Apparently, Filipinos are known for their resiliency—having the ability to easily adapt and to positively adjust immediately after a catastrophic event. But is the education system in the Philippines capable of being resilient too?
As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, education is one of the most affected sectors since our previous school setup involves primarily of face-to-face learning along with the physical interactions with classmates, faculty, and even staff. With this being said, the education sectors here in the Philippines formulated the shift to the most accessible distance learning tools during this difficult time which is the utilization of various online platforms such as Google Classroom, Zoom, and Edmodo. This transition to online and modular learning accounts for the definition of the mainstream phrase “new normal” in education. It also comprises the shift of delivery of teaching methods from teacher-centered to independent and self-paced learning as well as the shift of methods of evaluation from examinations to activities and worksheets.
Since most of the students find this “new normal” challenging in many aspects, there has been a call to freeze this academic year in various social networking sites. But the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) still push through the opening of classes. According to the latest press briefing with DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, “This is a celebration. This is a declaration of victory. A declaration of continuity of education whatever challenges we are facing. Education will continue, and children will continue learning, and parents will continue supporting us. Our government, our teachers, all of us are involved in this effort and this will be the biggest victory of all at this time of the pandemic.”
However, right after the start of online and offline modes of learning, rampant onset of issues concerning slow and unstable internet connectivity, lack of means to purchase appropriate electronic devices, and absence of space between personal and professional life is encountered both by the students and the teachers. This definitely displays the unpreparedness of the education system to endure a change coming from its roots. Moreover, it also shows that the ineffectiveness of “new normal” learning in the Philippines stems from the prevailing issues in regulations of telecommunication networks and the fact that the Philippines is a third world country.
Indeed, Filipinos are known for their resiliency—having the ability to easily adapt and to positively adjust immediately after a catastrophic event. But the education system cannot quickly cope up with changes—it is far from being resilient. Now more than ever, proper implementation and adequate supply of resources must first be ensured to generate quality education to students even at home.
By: Angela Racquel A. Marzan | Teacher I | Sta. Rita High School
