart the objectives of the program—which is to invest in the health and education of poor Filipino children aged 0-14 years old.

At first I thought I cannot do it. How on earth will I speak in front of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Diadi? In front of 681 beneficiaries to be exact. Yet, that fear was surpassed with my overwhelming desire to serve my fellows, to instill values in their minds. And in their hearts as well.

My role as a LGU Link started to unfold when Mac Paul [Alariao], the MunicipaI Link was invited me to be a resource speaker during one of the Family Development Sessions.

There were butterflies in my stomach on that day. I was so nervous. In front of me are individuals of diverse personas and comprehension. How will I interact with them? What if they will not accept the things that I will be imparting? What if they will not understand me? What if they do not like me? These were the questions that boggled my mind.

But I have to be strong. I have to be confident. After all, this will open the door to the realization of my greatest dream—to inculcate knowledge in the innocent minds of those craving for it. To teach is my passion.

Days have passed. A series of Family Development Sessions were done. I have witnessed the progress of the beneficiaries, on their values. There were even those who exclaim how the FDS helps them to be more responsible parents to their offspring.

But above all, I realized that I do not need to possess super powers to influence other. With my own simple ways, I can touch a person’s life. Somehow, I can help them to have positive perceptions in life that will serve as their armor in dealing with life’s intricacies.

Teachers are not just those who talk in front of the class discussing about pretty interesting facts that make student be amaze of all the happenstances in the world. They are not just those who write on the chalkboard information that enriches every student’s knowledge. Teachers are not just found in a four-walled classroom.

Indeed, teaching is known to be the noblest profession. And I am grateful to 681 friends for making me realize my dream. ### By MAC PAUL V. ALARIAO, Municipal Link/ Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya

*681 refers to the number of households beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in the municipality of Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya.