Orata History

Summary

The video tells the inspiring story of Pedro Theora Dyer, born in 1899 in Barangay Bata, Pangasinan. Despite growing up in poverty, Pedro pursued education, selling vegetables to pay school fees and later working multiple jobs in the U.S. to fund his studies. He graduated with honors from the University of Illinois and completed a doctorate at Ohio University. Returning to the Philippines, he became a pioneering educator, founding barrio high schools and community colleges, including Ordaneta City University. He was recognized with the 1971 Ramon Magsaysay Award for his 44 years of educational service.

Takeaways

• 👶 Pedro Theora Dyer was born on February 27, 1899, in Barangay Bata, Pangasinan, and grew up in a poor family.
• 🥬 As a child, he sold vegetables to pay for his school fees, showing his determination to pursue education despite hardships.
• 👟 His father bought him a pair of shoes that were too big, but he found a creative way to wear them, symbolizing resilience.
• 🚶 Pedro often walked long distances, such as from Ordinator to Binmalana and back, to attend school and visit home.
• 🎓 Despite financial difficulties, he graduated as valedictorian from high school and dreamt of studying abroad.
• 🇺🇸 His sister Victorina helped him move to the United States by secretly saving money, allowing him to pursue his education.
• 📚 He worked multiple jobs in the U.S., including dishwashing and fixing rails, and eventually graduated with honors from the University of Illinois in 1924.
• 🎓 Pedro earned a master's degree in 1925 and later completed his doctorate in philosophy at Ohio University in 1927.
• 🏫 Upon returning to the Philippines, he worked as a teacher and became the youngest division superintendent, establishing numerous barrio high schools and community colleges.
• 🏆 In 1971, Pedro Theora Dyer received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his 44 years of contributions to education, particularly for promoting education in rural areas.

Q & A

Who is the pioneer of Barrio High Schools mentioned in the script?

Pedro Theora Dyer is the pioneer of Barrio High Schools mentioned in the script.

Where and when was Pedro Theora Dyer born?

Pedro Theora Dyer was born on February 27, 1899, in Barangay Bata, Pangasinan, Philippines.

What challenges did Pedro Theora Dyer face during his early education?

Pedro faced financial difficulties during his early education, selling vegetables to pay school fees. He also wore shoes that were too large, with his father suggesting that he wear them on the opposite feet to make them feel better.

How did Pedro Theora Dyer’s sister, Victorina, help him pursue education in the United States?

Victorina secretly saved coins from her laundry work and taking in boarders. She used these savings to help Pedro travel to the United States to pursue his college education.

What jobs did Pedro Theora Dyer do while studying in the United States?

Pedro worked several jobs, including dishwashing and fixing rails, to earn money while pursuing his studies.

What degrees did Pedro Theora Dyer earn during his time in the United States?

Pedro earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education in 1924, a master's degree in 1925, both from the University of Illinois, and a doctorate in philosophy from Ohio University in 1927.

What was Pedro Theora Dyer’s first job upon returning to the Philippines?

Pedro's first job upon returning to the Philippines was as a teacher at Bambang Normal School and Philippine Normal School.

What educational initiative did Pedro Theora Dyer introduce in the Philippines?

Pedro Theora Dyer introduced Barrio High Schools and community colleges in the Philippines to provide education to rural Filipino youth.

Which educational institution did Pedro Theora Dyer establish that later became a university?

Pedro established the Ordinator Community College, which later became City Colleges of Ordinator and is now known as Ordinator City University.

What recognition did Pedro Theora Dyer receive for his contributions to education in the Philippines?

Pedro Theora Dyer received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 1971, recognizing his 44 years of creative work in education, particularly his promotion of Barrio High Schools.