To come up with a competitive Philippines in terms of the educative system so as to produce high quality learners is still far from reality. Sad but true, we lack the many factors which will give this dream its place in the limelight. Based from record, Philippines lag behind among other countries in terms of competencies on formal education.

It is no secret that the government, the Deped to be particular, is making a way to improve our quality of education. Seminars are being offered up to the national level and even to the international level. Administrators try to organize school-based seminars on different ways on how to motivate students so as to gain higher achievement rate among their clientele, the students.

True to their mission, improvements are expected. But just like a child of these generations… playful and easily swayed by environmental factors… learning becomes hard for them when motivation does not serve their mood right.

Reports show that books in public schools have typographical errors, so embarrassing. Not to forget that we also lack facilities and materials to show practically what is to be actually seen and proved. Science is exact therefore; any idea is to be proven. Basically, we use observation when we do experiments. Sad to say, resources are not satisfactory that it prohibits every child to learn more and to know more. This just shows that the goal of the DeEd as to give quality education is still far at hand. Just like a mission… it is still an unfulfilled dream to give the Filipino youth a real quality education.

It is at this juncture that FUSE comes in… fulfilling the gap of lacking motivation for further improvement of learning among students and teaching strategies on the part of the teachers. FUSE makes a difference… FUSE paves its way to excellence. Undeniably, children of today are visual learners. What matters to them are what they see and could repeatedly be seen? And this is the strategy of FUSE… catching the core interest of learners and feeding information through this strategy. FUSE therefore, becomes a flavored medicine… with a taste so yummy that makes learning an easier task for students.

Seminars are not enough if it does not really offer a solution to an existing problem. What makes FUSE different is that, it offered a solution to the problem. That is, to make students realize the outcome of an activity though you never had it actually performed. This maybe because of unavailable materials and facilities and that FUSE was able to realize these problems and made a realistic solution to these.

FUSE is futuristic. It touched the sensible mode for motivation of our clientele, the students. For the record, children of today are known to be very much into watching.

It is therefore, evident that they learn more through watching. Observation using their sense of sight is the key entry for things to learn. True to FUSE’s vision which if to take voluntary action to help attain quality education and to its mission that is to value integrity and quality education, to share and integrate knowledge, expertise and best practices and resources and to enhance professionalism in education… it made history after all.

My participation to the seminar made me realize that FUSE is true to its commitment. From the venue that is already a mind setter, to the foods served to all the participants for free which only means that their commitment is coupled with unselfishness and willingness to be a part of the Philippines aim for quality education. Yes, FUSE is not just an ordinary foundation. It is futuristic and truly realistic. Focused enough to its goals, this foundation is so effective since the big factor lie on the trustees and different committees. Thanks to the big-hearted people behind FUSE. From the Board of Trustees headed by Chairman Edgardo J. Angara, its founder, Vice Vice- Chairman Lucio C. Tan and the President Hon. Salvador H. Escudero III. These people together with their staff had really worked hard so as to be a helping hand to both teachers and students. Our country needs people like them, ready to make a change for a better world, willing to serve for the benefit of the many. They have tried doing their best in the name of education and promote values as well…values that people of today really needs: unselfishness and courage to make a move for the betterment of a nation. If we share the same ideals like them, then what a wonderful Philippines we have. The speakers were so patient and really dedicated enough. Despite their age, they were able to give importance to technology. They used multimedia to simplify everything. One great thing is that, Continuing Studies via Technology or CONSTEC video learning materials and Teaching Support Materials were given after the seminar. These step of FUSE changed all of us, participants, during the seminar.

If before, applying the right motivation makes teachers fall in deep thinking, then today, everything becomes simpler. Lessons are already in CDs. With matching Teaching Support Materials and lessons played in CD’s, what a great combination! For deeper understanding, lessons can be replayed. To sum it up… FUSE works in the lives of teachers by making their task easier. This is the kind of assistance teachers really need. As a matter of fact, FUSE does not stop rendering service to educators.

FUSE’s legacy should live on… carry on with your novel task of uplifting the quality of the Philippine education. With this, FUSE deserves a 21-gun salute for a job well-done. Long live FUSE for being realistic on the needs for a quality education!

Hazel Millet
hazelmillet@yahoo.com

Founded by Dr. Lucio C. Tan on December 1, 1994, FUSE seeks to improve the skills in English, Science and Mathematics teachers. Its programs include regular teacher training workshops; a post-graduate scholarship program for Science and Engineering teachers; production and distribution of telecourses in English, Elementary Science, Chemistry, Physics and Math; and a host of other educational programs in partnership with government and private learning institutions.