FEATURE | Renewal, Rebirth: PUP SSG Rediscovering Essence

At the height of political turmoil and economic decline, we gain a vision of a nation crippling before our eyes. Yet, what lingers is not the aftermath or the damages, but a light that flickers when rocks converge—fire that is burning, and rekindled by the torchbearers and the enlightened. 

Drawing light from its people, the PUP Social Studies Guild (SSG) commenced its 12th Anniversary, celebrating both academic excellence and the turnover of the "torch" to newly elected organization officials. Whether it be academic or professional setup, the vision of solidarity and patriotism thrives among social studies majors.

The grueling scenes of corruption and environmental degradation outside the walls of Bonifacio Hall did not hinder Social Studies pre-service teachers. Rather, they used it as a fuel to enshrine a renewed visual of our country. Through the theme RENAI12SANCE: Ang Labindalawang Taong Paglalambo ng Akademikong Kahusayan at Kamalayang Panlipunan, a sense of "rebirth" sparked in the minds of its attendees. PUP SSG Adviser Assistant Professor Joey Danting left a tale of the past that renaissance was about challenging the system that stops people of Medieval Europe to ignite changes that uplift the lives of its community.

Such a lesson left a lasting impression in the hearts of social studies majors, most especially, through the program's esteemed resource speaker Mark John Gaviola, LPT. Despite his online appearance, the organization members can feel the warmth as he uttered the need for a change to the major’s age-old phrase: Dyosa ng Kagandahan, Araling Panlipunan. As every single issue projects communal effects, the social studies majors proved to be a catalyst for social good. For him, a phrase better encapsulates the major: Gurong Makabayan, Araling Panlipunan.

Amidst continued division in beliefs, disinformation, and lacking quality of education, perhaps the renewed vision of the organization is its acceptance to the challenge of commitment and passion towards societal changes. Besides teaching foundational skills, molding students to core values such as empathy and compassion will undeniably instill critical thinking and bias to the masses.

Keeping the torch high and burning for students to be enlightened has always been a challenge for teachers. But when all the lights would be blown away by the hurling wind, the fire would always be rekindled—shedding light to the image we had always wanted for our motherland. 

Article by John Kenneth Dapitan