Seminars for teachers have positive and negative views to the participants especially if these mean to stay for many days to a distant place. Temporarily, one must leave his/her family, job, and friends to perform painstaking activities in return of the new insights and learning to be beneficial for the work and self enhancement. But there is one training in my teaching career that I will cherish in my life. It is the recent one I attended: the PRIMALS.
The Five-Day Region-Wide Training on Pedagogical Retooling In Mathematics, Languages, and Science (PRIMALS) for Junior High School Teachers and School Heads in charge of Learning Action Cell (LAC) which was held last November 7-11, 2018 at Anne Racquel’s Hillside Resort in Olongapo City left me remarkable memories and shared warm camaraderie with my team mates. An almost week long activity started with a simple breakfast right after the participants’ arrival followed by a warm welcome of the facilitators and officials from the Department of Education-Central Office. Room assignments were given and immediately began the seminar with many activities within the group.
My group’s name, Merry Berry of the English learning area, were participants from the Divisions of Balanga City, Bataan, and Zambales, and we eventually formed a good and enjoyable friendship together. The five-day tasks became days full of fun, respect, showcasing our talents and creativity without any sense of competition. We felt that we are family who poked some jokes, cared for each other when someone was sick, bought materials we need, took pictures for our tree of wisdom, and supporting each other when tasked as a presenter. There was even one evening when we went out together to shop some clothes and eat some snacks at the SM City Pampanga and North Harbor in Subic. Surprises were not yet finished! We won as the best group which was a result of being a jovial group with an excellent creativity in our output. When the last day came, we were excited yet heartbreaking, for we are about to separate our ways to finally go home. “SEPANX” was what we utter which means “SEPARATION ANXIETY”.
With some other seminars I attended, I could not even get a good sleep, however this PRIMALS training gave me a very sounding rest like I am home! Well, maybe because I felt so welcomed, and happy with my new found friends where I felt no threat and pressure.
Who says a seminar is boring and painstaking? Yes, it was tiring, but it was a time well spent with my wonderful and amazing people who continually communicate with me through social media. Honestly, even a three-day seminar meant boring for me, but it was so different with this particular seminar. I have a heart full of gratitude that made me treasure this training with my extraordinary, benevolent group mates.
By: Mrs. Marivic C. Casimero | Teacher I | City of Balanga National High School | Balanga, Bataan
