Excellent. Responsible. Natural. Abreast. Noble. Inspiring.
These are some words that may be attributed to this man. His name is based on the play Hernani by Victor Hugo. Just like in a play where one is given time to show on stage, he plays a protagonist in his own life story. He knows that every chapter counts. How he portrays his role spells the difference. Moreover, he also knows the value of time. Unlike in movies, a play does not have ‘take twos.’ Thus, when the spotlight is switched on, he does the best action he could ever do.
Not all persons use their time wisely but at an early age, he spent his time doing profitable work to make more money. He did art work from Grade 5 to 2nd year college. He worked as a tricycle driver when he was in 1st and 2nd year high school and as a factory worker when he was in 3rd year high school. He was asked to design the bulletin boards of his teacher and out of the excess art materials, he made personalized bookmarks. He charged one peso per letter so the longer the name is the bigger is his income. He did all those because since then he is self-driven. He unveiled that he wanted to buy things without asking money from his parents.
He also spends his time investing in others to build better relationships and creating high-quality memories. He sings love songs to his wife, lullabies to his children, and godly hymns for God. As a teacher, he serves as an innovative teacher who advocates technology integration in education. No wonder, he was able to climb the pedestal because he knows how to use his time profitably. He does not use time merely for his own sake, he uses it for the good of his family, his students, the community and for God’s glory.
This man is blessed with a golden voice, a golden heart, and a golden mind. He is one of the ten 2015 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teacher of the Philippines. He is Ernani S. Fernandez.
RC: What is your teaching philosophy? EF: My teaching philosophy is just the same with other teachers and that is to give quality education to my students. I am a product of a public school system and I’ve never been enrolled in a private school from elementary to college. But I am still very proud to be a product of public schools and a state university.
RC: How would you like to be remembered as a teacher? EF: I want to be remembered as the Innovative Teacher of Palo National High School because I am an advocate of technology integration in education.
RC: What was the greatest problem you faced as a teacher? EF: The greatest problem I encountered is the teachers who don’t like change. Even if you give them the facility materials and all the ideas for innovation they will still go back and look for possible problems instead of looking for solutions.
RC: What is the meaning of the Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Award for you? EF: This award gives me hope to my family, serves as an inspiration to my fellow teachers, and offers an opportunity to the community.
RC: There are teachers who also deserve recognition. What is your message for them? EF: The most important recognition is from out Almighty which is the blessings He always gives us. If you really have the passion in education, the qualities of being an outstanding teacher will come out. You also try to join the search. Be yourself. Be natural. Let God be the center of all your plans.
