Changing Lives

“Ang suerte suerte ko.”

Senen R. Batoon Sr., PTCA Auditor of Guinsay National High School said with all the enthusiasm and frankness of an apprentice.

For the 50-year-old parent learning to operate the computer for the first time, facing the dreaded machine was something close to miraculous. “Nang nag-orientation in preparation for the delivery of the units, nandito ako. Nakinig ako, naging intertsado, especially since I have no knowledge whatsoever of computers,” Mr Batoon said.

When Mr. Batoon requested the help of Danao City ICT Coordinator Rommel Banzon for computers for Guinsay National High School, all he wanted was for the school to have equipment he knows the students really needed. He did not dream to become that student himself.

At first, even he, like most parents and students of Guinsay, felt that to be a recipient of the iSchools Program was something next to impossible. “Imposible na makatanggap kami ng ganitong project. Hindi naman masyadong mataas ang ranking namin sa division.” Batoon explained.

So, when the computers came, they couldn’t believe their eyes. That is when the PTCA and the students had a changeover. Mr. Datoon described the reaction of the PTCA when they saw the units being delivered. “Pagkatapos nitong training dapat may nadesignate na teacher na magtrain ng mga tao sa community to learn computer literacy. The PTA will then ask for a small amount as payment for the training to help sustain the computer laboratory and help pay for the electrical bills, repair fees, and spare parts. The PTCA also requested that they will also be trained and they will pay a small fee as part of the income generating project of Guinsay National High School.”

“Bakit kayo nagjoin sa seminar?” I said.

Mr. Batoon gave a gleeful laugh.

“I have a small business and I usually need the computer so much to type my proposals. I have a manpower agency. Recently I had a contract with a cement manufacturing company here in Danao managed by a French company; formerly Universal Cement owned by the Durano’s and now bought by the French company. I am a contractor for janitorial and maintenance services.”

Kamusta ang training?

With a frown and narrowed eyes, cupping his hand as if holding a mouse, he suddenly smiled and said, “Nahirapan ako. Kahapon, mouse operation, at sa hands on (keyboard navigation). Nahirapan ako. Lalo na nung time na nag lecture si Ma’am Susan (Masculino) , lumabas ako kasi pinuntahan ko ang pari (for the blessing of Guinsay’s computer laboratory). Three o’clock na ako nakabalik. Nawala ako. Di ko na maintindihan. Ngayon, narecover ko na. Nagpaassess ako kay Sir Von (Magat) ng output at nakaproduce naman ako ng okey na.”

So, kamusta po ang training ngayon?

Mr. Batoon’s smile widened noticeably when he said, “Improving na ako. Yung pointing the mouse to dragging, konting practice na lang.”

And, in a rush of words, he said “Pag uwi ko tinanong ako ng asawa ko: ‘Kamusta naman ang training?’ Sus, diniscuss ko kaagad sa kanya ang nalaman ko. Na alam ko nang gumamit na mouse.”

It is humbling to meet people like Mr. Batoon. For those who use the computer everyday, the mouse has been downgraded to a disposable, insignificant device. But for the Batoon’s in this world it is their door to opportunity. Making sense of the mouse gives them the chance to try to make sense of the technological world they thought was hard to understand.