“Education is more than knowledge. We go to school to become better persons”: Atty. Dickpus urges families, learning institutions to build children’s character

LUBUAGAN, Kalinga — A child’s education does not end with lessons learned inside the classroom. It is also shaped by the values taught at home, the examples set by adults, and the community where children grow.

This was the message emphasized by former Lubuagan Mayor Atty. Ann Ann Dickpus during the Lubuagan District Stakeholder, School Head and Teachers’ Convergence held at Lubuagan Central School on September 30, 2026.

With the theme “Building Character, Transforming Lives Together,” the convergence brought together educators, parents, local officials and community representatives to discuss values formation, positive discipline and learner well-being amid the changing social and digital environment surrounding children.

For Dickpus, education should go beyond academic achievement and preparation for employment.

“We go to school not only to gain knowledge and prepare ourselves to earn a living. We go to school to become better persons. Knowledge can open opportunities, but character guides us in what we do with those opportunities,” she said.

She urged parents to regard character formation as an investment in their children’s future, alongside education and their material needs.

“We work hard to give our children a good education and a better future. But let us invest just as seriously in who they become. Achievements are important, but the kind of person our child becomes will matter throughout life,” Dickpus said.

A different world for today’s children

Dickpus also challenged adults to look beyond the familiar observation that “Iba na ang mga bata ngayon.”

She said children today are growing up amid influences that previous generations did not experience to the same extent, particularly through social media and technology.

“Our children are growing up in a different world. They are exposed to many influences—from friends and the community to social media and technology. Instead of simply saying, ‘Iba na ang mga bata ngayon,’ let us also look at the world they are growing up in,” she said.

The stronger the influences surrounding children, she added, the more intentional adults must be in helping them develop a strong foundation.

Dickpus cited the DepEd values of Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan and Makabansa, together with the Kalinga values of Paniyaw, Ngilin and Bain, saying these principles become meaningful when practiced in everyday life.

For Christian families, she encouraged parents to nurture their children’s faith and discipleship beginning at home and extending into the community, while respecting families of other faiths and traditions.

She also cited Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go,” as a reminder of the formative role of the home in a child’s life.

Character-building is everyone’s work

Beyond the family and school, Dickpus encouraged community members to take part in initiatives that benefit children and the wider community.

“We don’t need to be in power or hold a position before we can contribute. If something is good for our children and our community, let us participate and do our part. Let us set politics and personal differences aside when the common good is at stake,” she said.

The convergence also tackled learning systems reform policies, including the three-term school calendar. Public Schools District Supervisor Marivic Wandagan led the activity, with Education Program Supervisor for Values Education Belen Yag-ao serving as resource speaker.

Antonete Viernes of the 2nd Kalinga Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd KPMFC) of the Philippine National Police also discussed children’s cyber safety and the need to protect young people as they navigate social media, technology and the online world.

Dickpus, a member of SAVE Kalinga, attended as a community member and shared her reflections during the discussions.

The convergence ultimately underscored a simple but important lesson: schools cannot build the character of the next generation alone.

The values children learn in school must be reinforced at home and reflected in the communities where they live.

For Dickpus, building a better generation is therefore not the responsibility of teachers alone. It is shared work—one that asks parents, educators and communities to help children become not only knowledgeable and successful, but good and responsible people.