Name: Alejandro, Leah Arnee G.

Grade and Section: STEM 11-1

Subject: Reading and Writing

The Visitation of the Gods

After reading the title, I first thought the "Visitation of the Gods" was a story depicting the
arrival of some Greek Gods at a particular event. Absurd as it may seem, I imagined a scene
where humans on Earth were under a terrible catastrophe that only the gods could ward off.
Due to that, these greek gods and goddesses then descended from the fabulous palaces of
marble and gold, where they dwelt━on Mount Olympus. They were to safeguard humanity from
the disaster.

Ms. Noel, as depicted in the story, was a genuine, unfiltered, and headstrong character.
Although cranky and stubborn, she spent her five years of teaching devoted to her ideals. In a
working environment where most are full of egotistical people, Ms. Noel questions the
system-an unequal and improper. The teachers of Pugad Lawin School treated the visiting
supervisors as if they were some gods to be worshiped and pleased. As mentioned, teachers
gave lavish gifts, or as they call "pabaons," to the supervisors in exchange for a high rating and
recommendation to possibly rank up. The teachers treated the superiors highly, and it even took
a month to prepare for their arrival. They were are considered powerful as one word from them
would either get you to the demise of your career or your most awaited promotion, which paves
the way for a great future. Such is why they were considered the gods in the story. On the
contrary, Ms. Noel never liked pleasing these so-called "gods" nor the idea of pretending their
situation now is the day-to-day scenario in their school, and I deeply admire her for that.

Some people can often forget the real essence of teaching and education when there is
a hint of greediness for power in their minds. The occurrence of teachers bribing supervisors to
obtain a high rating and acquire promotion is preposterous, as I see it. As a student, I believe I
have not yet encountered an issue like this in my past years. However, there is a huge
possibility of it taking place elsewhere.

Surprisingly, some of the events from the story do transpire in real life. Before, DepEd
supervisors also scheduled their visits to our school. A week before their arrival, we would
sweep the floors clean, wipe every corner of the room until speckless, and possibly decorate the
classroom with ornaments from our adviser's home. Naturally, it was our duty as a student to
cooperate in these significant events. Our teachers would temporarily cease teaching us for a
week as the preparation will occupy everyone. Today, with the pandemic lingering around, the
education system drastically changed from traditional face-to-face classes to online and
modular learning. Hence, these events do not occur anymore, not that I am aware of today.

Bribing, in any form, obviously should not be tolerated, especially by high-ranking

teachers. The inequality emanates in the story, and it's funny how these superintendents and
supervisors, though supposedly well-mannered and to be respected, appear as self-absorbed
and rude people. Teaching is a sophisticated work, although often viewed simplistically. Former
USA President Barack Obama once said, "From the moment students enter a school, the most
important factor in their success is not the color of their skin or income of their parents, it's the
person standing at the front of the classroom." How would the future innovators of our country,
our world, be able to grasp the proper knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in our
society if the educator puts more effort into impressing these so-called gods?

Furthermore, there were signs of misogyny in the story. It clearly shows in the part where
Mr. Sawit discussed with Ms. Noel. He uttered the words, "There are thousands of teachers.
They're mostly disillusioned, but they go on teaching - it's the only place for a woman to go."
Also, during the fiesta, the principal presented pretty instructors. They were treated as an
offering to the superintendents for the dance. At the same time, the rest, who the principal
described as unattractive or shy, were left to fend for themselves. This scenario shows how
much the principal would do to please the people on top of the hierarchy. It seemed like the
principal treated his co-instructors as some harlot. It was wrong of the principal to do that; as the
acting leader of the school, he should be more considerate of the teachers' feelings. Although
dancing is considered fun, forcibly making other people do it with another is unethical.

Admittedly, based on my experience, the part where we do chores (e.g., cleaning,

gardening, etc.) for the visitation was fun as a kid, but now, after pondering for a while, I thought,
"Why is there a need to pretend when they arrive?" It's even funny how we have to do scripted
classes during their stay. Honestly, wouldn't it be more commendable if it were true; if our
classroom were always spick and span, every student actively participated during classes, and
our gardens filled with bountiful bright-colored flowers. Teachers should be able to maintain it
every day, even without spectators.

Correcting these behaviors would not be easy to accomplish, especially since the ones
involved have high ranks in the system. It would take a lot of time to do it as they are
close-minded and self-centered. Turning a blind eye, however, would only mean that I am okay
with their actions and have stopped hoping for a change. My first step would be looking for
someone outside the system who is just, courageous, and sensible to investigate and interfere
in that situation. Also, If I were to look, the person would most likely need to be someone who
works at a news station, a reporter. Reporters' jobs are grounded on truth only, hence the
perfect way to unveil the inequality occurring at the school. Again, teachers are looked up to as
the leaders who are building the minds and future of the students. Their primary role is to secure
an adequate learning and growing environment for a bright future for the nation.