Servant's Server

July Observances in Schools:
Taking into Curriculum Integration

Dennis Bontogon

As a teacher, to take into account the interest of the pupil populace, monthly observances and celebrations shall be integrated into curriculum because schools and learning centers played as the most important vehicle for the teaching and learning of national values and developing in the Filipino learners on the significance of the observances and celebrations.

National Science and Technology Week. It is observed on the second week of July. Pondering on it, the catechism states, "Science and technology are precious resources when placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all. They must be at the service of all human person, of his inalienable rights, of his true and integral good, in conformity with the plan and the will of God."

National Children's Book Day. An observance on the third Tuesday of the month purposely for the appreciation and developing the love for reading especially in the formative years of children as the foundation to love for learning thru reading.

National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week. As provided by the Presidential Proclamation No. 361 dated August 19, 2000, it is observed on 17th to 23rd days of July. The significance is the awareness on disability prevention and rehabilitation as necessarily applied on the disability. Hence, the culminating activity is focused on the 23rd day of July as the birthdate of Apolinario Mabini who became paralyzed after two years when he obtained his law degree in 1894. In spite of his disabilities he was active in writing to promote reforms in the Spanish colonial administration and known as the Sublime Paralytic and the Brains of the Revolution.

Nutrition Month. Mandated by the Presidential Decree No. 491 dated June 24, 1974, a month long celebrations that highlights the right nutritional practices for the school populace. And this month theme, "Healthy Lifestyles ng Kabataan, Landas ng Kinabukasan." Practically, the church teaches, "Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good."

National Disaster Consciousness Month. Presidential Proclamation No. 137, s. 1999. The theme for this month, "Safe ka ba? Programa Laban sa Kalamidad Tungo sa Pag-unlad." As the National Disaster Coordinating Council thru the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council, disaster preparedness programs and activities shall be abreast with the local schools. In schools, curriculum disaster content learning area like Science and Health and other related subjects shall integrate disaster consciousness in order to be aware and be prepared for the purpose. Nevertheless, schools are taking into account earthquake drills and other co-curricular activities like Boy/Girl Scouting and Red Cross Youth which has training and activities for the disaster and emergency preparedness.

And so, be part of the celebrations and observances whatever possible can be, whether in school, government programs, NGOs cause for this month or even in a simpliest personal way - for the common good.