A Tribute to Papu Bal On National Teacher's Day

Baltazar Abad Calimag
August 10, 1950 - October 4, 2-26

Papa drew his last breath on October 4, the eve of National Teachers’ Day. I was in Cebu with the DepEd team of facilitators, resource speakers, and crew, preparing for a three-day workshop on creating and crafting storybooks and instructional materials. During the opening ceremony of the workshop, we offered a prayer for Papa. What a sweet and thoughtful gesture to honor his life in the most simple but poignant way.

Papa taught in the Philippine public school system for three decades and a few years. For public school teachers to pray for one

of their own is a beautiful full-circle moment. I was determined to give my professional best during my session for Day 1. My flight back to Manila was rebooked for that night.

I’m proud of my Papa for being a public school teacher. I often begin my workshops with DepEd by saying this. I grew up witnessing the hard work and resilience of teachers in the public school system. And though I am teaching in the private school system now, I consider myself kin and kind. After all, I went to PNU for my bachelor’s degree and a proud holder of a UP Diliman ID number.

To see a host of public school teachers who came from all 15 regions of the Philippines brought me back to the teacher that Papa was, and to the many years of service that came with his life in the public school system. Most notable was the moment when he would serve during local and national elections. As a child, I often wondered why public school teachers put their lives on the line during elections. When I passed the licensure exam for teachers and took my oath, I realized the integrity that teachers carry. And this factors in their role during elections. For each ballot cast holds a truth and one’s freedom of choice. And it is the licensed teacher who guards the sanctity of this vote.

In 1986, Mama and I watched the ballot count at Papa’s precinct. I was 12 years old, and my mother was progressive enough to allow me to witness a piece of history that would become part of a bigger narrative of national importance. It was exciting to hear the election watchers cheer for their respective candidates. After a few hours, Papa’s precinct counted Aquino as the winner.

What followed were historic events that led to the People Power Revolution. That night, Mama waited for Papa to come home. We were glued to the television. There were no mobile phones or social media fanfare. We depended on RPN 9 and GMA 7 to deliver the news. Mama stayed up all night, and when I woke up in the morning, Papa still wasn’t home. It was only later in the day when he arrived, tired and hungry. But I remember him carrying a quiet strength that needed no explanation.

He did his duty for family and country.

This is the story of my Papa that I will keep close to me. I will bring it with me to every workshop and training I develop and facilitate for teachers in both the private and public school systems.

This is one way I can honor my Papa and the inheritance he left me. Acts of service. Quiet strength. Integrity that is never easy to do.

Rest in God’s eternal love, Papa Bal.