Up-close and Personal (Question and Answer part)

Department of Teachers Education Program
Head Dr. Celso Tagadiad poses (center) with
Jomer John Osma (left) and
Joel Tahimic (right)

by: Joel Tahimic and Jomer John Osma

"Going to school is not only a mental training but also a character building."

This is one the inspiring and motivating words we've heard from the Department of Teachers Education Program Head, Dr. Celso Tagadiad during our interview.

We believe that this article would enable the readers to know him better as a Program Head and more than that… a mentor, a friend and a teacher.

We had a privilege and lucky enough to be given the chance to have an interview with Dr. Celso Tagadiad and heard from him directly some powerful and inspirational messages that had touched us personally while we’re having an interview with him.

I must admit, it's not easy to set schedule since there were unexpected appointments like seminars and conferences that he has to attend traveling from Panabo.

Nonetheless, his generosity has emerge again by giving us his extra time despite of his busy schedules.

Interviewer                : Good morning Sir. First, we would like to thank you for giving us your extra time to conduct this interview.

Dr. Celso Tagadiad     : No problem.

Interviewer                 : First, could tell us something about yourself?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad    : Well, my life started in Zamboanga where I was born. I am the eldest among 4 siblings. I am a product of not a broken family but rather parents who had been separated for 6 years. I was 9 during the time they got separated and I was 15 years old when they reunited. During that time where my parents were separated, we moved to Marilog. Being the eldest, I felt and took the responsibility of a father-figure to my siblings. It was rather difficult. Try to imagine, 9 years old, very young, didn’t get the time enjoy my childhood years. I couldn’t enjoy playing with other children of my same age because I was thinking of others than personal enjoyment. There were times that I was in the verge of difficulties that I asked like “Why me?” or “Why is this happening to me?” But it didn’t stop me from dreaming rather it pushes me to become determined and motivated person and to achieve what I am today.

Interviewer              : And how did you start working here in University of Mindanao Panabo College?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad     :I started my career here way back August 12, 2002, where I hired as an English teacher, English 9, Introduction to Linguistics is one of my subjects.

Interviewer                : What were your challenges in your teaching career and how did you overcome those challenges?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad     : I have lot of challenges. One of the challenges I have was teaching English 9 to English major students. The topic was phrase structure. I asked help from my college teacher by way of explaining to my students the topic and how to perform tree diagramming.

                                                The other one is teaching typing subject. Me, myself is not that good in typing. However, I still manage to teach them in theory and they’ll do the hands-on.

                                                To sum up this, acquiring the knowledge through study helped me a lot those times. Also, accepting and being honest to yourself that you cannot really teach what you don’t have.

Interviewer                  : Do you have any advice for future teachers like us?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad   : Well, I have seen students with different attitudes towards studying. It saddened me to see that some of them don’t have the passion to their chosen career. Money shouldn’t be the motivation why they have chosen teaching. They or we, as teachers should develop passion for teaching. We should think first of our students first, we should prioritize them.

Interviewer                 : Do you have motto?  What is your motto in life or the principle that drives you to be a better person every day?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad    : Ah, yes! I do have. Coming to school is not only mental training but also character building.

Interviewer                   : If you could turn back the time or see the future, what would you like to do?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad     : I wouldn’t change anything from the past and don’t want to see the future. I already learned from the past it and made me a better person.

Interviewer                  : What do you consider your greatest achievements and why?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad     : First would be, I was able to enjoy my career now. I went on a very difficult situation but I was able to achieve my dream now. I studied and worked at the same time. Looking back during those time, I couldn’t imagine how did I surpass those challenges. But I did. Another is the “Miss Saigon” presentation way back 2006, were my English 27 students performed at school as part of the subject. However, many teachers asked if we could do it again during the foundation day of University of Mindanao Panabo College. There were local government officials watched the play namely during those time were local officials; Mayor Gavina, Vice-mayor Adlaon and other city officials. Also, in 2010, 8 out of 10 English major passed the licensure examination.  Of course, I took all the credits to my students but as a teacher, I can’t help myself being proud.

Interviewer                : Are there things that would you like to achieve? And what are the steps you’re doing to achieve these things?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad   : There are two things. First, I would like to conduct a research in other country. I already sent the abstract of my dissertation hat will be presented to an international paper presentation. So, I am waiting for their response now. The second one is, I wanted to write a book about Linguistics, which my second priority to achieve after my dissertation. It’s far from reality now which means I haven’t thought of any actions in order to achieve this, however, it’s one of the things I wanted to achieve…to write a book.

Interviewer                : One last question Sir, how would like to be remembered by the people around you?

Dr. Celso Tagadiad    : Well, some people see me as a strict person or serious one. I would like to remembered by my students as a teacher who gives or renders his time to his students to learn. As for my family, friends and colleagues, I would like them to remember me as a generous person. Generous in giving time and sharing the knowledge in my own little way.

Interviewer                 : I believe that would be all. Thank you so much Sir for rendering us your extra time.

After the interview, we had a chance to chat a bit about many things. Truly, it’s a complete privilege and we've know him better now.

If you wanted to know more of University of Mindanao Panabo College staff and teachers, kindly send us an email to johanesjairus@gmail.com  with the following information; Name of the staff/teacher you wanted to be interviewed and things you wanted to know about him/her. You can also include your personal questions and we’ll assure you that your identity will be held with full confidentiality.