By: Norberto Betita
 |
| MS. IRENETTA BULLO CREENCIA-MONTINOLA |
It’s been 50 years since we marched out from the portals of our dear Alma Mater---the Surigao del Norte National High School (SNNHS)---during our graduation in the year 1969. Of the many dedicated teachers we have of those years in high school only a few are now still alive. One is our 3rd year Social Studies teacher---MS. IRENETTA BULLO CREENCIA-MONTINOLA.
Social Studies is a course which covers a variety of subjects. It is a very complex field of study that not many took it as a major in college. A Bachelor in Secondary Education (BSEd) major in Social studies which is a four-year degree program in the Philippines, comprises a combination of studies on economic planning and strategy, government and politics, and selected laws. It includes such subjects as Anthropology, History, Sociology, Ethical Reasoning and the Societies of the World.
In our high school Social Studies subject in 3rd year, we are taught to understand how the economic system works to help students become better prepared and best informed as they move forward to their respective individual journey which, as always, involves the economy of life. Even Psychology, Technology, Religion, and Migration are part of Social studies. So that the role of a Social Studies teacher in high school is such a very important assignment and a marvelous responsibility.
Ma’am Montinola was one of our most honored and respected Social Studies teacher in high school. She was then young and recently married when she was employed as a teacher. She’s one among the privileged few whose father was a prominent lawyer in Surigao City---Atty. Mauro Creencia. With such distinction, she should have taken a law degree instead and enjoy the personal reputation and eminence that it provides, but she’d rather took the humble, but most noble profession of a teacher.
She graduated from Silliman University with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Sociology-Anthropology. She took and passed the Teacher’s Licensure Examination and eventually applied as a teacher at the SNNHS.
During those high school days, she walked her way daily from home and up the hill to SNNHS to fulfill her tutorial responsibilities. Such had been her daily routine for years. In the performance of her teaching assignments, she always stood taller than she was and her well-shaped body, poise and posture and good looks bespeak of her inherent personal discipline. She’s an exemplar of a pure Filipina countenance and the embodiment of the proud complexion of the Filipino brown race. She’s a very kind teacher and one who was most respected by her students. I never remembered her scolding even the naughtiest students. Such attribute of love, kindness and patience in a teacher must have been part of her college training in Social Studies. It’s perceptible even at this time in her age of grey.
If I may have to account the good grades I earned in my college education subjects in Sociology, Economics and Finance, I am most indebted to Ma’am Montinola for the invaluable learning foundation that she had bestowed upon us in our high school Social Studies subject. When I think of the legacy she had bequeathed to us, I am also reminded of the many of our high school teachers who are still living and many now on the other side of the veil, by whose selfless and dedicated service and who, by the same token, have blessed us with such irreplaceable endowment of foundational learning---a heritage we carried in our intellectual bags throughout our academic journey.
Educator
She served as Social Studies teacher from 1967-1977. She was promoted to become the Department Head for Social studies from 1977-1994, then as a Division Supervisor for Social Studies from 1994-2002, DepEd Division of Surigao City, until she finally retired at age 63. During this period of times she further pursued a continuing quest for advanced studies and thus earned a degree of Master of Arts--- Anthropology from San Carlos University in 1982, and a Doctor of Philosophy---Educational Management from San Nicolas College in 1993. In the course of her service as an educator she received several awards foremost of which are:
Her passionate academic nerves continued to yearn for more learning even past the age of employment and retirement. She never wasted the opportunity to add to her already abounding knowledge and wisdom, when at age 72 she was again conferred the degree of Bachelor of Laws from the San Sebastian College Recoletos Institute of Law, Surigao City in the year 2011. She even tried to take the bar, but admits that perhaps she is not meant to be a lawyer. In all these academic accomplishments, she’s been and epitome of what Shakespeare meant when he said, “Whate’er thou art, act well thy part.” She’s a paragon of diligence, persistence and love of learning. An excellent and consummate model for aspiring young men and young women. Indeed, a woman of noble birthright worthy of emulation.
Each time I personally met her, I found myself guilty for not having verbally expressed my deepest gratitude for her providing me the bridge to cross life’s deep ravine that somehow cuts the path of my journey to the future. Yet deep in the chamber of my heart I always felt an overruling sense of thankfulness and deep appreciation for those learning experiences with her, which helped me in my forward trail. In her I saw the characterization of what Brad Henry wrote: “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.”
