The Grade School Department celebrated Linggo ng Kasaysayan on August 13 to 17 with the theme, Kasaysayan: Tuklasin, Mahalin, Palaganapin. In Social Studies class, the students participated in activities that aimed to promote awareness and love for Philippine history and culture.
The Grade 1 students opened the week with a Parade of Heroes. They dressed up as their chosen Filipino heroine, paraded around the campus, and visited the different departments and offices. By recognizing our heroines and their contributions to our country, the activity has awakened their love for the Philippines. On the other hand, the Grade 2 students interviewed our very own heroes in school – the auxiliary staff and security guards – as an initial activity for their service learning.
Woodrose parents also took part in the week-long event by serving as speakers in various occasions, helping the students become more aware of their Filipino roots.
Mrs. Karla Santos, Grade 3 mother, delivered a talk on Family Practices and Traditions to Grade 3 students. They learned the importance of observing Filipino traditions. She talked about showing respect for elders through pagmamano, using the words po and opo; doing Bisita Iglesia during Holy Week, setting up the belen and parol during the advent season, and many more.
Mrs. Amina Aranaz-Alunan, creative director and lead designer of Aranaz (a global fashion accessories brand) and founder of SOFA Design Institute, gave a talk to the Grade 4 students on the topic, Making Filipino Tradition Relevant in Modern Times. Mrs. Alunan shared how her family strives to preserve indigenous culture and local industries, while at the same time sustaining the needs of the community, through their business. After the talk, the students were so inspired with her sharing that they came up with their own ‘Love Local’ family projects and proposals.
Architect Miguel Angelo Mañosa, CEO of Mañosa & Co., presented the Development of Philippine Architecture to Grade 5 students. His presentation proved that the bahay kubo is the original sustainable house and that modern architecture can make use of indigenous materials.
Mrs. Anne Cupino and Mr. Paul Meim shared their experiences during the Martial Law years with the Grade 6 students. Mrs. Cupino, who participated in the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, described the Martial Law years as a decade of oppression, dictatorship, and corruption. She also recounted the hardships and abuses endured by the Filipinos during the Marcos dictatorship. Mr. Meim, who was a college student then, stressed that no matter what we believe in, we are all Filipinos and we have to work together for our country.
Another highlight of the Linggo ng Wika at Kasaysayan celebration is the Visit of the T’bolis to Woodrose. Mrs. Charisse Aquino-Tugade, an anthropologist, has been working with this group of T’bolis for many years now. They shared their literature and traditions which the girls all enjoyed. More importantly, the students learned that ethnic groups like the T’bolis are part of our rich and diverse culture which they should help protect and preserve.