The viral elementary school teacher from a public school in Batanes was recognized and honored for her bravery demonstrated by climbing to the top of the flagpole to hoist the Philippine flag for their school's flag ceremony.
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| Photo courtesy: Screenshot from Arlene Castillo (FB)/via Carol F. Dela Cruz (FB) |
In the viral video, fearless teacher Carol Figuro Dela Cruz, 38 years old, a master teacher who has been teaching for four years at Savidug Elementary School in Sabtang, Batanes, was seen ascending the flagpole like a contestant in a greased bamboo pole climbing game, a Filipino tradition, to retrieve the flag at the top.
The video, shared by school principal Ma'am Arlene Castillo, has garnered over 12 million views. The video was reportedly taken by her co-teacher, Ma'am Llewellyn Almeyda.
During this occasion, Teacher Carol was the one who prepared the rope for the flag ceremony.
In an interview, she mentioned that since she was young, she has been used to climbing coconut trees, so it was not a challenge for her. She didn't want to expose the children to the risk of climbing the flagpole, so she took on the task herself.
Aside from her flagpole climbing feat, Teacher Carol's dedication to teaching is also admirable, as she travels approximately 14 kilometers just to get to school.
Last Monday, October 14, Teacher Carol was one of the 55 honorees recognized during a ceremony held at Rizal Park (Luneta).
The recognition was conferred by the Salute to a Clean Flag Movement, an organization that pays tribute to individuals who hold high regard for the Philippine flag.
According to the National Parks Development Committee, several government personalities and organizations attended the flag ceremony.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