Her interest as a bridge builder---most noble teacher---however, did not end by her retirement. In her words she declared, “Teaching is my passion. God has sent me to be a role model for young minds---a teacher.” She continued to utilize her capabilities by accepting an employment as College Instructor at St. Paul University-Surigao. She then transferred to the Northeastern Mindanao Colleges as part-time instructor under the College of Teacher Education, which until now she is still connected even at age 80. Then she partnered with some associates and directed a kindergarten School, to provide learning bridges for little children in their yet long academic journey. She also takes this challenge as her way of fighting the deteriorating effects of aging by finding real joy in dealing with little kids which somehow she considers her grandchildren.
Family
Her mother---Basilia Bullo--- was a widow whose husband and children in her first marriage all died as a result of poisoning in Manila. When her father and mother married, two of them were born, her brother Manuel and herself. As part therefore of her collections is a genealogy of her maternal family lines, who were among the early settlers of the then Municipality of Surigao and now Surigao City and the Province of Surigao del Norte and its barangays.
She was married 57 years ago and was blessed with a daughter, but lost her of breast cancer in 2014. She’s now 80 years old but still at her best poise and bearing. At this time of her life’s December, she enjoys living with her husband, still creating memories of their own, perhaps looking back to those wonderful days when she had so many children---her students---who respected and honored her and who are now also in their seniority. While many among her students have now attained success, perhaps some economically and financially far beyond her own, yet she is most profoundly grateful that her efforts and modest contribution as a teacher in Social Studies, in their journey to the pinnacle of success, have never been in vain.
Socio-civic affiliation
By her interest in the social customs, traditions and cultural development of the people in Surigao City, in relation to her studies in Sociology and Anthropology, she was motivated to take part in the preservation of its historical legacies and evolution, and thus joined the Surigao Heritage Research and Studies Center Foundation of which she was one of its original founders. She keeps and maintains some historical information about the societal history of Surigao City and the Province of Surigao del Norte and the collective conditions of its populace as being part of her collections.
She also served and is still serving in some socio-civic organizations with service oriented projects in Surigao City and the Province of Surigao del Norte which include the following:
Present:
* Executive Director – Surigao Heritage Research and Studies Center Foundation.
Project – Museo Nan Surigao
Activities: Facilitated local, national, international conferences – writer, researcher, resource
* Vice-Chairperson – Battle of Surigao Strait Memorial Council
Project: Boss Memorial Shrine, Punta Bilar, Surigao City, to be inaugurated October 25, 2019
Activities: Co-planner, commemoration of Battle of Surigao Strait every October 24-25.
* Co-Signatory – Japanese Cremation Shrine Historical Plate (SNNHS Grounds)
Activities: Coordinates memorial service and wreath-laying every October 24.
* Chairperson – Culture and Heritage Committee – Provincial Culture and Arts Council.
Activity: Wrote and developed the concept of the 111th founding anniversary of Surigao’s
* Chairperson – Communications Committee, Surigao City Tourism Council
Activities: Bench marking in Singapore as member of the technical working group.
* Credentialed Trainer – Girl Scouts of the Philippines
* Commissioner on Program - Surigao del Norte Girl Scouts Council
* President – Association of Private Preschools Surigao City Division
Past:
* President – Soroptimist International of Surigao
Club Awardee: Excellence Award – Soroptimist International of the Americas
Religion
Beyond all her achievements in life, she never faltered to remember the ultimate giver of the gift of talents and wisdom, and life itself, even God. Thus, in her lifetime she always remains to be an active participant in the religious community of which she is a participating member. At present she sincerely and humbly serves voluntarily in the following capacities:
* Vice Chairperson – Parish Pastoral Council, St. John the Baptist Chapel – Ipil, Surigao City
* Chairperson and Pastoral Head – Sr. Sto Niño Bioborjan Settlers’ Chapel, Bioborjan, Surigao City
Gratitude
As she now takes the time between sunset and evening star, and continues to delight in the glimmers of life’s twilight, she personally considers and looks at the hundreds of her successful students---their achievements and their contributions to nation building and economic progress and development---as part of her own victory. She rejoices in the fact that her love and kindness and profound interest for her students’ well-being during their formative years, paid off in the end. She feels deep gratitude to God for having been an instrument in His hands to help and guide these once youthful academic adventurers in crossing the borders to their ultimate triumph.
