“Mano po” habit lives on in city school
RESPECTING ELDERS
AT West Central Elementary School (WCES) in Dagupan, the children are reminded to keep the Filipino tradition of pagmamano, the touching of an elder’s hand on the forehead as a sign of respect.
Dr. Reynardo Barrozo, the embattled school principal, said aside from including the lesson in the students’ values formation class, signs are posted around the campus saying “Ang batang WCES ay magalang”.
Barrozo said this campaign was started years back and he is glad to experience himself its impact on the children. “Sometimes I’m surprised that while I am in the public market, a child would suddenly kiss my hand,” Barrozo said.
After every flag raising ceremony, the students would queue to kiss their teachers’ hands, Barrozo said.
“They have become used to it,” he added.
Barrozo said this practice is also a means of inculcating discipline among the children, who at first felt carrying on the vanishing tradition was “corny” and old-fashioned.
Some of the young teachers would also sometimes joke that they feel old when pupils kiss their hands, but nonetheless willingly join in the campaign.
The students’ parents, during orientation at the start of the school year, are also urged to consistently teach their children this practice.
“With everyone’s efforts, including parents, this Filipino culture lives on,” Barrozo said.—Eva Visperas
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