Gil M.

Portes’ 2002 drama film “Mga Munting Tinig” signifies the problem of poverty as a major obstacle in the
fulfilment of dreams. In worse cases, it is severed by the refusal of the parents and faculty to open their ears
and listen to the children’s plea. However, through the initiative of an optimistic teacher the advocacy for
change in varying beliefs is actualized. Through her search for her destiny she made way to shape the fate of
her students in the impoverished village of Malawig. In the realisation of her idealism she found herself in a
challenging situation that will test her spirit as a purposeful teacher. The film emphasizes not only the status of
living as a hindrance towards the right of every child for a formal education. Moreover, it shows us that the
twisted mindset of most characters uproots hope and obscures the future of their dependents. The variation
of philosophies in life and education measures the dedication of the main character on how she will deal with
these conflicts. The setting of the story portrays the actual state of barrios in remote provinces. It shows us the
modes of transportation, demographic location, topography, and the occupation of the locals that illustrates
their circumstances. In addition the weather conditions, corrupt officials, political conflicts, continuous
recruitments of NPAs, and frequent shootouts increases the intensity of difficulties. Through the details in the
surrounding, the situation of living can be categorized as below average. Furthermore, the school facilities
seemed to be outdated and some classrooms are outworn. There is also the lack of resources as the officer in
charge refuses to take out the new learning materials and is displayed only during school visitation. The
portrayal of the characters of Ms. Fe Daluz as incompetent teacher, Mrs. Solita Samaniego as an abusive of her
authority, and Mrs. Imelda Pantalan as neglectful OIC reflects the interior and exterior phase of the school
facility. Moreover, almost whole of the population are submerged to poverty. It appears to be an undesired
heritage that continues to be passed on from generation to generation. Thus their principles in life and
education are stained by their experiences in the unending chain of similar fortune. As the film continue to roll
the philosophies of the main characters slowly emerges. Melinda believes that poverty is not an obstacle to
chase one’s dreams. She also sticks to her notion that, “Every child has the right to dream. Has talents to be
used and voices to be heard.” This is justified when she never succumb to the issues of the apathetic parents
as well as indifferent faculty. The philosophies of the children seemed to be influenced by the greater
authority that sways their perception in life and education. The scenario where Melinda asked her students’
ambition shows the passion of the children to continue their journey of hope. Their teachers served as the
sculptor of knowledge and their parents as the foundation of their principle. However, these two domineering
figures shows lack of affirmation to the oaths of their duties. Most importantly, the film shows the parental
roles and responsibility to send their children to school. Due to their viewpoint in life that education is an
unnecessary ingredient in one’s success the refusal to support learning is evident. The unmotherly teachers’
philosophy and acts towards their students ruins the essence of being an educator. They are portrayed as
victims of the inferior system yet they do nothing to change this manner. The belief of being a mere teacher
gives them no rights to meddle with the means of parental decision making. On the same manner, the school’s
philosophy is manipulated by Mrs. Imelda Pantalan, the officer in charge of Malawig Elementary school. This
scenario tells the viewers that even the greatest school philosophy can be tainted by the ruling administrator
and personnel’s egoistic practices. Throughout the film, the similarities and differences of individual
philosophies are implied by means of bold statements and direct actions. The director demonstrates the battle
between Melinda’s philosophy against the parents’ and the faculty. It is in a sense that the parties has
opposing beliefs that both desires to influence the students’ way of thinking. The parents believe that one’s
success is determined by hard work and can be independent on education. They also instill to their children’s
mind that pursuing dreams is exclusive only for wealthy individuals. Additionally, on the scenario where Gela’s
mother told her that girls doesn’t need to study since they’ll going to marry anyway, implies women inferiority
and prejudice among genders. In the same manner, Melinda’s co-teachers accept that they don’t have any
rights over the children as they are only their teachers. The school continues its malpractice of authority and in
continuity of its accustomed norms and policy. It is bound on the principle of getting used to the situation and
that it doesn’t possess any hold onto its students. On the contrary, Melinda believes to education and hopes
to help the children’s voices to be heard. Thus, she keep on being committed to her philosophy that every
child has the right to dream. Despite these disparities among principles, the film also highlighted their
congruous hope for the betterment of the children. The only conflict is that they never asked what the
students wanted for themselves as the parents’ decision is based on what they think is good. In addition, the
director emphasizes the significance and alignment of Mrs. Chayong’s principle with that of Melinda especially
during her times of discouragement. It is also synonymous to the moral support of Popoy’s mother as it
represents that there are still parents who knows the value of their children’s dream. Nevertheless, the said
battle of principles is not meant to determine which belief is stronger among the others. It focuses on how a
philosophy of an individual can lift hope and how long can someone stand for her advocacy amidst conflicting
views. After the introduction of problems, the director proposes a solution through a singing competition that
lets the audience infer a deeper symbolism. However, a series of heavier conflicts arises from the parental
consent throughout the rehearsal. This proposed solution paradoxically turned out to be another challenge
that measures Melinda’s dedication. Fortunately, the children are able to make it to the competition and bring
home the victory. The winning of the students embodies the fulfilment of Melinda’s philosophy. It also unifies
the faculty, parents, students, and the residents in full support in pursuing the youth’s dreams. The singing
competition itself signifies the voices of the children in plea to be given an opportunity to thrive, showcase
their talents, and above all to be heard and understood. The film “Mga Munting Tinig” (Small Voices) lets us
contemplate to the importance of educational philosophies. The character of Melinda implies the
understanding of seeking her purpose; what she believes and what steps to make in actualizing her belief.
These concepts are significant because it will serve as one’s guide in making decisions in life and direction of
what you desire to turn into. It will also define what kind of teacher you will be. This includes your plans on
how to develop your students as well as the materials to use and the values on how to effectively make this
happen. An individual’s righteous philosophy in education reflects oneself’s attitude and purpose towards the
learners. However, the film reveals that not all beliefs concerning education are desirable. It opens our eyes
that not all figures are able to stand for their responsibilities as a teacher and as a parent. In spite of that, this
also shows that one courageous educator with strong affirmation to own philosophy can make way for the
fulfilment of student’s ambitions. Most importantly, the ability to listen is an important factor that an aspiring
educator should possess. In Melinda’s significant closing lines, “Because I listened to them and above all, they
listened to me” brings us the realization that it takes one voice to be heard we just need to open our ears to
listen, eyes to see, and a hand ready to help.