While this living tribute is written past the time when expressions of deepest and heartfelt gratitude should have been most welcomed and refreshingly heartwarming, yet this to me and my colleagues of SNNHS Batch of 1969, is an acknowledgement of our long and enduring homage and reverence of Ma’am Montinola’s influence and the memory of her goodness and love spanning and reaching over 50 years of being deeply carved in the tablet of the heart and which will ever remain for the rest of our lives.
Thus, on this our Jubilee Year for SNNHS Batch of 1969, we bind together, not a thousand beautiful buds of roses neither an adorable bouquet of scented flowers in bloom, but of hearts filled with deep and abiding gratitude and sincerest appreciation, evolving through the years, for our dear Social Studies teacher---Ma’am Montinola. As in the words of the legendary Shakespeare: “I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks” (Sebastian, Twelfth Night).
Social Studies is a course which covers a variety of subjects. It is a very complex field of study that not many took it as a major in college. A Bachelor in Secondary Education (BSEd) major in Social studies which is a four-year degree program in the Philippines, comprises a combination of studies on economic planning and strategy, government and politics, and selected laws. It includes such subjects as Anthropology, History, Sociology, Ethical Reasoning and the Societies of the World.
In our high school Social Studies subject in 3rd year, we are taught to understand how the economic system works to help students become better prepared and best informed as they move forward to their respective individual journey which, as always, involves the economy of life. Even Psychology, Technology, Religion, and Migration are part of Social studies. So that the role of a Social Studies teacher in high school is such a very important assignment and a marvelous responsibility.
Ma’am Montinola was one of our most honored and respected Social Studies teacher in high school. She was then young and recently married when she was employed as a teacher. She’s one among the privileged few whose father was a prominent lawyer in Surigao City---Atty. Mauro Creencia. With such distinction, she should have taken a law degree instead and enjoy the personal reputation and eminence that it provides, but she’d rather took the humble, but most noble profession of a teacher.
She graduated from Silliman University with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Sociology-Anthropology. She took and passed the Teacher’s Licensure Examination and eventually applied as a teacher at the SNNHS.
During those high school days, she walked her way daily from home and up the hill to SNNHS to fulfill her tutorial responsibilities. Such had been her daily routine for years. In the performance of her teaching assignments, she always stood taller than she was and her well-shaped body, poise and posture and good looks bespeak of her inherent personal discipline. She’s an exemplar of a pure Filipina countenance and the embodiment of the proud complexion of the Filipino brown race. She’s a very kind teacher and one who was most respected by her students. I never remembered her scolding even the naughtiest students. Such attribute of love, kindness and patience in a teacher must have been part of her college training in Social Studies. It’s perceptible even at this time in her age of grey.
If I may have to account the good grades I earned in my college education subjects in Sociology, Economics and Finance, I am most indebted to Ma’am Montinola for the invaluable learning foundation that she had bestowed upon us in our high school Social Studies subject. When I think of the legacy she had bequeathed to us, I am also reminded of the many of our high school teachers who are still living and many now on the other side of the veil, by whose selfless and dedicated service and who, by the same token, have blessed us with such irreplaceable endowment of foundational learning---a heritage we carried in our intellectual bags throughout our academic journey.
