By Noel Galon de Leon
The male teacher in the video did not have ill intentions in showcasing his academic achievements. In a country where education is often undervalued, it is understandable why someone in academia might feel the need to publicly proclaim their accomplishments. This becomes even more crucial when many Filipinos are deprived of access to quality education due to systemic corruption and a failing political system.
In Filipino culture, it is common to celebrate the achievements of loved ones, whether through tarpaulins, feasts, or other forms of recognition. The teacher’s expression of pride in his achievements—if truthful—reflects this cultural norm. However, his lapse in recalling the name of the first female president of the Philippines, Cory Aquino, during a live show should not define his capabilities or character as an educator. Various factors, such as the pressure of a competitive environment, time constraints, studio atmosphere, or even nervousness, could have influenced this momentary lapse.
The true issue lies not in the teacher’s mistake but in how we, as a society, react to such errors. Social media often amplifies moments of failure, especially for educators, as if they should be infallible. This unrealistic expectation can stunt our growth as a society by perpetuating the notion that mistakes are unforgivable crimes.
Wouldn’t it be more beneficial if we directed the same energy and passion, we use to criticize others toward holding our leaders accountable for corruption and incompetence? It’s ironic that we can be harsh on an individual for a simple mistake, yet remain silent about political figures who waste public funds and betray the nation’s trust.
In reality, many teachers struggle daily, not due to a lack of competence, but because they lack proper mentorship, resources, and opportunities for professional growth. Overcrowded classrooms, low salaries, and insufficient support from the government hinder their ability to provide the quality education our students deserve. This underscores the fact that mistakes are inevitable, especially when the system itself fails to nurture and support its educators.
As we navigate the digital world, it’s crucial to exercise responsibility and ethics. The freedom we enjoy on social media comes with the responsibility to engage thoughtfully and critically. By being mindful of how we consume and interact with content, we can avoid falling into the trap of negativity and judgment that often plagues online spaces.
One key takeaway is that learning history—and life itself—extends beyond simply memorizing facts. The male teacher’s lapse in recalling Cory Aquino’s name should serve as an opportunity for deeper reflection on her contributions to our country’s fight for democracy, rather than as an occasion for ridicule. This moment should remind us all to approach our actions, words, and perceptions with more thoughtfulness, both online and offline.
As a popular platform with a significant influence, Showtime has a duty to elevate its content beyond mere entertainment. It should strive to contribute positively to the nation’s collective consciousness by promoting growth, awareness, and respect. This includes avoiding the humiliation and shaming of individuals, especially those who, like the male teacher, simply sought a moment of joy in an increasingly unforgiving world.
If we aspire to cultivate a society that values learning and growth, we must be capable of empathy and understanding. Instead of reducing someone’s worth to a single mistake, let’s encourage a culture that embraces learning from our experiences. Only then can we build a community that genuinely respects each individual’s journey.
Noel Galon de Leon is a writer and educator at University of the Philippines Visayas, where he teaches in both the Division of Professional Education and U.P. High School in Iloilo. He serves as an Executive Council Member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Literary Arts.
