Dr. Petalcorin of Cavite Shares the Mathematics of Actualization

Zaldy Carreon De Leon Jr.

Mathematics is one of the most elusive subjects. One mockery leads that it is a "mental abuse to human." Aside from that, there is a common 'understanding' that Filipinos are not really very good in mathematics compared to our ASEAN neighbors. But as we dig deeper on the matter, names appear in the international news that Filipinos won mental olympiads in the field of mathematics. Hence, a students from Balanga Elementary School is one; there are others in the field of science and technology.

Filipinos are world-class global citizen. Do not mind the politics and the economy, but we stand shoulder to shoulder with other great names in the world. Look how our people works and their inventions are noted at scholarly periodicals, journals, and Youtube!

As the search for who's who in Filipino mathematics progresses, one name got a spot on the list. A certain woman from the busy town of Cavite - Mam Tess.

Dr. Teresita Gonzales Petalcorin was born in the 20th of August 1954. She lives in the time where slaughtering of carabaos are prohibited for a period of one year (E.O. 8, 1954); became friend with Indonesia (Proc. No. 5, 1954); and Magsaysay made an extemporaneous remark at the beer party given in honor of the men of the U.S.S. Salisbury Sound: "What is more important is the spirit which prompt you, my friends, to donate your blood to the Filipinos. It is the spirit in which you willingly gave of your blood that counts. I hope that that spirit will grow and last as the years go by." In January 25, 1954, on his SONA remarked "Constitution makes us equal partners in the patriotic task of serving our people. I am here today to start the job with you...."

Mam Tess lives in a time where there is general peace, conformity, and consensus from many parts of the society.

Mam Tess, ensured of intellectual vigor, accumulates the following degrees: Associate in Architectural Drafting Technology (A.A.), Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education Major in Mathematics (B.S.I.E.), Master of Arts in Education Major in Educational Management (MAEd), Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics (MAT), and Doctor of Education Major in Educational Management (EdD).

Her extensive experience as a public school teacher for 24 years runs a career from a Secondary School Teacher to Associate Professor –II at SLSU, Sogod, Southern Leyte, Philippines (1981-2005). niversities and Colleges (1999-2002); Professor – Montessori Colleges (2005-2006); Head Registrar – Philippine Cambridge School of Law (2006-2007); College Dean of Undergraduate Courses – Philippine Cambridge School of Law (2007-2009); Professor V – Philippine National Police Academy (June 2009 – 2012); and Educational Consultant of Bearer of Light and Wisdom College (2007-2011); BLWC College Dean (June, 2005- October 1, 2006); Mathematics teacher - Acacia Waldorf School

(June 2012-June 2013); Vice-President of Academic Affairs BLWC, Bacoor City; and (May, 2018 up to the present).

Relative to these, her outstanding leadership champed the following achievements: National Press Secretary – Women in Nation Building (1999-2000)

Head Faculty: Mathematics Department – SLSU (2001-2005)

President – SLSU (Southern Leyte State University) Faculty Organization (1999-2002)

Member, SLSU ( Southern Leyte State University) Board of Trustees (1999-2002)

Vice – President (NCFASUC) National Confederation of Faculty Associations of State

Because of her excellent and outstanding career as a teacher, she received the following awards and citations: Gawad Santo Tomas: STAC 60th Founding Day and Alumni Homecoming; Award for Professional Advancement; Gintong Sikap Award: National Research and Experimental Society, Metro Manila; Certificate of Recognition: Chairman of Committee on Worship Grand Aurora Celebration Vicariate of Sogod, Southern Leyte; Recipient of TOYS (Ten Outstanding Youth Scientist of the Philippines); Coach of the National 1st Place Winner of 1st DAMATH Competition (Tertiary Level) held at Legaspi City, Bicol Region; and the National Award as “Natatanging Guro ng Bayan”- December 22, 2018 - Camarines Norte.

Finally she is affiliated with the following organizations: Science Club Adviser Association of the Philippines, Inc.; Philippine Association for Vocational Education; Philippine Association for Teacher Education; Philippine Association for Graduate Education; Philippine Association for Language Teaching, Inc; Mathematical Society of the Philippines; Catholic Women’s League; and Lion’s Club International- Cavite branch.

Her career is a living testament to the sharing and caring, a reflection that is so powerful for every teachers. The author befriended her last December 2018 at the Social Media. However, one of the most excellent thing she does is giving away sample of her Action Research entitled " Degree Level of Bullying Felt by Grade ___ Pupils and Teachers' Coping Strategies Taught: Basis for Minimizing Bullying Practice". The 'blank' is so important because the free paper serves as a backbone to a research paper that may be written by anyone. But most especially, the fact that she led others in working for good things and excellent works without receiving a cent is esentially the most merited of her character worthy of Global Academy for Human Excellence ambassador for education; for thus is the mathematics of actualization - to give without interest rather than to receive.

Dr. Petalcorin, teacher, researcher, mathematician, scientist, and a scholar. A lady from Cavite whose heart transcends with love. Congratulations!

Teresita Gonzales Petalcorin, BSIE, MAED, MATM, Ed.D.

Silang, Cavite, Philippines, 4118

E-mail Address: drababie8@gmail.com