Educator
She served as Social Studies teacher from 1967-1977. She was promoted to become the Department Head for Social studies from 1977-1994, then as a Division Supervisor for Social Studies from 1994-2002, DepEd Division of Surigao City, until she finally retired at age 63. During this period of times she further pursued a continuing quest for advanced studies and thus earned a degree of Master of Arts--- Anthropology from San Carlos University in 1982, and a Doctor of Philosophy---Educational Management from San Nicolas College in 1993. In the course of her service as an educator she received several awards foremost of which are:
* Innovator-Kapwa Award – Civil Service Commission – 1986
* Performance Par Excellence as Division Supervisor – 2002
* Leadership Award, Girl Scouts of the Philippines
* Regional Trainer of Teachers in Araling Panlipunan – 1989
* Outstanding Alumnus, Surigao del Norte National High School Class 1955
However, of all other awards and recognition that she had received, the one that really touched her heart, and which she treasured so much, was the award given by her students in high school---a cross-stitched 19” x 19” picture of a lady with children and books, labelled “TO THE BEST TEACHER WE EVER HAD”---given as a gift in time for Christmas in the year 2000. “This to me”, she said, “ was a heartwarming gesture in grateful acknowledgement perhaps of my humble contributions which leave deep imprints in their teenage lives, and of me being a part, in one way or another, in their life’s journey to success.” What made it even more touching to her is that the givers of the gift were once teenage boys of Batch 1970, who were not among the best students, but who were already successful in their chosen careers in business, banking, and government service.
During her tenure as an educator she was also given the appointment as Regional Trainer in Araling Panlipunan under the Secondary Education Development Program – Department of Education, Region 10.
* Performance Par Excellence as Division Supervisor – 2002
* Leadership Award, Girl Scouts of the Philippines
* Regional Trainer of Teachers in Araling Panlipunan – 1989
* Outstanding Alumnus, Surigao del Norte National High School Class 1955
However, of all other awards and recognition that she had received, the one that really touched her heart, and which she treasured so much, was the award given by her students in high school---a cross-stitched 19” x 19” picture of a lady with children and books, labelled “TO THE BEST TEACHER WE EVER HAD”---given as a gift in time for Christmas in the year 2000. “This to me”, she said, “ was a heartwarming gesture in grateful acknowledgement perhaps of my humble contributions which leave deep imprints in their teenage lives, and of me being a part, in one way or another, in their life’s journey to success.” What made it even more touching to her is that the givers of the gift were once teenage boys of Batch 1970, who were not among the best students, but who were already successful in their chosen careers in business, banking, and government service.
During her tenure as an educator she was also given the appointment as Regional Trainer in Araling Panlipunan under the Secondary Education Development Program – Department of Education, Region 10.
In a reunion with SNNHS Batch of 1969
Her passionate academic nerves continued to yearn for more learning even past the age of employment and retirement. She never wasted the opportunity to add to her already abounding knowledge and wisdom, when at age 72 she was again conferred the degree of Bachelor of Laws from the San Sebastian College Recoletos Institute of Law, Surigao City in the year 2011. She even tried to take the bar, but admits that perhaps she is not meant to be a lawyer. In all these academic accomplishments, she’s been and epitome of what Shakespeare meant when he said, “Whate’er thou art, act well thy part.” She’s a paragon of diligence, persistence and love of learning. An excellent and consummate model for aspiring young men and young women. Indeed, a woman of noble birthright worthy of emulation.
Each time I personally met her, I found myself guilty for not having verbally expressed my deepest gratitude for her providing me the bridge to cross life’s deep ravine that somehow cuts the path of my journey to the future. Yet deep in the chamber of my heart I always felt an overruling sense of thankfulness and deep appreciation for those learning experiences with her, which helped me in my forward trail. In her I saw the characterization of what Brad Henry wrote: “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.”
Her interest as a bridge builder---most noble teacher---however, did not end by her retirement. In her words she declared, “Teaching is my passion. God has sent me to be a role model for young minds---a teacher.” She continued to utilize her capabilities by accepting an employment as College Instructor at St. Paul University-Surigao. She then transferred to the Northeastern Mindanao Colleges as part-time instructor under the College of Teacher Education, which until now she is still connected even at age 80. Then she partnered with some associates and directed a kindergarten School, to provide learning bridges for little children in their yet long academic journey. She also takes this challenge as her way of fighting the deteriorating effects of aging by finding real joy in dealing with little kids which somehow she considers her grandchildren.
Family
Her mother---Basilia Bullo--- was a widow whose husband and children in her first marriage all died as a result of poisoning in Manila. When her father and mother married, two of them were born, her brother Manuel and herself. As part therefore of her collections is a genealogy of her maternal family lines, who were among the early settlers of the then Municipality of Surigao and now Surigao City and the Province of Surigao del Norte and its barangays.
