A violinist can be a competent musician, but unless the music resonates with the listeners, its expression is lost (Clark 2009).
Isagani R. Cruz (Ph.D.), an award-winning writer, educator, playwright, critic and former Philippine Undersecretary of Education, used the above illustration to convey the dependence of cultural competence and cultural resonance. Cultural competence is an approach to delivering services in the most meaningful, cultural, gender-sensitive and age appropriate context for the people being served. Cultural resonance results when cultural competence is applied in a way that reflects true empathy and experience with the culture. (Clark, 2009). Dr. Cruz also related the significance of cultural literacy as it creates a knowledge and awareness that brings distinct commitment to social justice, responsibility to defend human dignity, and respect for cultures and languages associated with different nations and lifestyles.
For the participants to understand what a culture-based education is, Dr. Cruz highlighted five basic elements. First, the recognition and use of native or heritage language. Second, the active involvement of family and community in the development of curricula, everyday learning, and leadership. Third, the context, the structuring of the school and the classroom in culturally-appropriate ways. Fourth, the content, making learning meaningful and relevant through culturally grounded content and assessment. And last, the data and accountability, gathering and maintaining data using various methods to insure student progress in culturally responsible ways.
Dr. Cruz concluded his talk with three inspiring lines.
- Use the arts to help patients get well, students learn faster, and teachers be more effective.
- Strive to have everyone in the college culturally competent, resonant, and literate.
- Always be aware that there are two cultures at work in any situation involving a Filipino, the culture of specialists/professionals and traditional culture.
Spearheaded by the President and CEO, Dr. Rizalina M. Pangan, and with the collaboration of the Human Resource Department and the Academic Affairs Office, the talk on the Culture of Philippine Education last August 6, 2010, was a success. About a hundred participants namely school administrators, teaching and non-teaching staff and students, left the audio-visual room with wide grins, deep thoughts, and challenged hearts.
