Module 3: What is Development

Activity 3.1. The Hatching Process

Draw three pictures of an egg undergoing what is roughly depicting three stages in the

hatching process:

1.Why was the eggshell broken?

The eggshell starts to break because the chick is moving inside.

2. Where did the force come from?

The chick wants to come out and is trying to break the shell using its beak.

3. The life of the chick inside the eggshell, is there a right time for it to move and break-open the eggshell? When is this time?

The right time is when the chick has the reached the development stage when it is strong enough to break the shell and be able to survive on its own.

4. If somebody tries to break the eggshell from the outside, what is likely to happen to the undeveloped chick inside?

The chick will die.

5. What viewpoint(s) of development is (are) portrayed by this picture?

A developing community can be compared to a hatching egg. The initiative/ force to change should come from its own community people. Development will not happen instantly. “Nasa tamang panahon” – Lola Nidora

6. What can science do to the egg-hatching process?

Science can serve as an incubator by providing heat to support the development occurring inside the community. Science can only assist to make sure that changes happen on a sustainable manner. However, the chick still has the capability to break the shell on its own.

Activity 3.2. The Moth and Development

It was one sultry afternoon in the summer of ’72, when a seven-year old boy named PEPITO asked permission from his mother to take a refreshing stroll in the woods.

He wanted to escape from the blistering heat of the sun and enjoy the scenery of the varied and colorful trees in the forest. His beloved mother, however, did not allow him to go because she was thinking of the dangers in the forest.

But Pepito was very insistent. Like any seven-year old boy, he really wanted to explore the wonders in the woods. So, when his mother was not looking, he sneaked out.

Now in the woods, Pepito was happy playing with the exuberant leaves and flowers of the trees. Unknowingly he was already deep into the forest. When he got tired, he couldn’t find his way back home any more. The sun had set and darkness was slowly engulfing the scenery.

Pepito shouted for help breaking the reunion of the birds nearby. But the creaking twigs and branches of the trees and the chirping of insects warning him that soon it will be total darkness drowned his voice.

He ran and ran at no direction until he chanced upon a familiar figure, MANG TOMAS,

the village sage – the village wise man. Mang Tomas at that time was so engrossed with something. He was looking underneath a leaf and seemed unmindful of Pepito’s

presence and worry. Mang Tomas was very much preoccupied with what he was

examining.

Pepito, now impatient, grabbed Mang Tomas’ pants and said, “I’m very glad to see you,

Mang Tomas. I’ve been shouting, crying for help.”

Mang Tomas finally faced Pepito and said, “Pepito, have you heard of a pupae or a cocoon?”

Pepito wondered but became curious about what Mang Tomas was looking at, then said,

“No, Mang Tomas, I don’t know. What is a pupae or cocoon?” So, Mang Tomas explained that the pupae or the cocoon envelops a worm, (this is one of the stages in the metamorphosis of a moth) just nesting until it develops further to break its pupa case. After a few days, it will become a beautiful moth.”

Pepito became amused and curious. He expressed his desire to bring home the pupae and watch it become a moth.

“Okay, Pepito,” said Mang Tomas, “but remember this advice: You’re not supposed to do anything on this pupa case. As you reach home, get a glass and place this pupa case inside. Put it in a place where you can always see it.”

Pepito promised that he would follow the advice of the village sage. It was already dark when the two reached their homes.

On the third day, while Pepito was preparing for school, he noticed something moving in the glass. He went closer to be sure of himself and he was right – something was moving; there was an activity going on inside. The silky case opened a little bit and the tiny moth inside wanted to come out. This happening excited Pepito more. He was so engrossed that he missed his school.

While looking at the pupa case moving Pepito became bothered and concerned. There was no progress. The insect was having a hard time coming out from its case.

Pepito watched the insect struggle until he could no longer stand what he was witnessing and sympathy got the better of him. He got a pair of scissors and enlarged the opening in the pupa case with the intention of helping the insect. The little opening gave way and the moth flew up into the air. But a few seconds later, the moth fell down, immobile and lifeless.

Pepito’s sister, NENA who was watching him at that time, picked up the moth and told

Pepito: “The moth is dead, Pepito, what did you do?”

Pepito answered: “I just opened the pupae a little bit with this pair of scissors and the moth flew instantly to my surprise.”

Pepito took the moth from his sister and hurriedly went to Mang Tomas.

“Mang Tomas, what happened to the moth”, asked Pepito. And Mang Tomas answered,

“Maybe you did something with the pupa case, Pepito.”

Pepito told Mang Tomas what had happened when he made a little opening with a pair of scissors to help the moth free itself from the case. Mang Tomas shook his head and told Pepito: “What you did was not good. You did not follow my advice.”

Self-Assessment Questions

1. Was Pepito’s action of opening up the pupa case with a pair of scissors, good or bad for the moth? Explain.

Pepito’s action was wrong. Cutting the pupa case has broken the natural development process of the moth. There are stages that the moth needs to pass through naturally in order to develop properly and for it to achieve its potential to survive and live.

2. Assuming that Pepito is the change agency and the moth trying to get out of the pupa case is a farm family, an individual, a community or even society in general, what application can you draw from this story of the moth?

I think the will and efforts to change should come from within. It should be initiated by the family or community who needs to change. No one can force someone to change if he or she is not ready or does not want to change.

3. If a development worker tries to help the farmer, what is he/she in fact, doing to the farmer? Is this good or bad for the farmer in the long run? By doing the work for the farmer, what is the development worker depriving the farmer of?

The sense of ownership is taken away from the farmer. The development worker can get the results he/she wants at first but eventually change will not be sustained because the farmer is not committed to the work or has not learned.

4.When the insect was struggling to get out, what purpose or function was this doing to itself? What is the importance of the process or struggle in the development of any system?

In this stage, the moth develops the ability to learn how to get out of the case on its own. This stage leads the moth to discover the abilities and strengths that it has. Like a developing community, the people should learn to overcome struggles and challenges.

5. What principles in development can we draw from this?

Development does not happen overnight. It takes time and patience. Development strategies should be carefully examined and implemented.

6. Was Mang Tomas partly responsible for the tragedy? Explain. How could he have avoided the tragedy? What could he have told Pepito to prevent the thing from happening?

Mang Tomas failed to inform Pepito of the consequence of his action. I am sure if Pepito will not cut the pupa case if he has been informed that the moth will die.

7. With respect to question no. 5, what principle can you draw regarding the role of development worker as educator?

A development worker should communicate effectively at the right time. Information should be given properly to make sure that development activities will flow smoothly.