She was married 57 years ago and was blessed with a daughter, but lost her of breast cancer in 2014. She’s now 80 years old but still at her best poise and bearing. At this time of her life’s December, she enjoys living with her husband, still creating memories of their own, perhaps looking back to those wonderful days when she had so many children---her students---who respected and honored her and who are now also in their seniority. While many among her students have now attained success, perhaps some economically and financially far beyond her own, yet she is most profoundly grateful that her efforts and modest contribution as a teacher in Social Studies, in their journey to the pinnacle of success, have never been in vain.
Socio-civic affiliation
By her interest in the social customs, traditions and cultural development of the people in Surigao City, in relation to her studies in Sociology and Anthropology, she was motivated to take part in the preservation of its historical legacies and evolution, and thus joined the Surigao Heritage Research and Studies Center Foundation of which she was one of its original founders. She keeps and maintains some historical information about the societal history of Surigao City and the Province of Surigao del Norte and the collective conditions of its populace as being part of her collections.
She also served and is still serving in some socio-civic organizations with service oriented projects in Surigao City and the Province of Surigao del Norte which include the following:
Present:
* Executive Director – Surigao Heritage Research and Studies Center Foundation.
Project – Museo Nan Surigao
Activities: Facilitated local, national, international conferences – writer, researcher, resource
speaker on history and culture.
* Vice-Chairperson – Battle of Surigao Strait Memorial Council
Project: Boss Memorial Shrine, Punta Bilar, Surigao City, to be inaugurated October 25, 2019
Activities: Co-planner, commemoration of Battle of Surigao Strait every October 24-25.
* Co-Signatory – Japanese Cremation Shrine Historical Plate (SNNHS Grounds)
Activities: Coordinates memorial service and wreath-laying every October 24.
* Chairperson – Culture and Heritage Committee – Provincial Culture and Arts Council.
Activity: Wrote and developed the concept of the 111th founding anniversary of Surigao’s
historical parade, May 15, 2012.
* Chairperson – Communications Committee, Surigao City Tourism Council
Activities: Bench marking in Singapore as member of the technical working group.
* Credentialed Trainer – Girl Scouts of the Philippines
* Commissioner on Program - Surigao del Norte Girl Scouts Council
* President – Association of Private Preschools Surigao City Division
Past:
* President – Soroptimist International of Surigao
Club Awardee: Excellence Award – Soroptimist International of the Americas
Religion
Beyond all her achievements in life, she never faltered to remember the ultimate giver of the gift of talents and wisdom, and life itself, even God. Thus, in her lifetime she always remains to be an active participant in the religious community of which she is a participating member. At present she sincerely and humbly serves voluntarily in the following capacities:
* Vice Chairperson – Parish Pastoral Council, St. John the Baptist Chapel – Ipil, Surigao City
* Chairperson and Pastoral Head – Sr. Sto Niño Bioborjan Settlers’ Chapel, Bioborjan, Surigao City
Gratitude
As she now takes the time between sunset and evening star, and continues to delight in the glimmers of life’s twilight, she personally considers and looks at the hundreds of her successful students---their achievements and their contributions to nation building and economic progress and development---as part of her own victory. She rejoices in the fact that her love and kindness and profound interest for her students’ well-being during their formative years, paid off in the end. She feels deep gratitude to God for having been an instrument in His hands to help and guide these once youthful academic adventurers in crossing the borders to their ultimate triumph.
While this living tribute is written past the time when expressions of deepest and heartfelt gratitude should have been most welcomed and refreshingly heartwarming, yet this to me and my colleagues of SNNHS Batch of 1969, is an acknowledgement of our long and enduring homage and reverence of Ma’am Montinola’s influence and the memory of her goodness and love spanning and reaching over 50 years of being deeply carved in the tablet of the heart and which will ever remain for the rest of our lives.
Thus, on this our Jubilee Year for SNNHS Batch of 1969, we bind together, not a thousand beautiful buds of roses neither an adorable bouquet of scented flowers in bloom, but of hearts filled with deep and abiding gratitude and sincerest appreciation, evolving through the years, for our dear Social Studies teacher---Ma’am Montinola. As in the words of the legendary Shakespeare: “I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks” (Sebastian, Twelfth Night).
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