'MANO PO'. The Banna National High School in Banna, Ilocos Norte. Students here are being taught how to respect school visitors by taking their hand and saying "Mano po," which is a Filipino tradition. (Photo courtesy of Banna National High School)
LAOAG CITY -- A public secondary school in Banna, Ilocos Norte is being admired for its policy reviving the “mano po” tradition among its learners.
Whenever there are guests at the Banna National High School (BNHS), students are encouraged to practice the “pagmamano”-- a traditional Filipino gesture to honor elders by bowing to them or pressing one’s forehead on their offered hand as a show of respect.
The “pagmamano” has already become an everyday habit among BNHS learners since school started last June.
Seeing the millennial learners practice the century-old tradition whenever they are in school or at home makes teacher Maria Glenda G. Ventura smile as the seemingly forgotten tradition is very much alive in their school.
“We are happy that our students are already accustomed to this simple gesture and we are hearing positive comments from the community,” Ventura said in an interview on Wednesday.
In support of the Happy Schools Movement of the Department of Education 1 (Ilocos) to boost the efficient implementation of the K to 12 basic education curriculum in the region, BNHS principal Florante R. Riego said the “pagmamano” is a way of instilling discipline among learners.
“Let us make our school a haven of value-oriented, happy and friendly learners and staff. Not only will it be beneficial to you but also to the community. If this act of humility will be carried out in your homes and in other places outside the school, surely, you will not be lost,” Riego said in his message during one of the school’s flag-raising ceremonies.
“We hope to sustain this advocacy to help bring back the good manners and right conduct of all students as we keep on reminding our students that doing what is good and right is more worthy than any achievements they may have received,” Ventura said. (PNA)
