Clarity in Clarita

It was beyond shocking to hear Professor Clarita Carlos explain over an interview what had happened to her in most recent days. In all things however, and in God’s perfect timing, all undertakings in life turn out for the good.

The Filipino has become enlightened and as an educator, it pays to say that enlightenment comes hand in hand with continuous learning. For one, a wealth of knowledge can be attained from someone like Professor Carlos.

On my end, I haven’t had more learners asking me about Machiavelli and the realities of political life. While my experiences have taken my classroom over radio, 13 years of interviewing experts over the airwaves has not only empowered our viewers and listeners more so, it has helped me understand the need to push things forward when it comes to the kind of education we require. Radio has also helped me set the tone for inclusivity where, and as we say in the Philippine Army, no man is left behind. It is definitely confusing for a learner therefore when someone such as Professor Carlos has been pushed back through a collective stand as, for me, this signifies an academic type of cancel culture.

Seven years ago and in retrospect, Professor Carlos was highly relevant in the discussions on the Bangsamoro Bill and it was here that she clearly expressed in Congress the importance of the harmonization of curricula for learners, enabling them to study anywhere in the region together with a faculty that can move because the waters as Prof stated, do not divide but rather, connect.

On the issues of US and China, as we learned from Professor Carlos six years ago, was also an eye opener as many of us had an “a-ha” moment upon discovering that the USS Ronald Reagan was actually nuclear powered and the levels on military posturing were extremely crucial. To date, we continue to wrack our brains on how our positioning ought to be as a sovereign nation.

Most recently, I had been given the honor to prevail as the first female Honorary Navy Seal. The Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) is the smallest elite unit of the Philippine Navy trained in special operations, psychological and unconventional warfare. While it is truly an honor, it too expands my mission at hand where the way to equip myself is to seek further growth and study.

It feels as if studying never ends but that is the direction one must take if you truly believe that learning is lifelong. Academic freedom includes freedom of inquiry as we pursue knowledge unhitched from unreasonable restrictions in our journey towards the truth.

Like soldiers, we must be prepared and preparation comes with clarity. I humbly salute Professor Carlos as I pursue my search for knowledge in my own endeavors where God, Nation and Family continue to be at the forefront of the only country we have.

Again, we have heard over and over to love the Philippines but we must also be dutiful in protecting it, free from ambiguity. Life can lead us to rough waters at times but as we say at the Navy Seals, “The only easy day was yesterday.” Bring it on.