The story centers around how education is being imparted in rural areas in the Philippines. Melinda, a young elementary teacher, tries to make a difference in the existing norm of education or the lack thereof.
The movie has a lot of dimensions that are all realistic. First, it opened my eyes to how little our knowledge are on the real situation of people living in rural areas; how some parents view education to be of little importance thinking their children would end up just like them anyway. It saddened me to think that the people who should support their children’s dream are the very ones who do not believe in them.
But then again, we cannot put the entire blame on the parents for it is something bigger than that. There is a deep-rooted culture and lifestyle among this kind of community that needs to be changed. While it is true that poverty should not be a hindrance to success, we can’t deny the fact that certain practices are already instilled in their minds, passed to their children and that continues as a cycle.
Perhaps, this is where the government’s role comes in. In the film, some teachers settle for mediocrity in imparting knowledge to the students even making them do beyond what is required. It made me realize that being a teacher is equally important as a parent, if not more. Throughout the movie, we could see how the character of Melinda gave hope, faith, and courage to the students even if it meant standing up to her superiors.
Finally, it educated us on the disturbing reality of the situation of people living in the rural areas and the constant threat of rebels in the place. Therefore, it should be a collaborative effort between the parents, teachers, the government and the students themselves in order to impart education - especially in the rural areas - in the most efficient way possible.
