Champions of Learning: A Lifelong Dedication of Ma'am Regina Mabazza and Ma'am Liza Capiña

Abstract

For Ma'am Regina Mabazza and Ma'am Liza Capiña, teaching is more than just a job; it’s a calling and a passion that has profoundly influenced their lives. These two experienced educators from Hondagua National High School have spent decades shaping young minds, showing remarkable resilience in the face of modernization, changing educational practices, and the rapid spread of social media. Their unwavering dedication exemplifies a lifetime of service to education, showcasing strength, perseverance, and a firm belief in the power of learning to transform lives.

The Journey of Ma'am Regina Mabazza

At 62, Ma'am Regina Requesto Mabazza has over 25 years of teaching experience, mostly at Hondagua National High School. Her journey to becoming an educator wasn't always smooth. Growing up in a rural area with limited access to higher education, she faced many barriers. However, she managed to secure a scholarship from COCOFED (Coconut Federation), which opened the door for her to study for a Bachelor of Arts in Agriculture at Central Luzon State University in Munoz, Nueva Ecija.

Although agriculture wasn’t her first passion, Regina chose this path to help support her family. After graduating, she took a job at a piggery in Concepcion Lopez, Quezon, where she worked for 16 years and gradually moved up from clerk to assistant farm manager. In 1998, due to economic changes—especially the devaluation of the Philippine peso—she realized it was time to leave that role and rethink her future.

Driven by her dream of teaching, she enrolled at Calauag Central College and earned her degree in education, specializing in Filipino. She began her teaching journey as a volunteer at Hondagua National High School, and her dedication and talent quickly led to a local teaching position. By 2002, she landed a national teaching item, officially becoming part of the public school system. After years of hard work, Ma'am Regina achieved her dream in 2020 when she was promoted to Master Teacher, realizing a goal she had long aspired to.

Teaching, for Ma'am Regina, is more than just work; it’s a mission to nurture young minds and lay the groundwork for a brighter future. Her path, filled with challenges and setbacks, is a powerful testament to resilience and the quest for purpose.

The Path of Ma'am Liza Capiña

Ma'am Liza Gundaya Capiña, who is 64, also teaches at Hondagua National High School and has an equally inspiring journey . Initially, she aimed to become a nurse but realized that her true calling was different. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology before moving on to study education at Calauag Central College. With confidence in her skills, she took the Philippine Board Examination for Teachers (PBET) and passed on her first attempt.

Her teaching career kicked off in 1983 at Eastern Tayabas College, where she was earning a modest salary of just P200. Despite financial struggles, she remained steadfast in her commitment to teaching. On November 17, 1987, she began her journey at Lopez National High School Matinik Annex—now known as Hondagua National High School. By 1999, she secured her national teaching item, a significant milestone in her career.

From 2000 to 2010, Ma'am Liza took on the role of adviser to the Supreme Secondary Government (SSG), fostering student engagement and leadership. Since 2000, she has also served as the school’s Guidance Designee, leveraging her psychological expertise to support students.

With more than 37 years of experience—13 in private schools and 24 in public education—Ma'am Liza’s commitment and longevity in the field are commendable. Although she started on a different career path, her embrace of teaching has made a significant impact on many students throughout the years.

The Final Chapter

As both educators approach retirement, they find themselves grappling with a mix of emotions. After years of routines—getting ready for school, welcoming students with warm smiles, engaging in classroom discussions, and sharing laughs with colleagues—the thought of leaving it all behind is bittersweet. The classroom feels like an extension of their identity, and saying goodbye is an adjustment that brings emotional challenges.

Their colleagues hold them in high regard. Ma'am Nancy Cantillana described them as more than just co-teachers, referring to them as “older sisters,” emphasizing the deep bond that has formed through years of camaraderie. They are viewed as cornerstones of the institution, serving as mentors not just to students but also to fellow teachers.

While they may not be as tech-savvy as the younger generation, their wealth of experience, wisdom, and traditional teaching methods continue to resonate with students in meaningful ways. In a world increasingly reliant on technology, their hands-on and heartfelt teaching approach remains invaluable.

Core Philosophies and Life Mottos

Ma'am Regina and Ma'am Liza each live by philosophies that reflect their tenacity and approach to life.

For Ma'am Regina, the motto "Never say die" embodies her belief in perseverance, no matter how tough the journey might be. Her life is a testament to overcoming challenges and chasing dreams despite the odds.

Ma'am Liza resonates with the phrase "Life is what you make it." She believes that everyone has the power to shape their own destiny. Her transition from aspiring nurse to respected educator illustrates the importance of adaptability and self-discovery.

A Legacy Etched in Hearts and Minds

The careers of Ma'am Regina and Ma'am Liza go beyond a chronological list of positions and achievements. They encapsulate lives devoted to nurturing potential, shaping character, and making meaningful contributions to society through education. Their legacies are found not only in professional milestones but also in the lives of students they’ve inspired and colleagues they’ve mentored.

As they prepare for retirement, it marks the end of an era at Hondagua National High School, but their influence will persist through the generations of students they’ve impacted. Their stories remind us that teaching is a lifelong mission fueled by love, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.

Though this chapter is closing, the seeds they’ve sown will continue to flourish. In every successful student and every teacher inspired by their journeys, the names Ma'am Regina Mabazza and Ma'am Liza Capiña will endure.

These two trailblazers have devoted their lives to the noble pursuit of education. Their stories exemplify resilience, commitment, and the transformative power of teaching. As they transition into retirement, they leave behind not just cherished memories but a legacy—a guiding light for future educators to aspire to.