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2021 ̶ ISSUE 1

#LigtasNaBalikEskwela

#AcademicFreeze

situation of education amid pandemic

HOW WELL ARE YOU COPING IN THE NEW MODE OF LEARNING

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In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, group calls for safe reopening of schools Pilot Implementation of Limited Physical Classes

CHED allows “limited face-to-face” classes in 24 schools Take Your Stand: Are You in Favor of the Academic Freeze

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#AcademicFreeze vs #LigtasNaBalikEskwela Coping Up with the New Education System The Contributors

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Social Media Rally: The People’s Pleas

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The New Way of Learning: Modalities Amidst Pandemic

words_elsiha jezreel ang. editor_jerilyn buena

BLENDED LEARNING This is a form of learning delivery that incorporates face-to-face instruction with any or more of the following: online distance learning, modular distance learning, and TV/Radio-based instruction. Blended learning would allow schools to restrict faceto-face learning, retain social isolation, and reduce the number of people outside the home at any given time.

DISTANCE LEARNING This is a learning delivery mode in which learning occurs between the instructor and learners who are physically separated from each other during teaching. Modular Distance Learning (MDL), Online Distance Learning (ODL), and TV/Radio-Based Teaching are the three forms of this modality.

MODULAR DISTANCE

ONLINE DISTANCE

Involves individualized instruction that allows learners to use selflearning modules (SLMs) in print or digital format/electronic copy, whichever is applicable in the context of the learner, and other learning resources like Learner's Materials, textbooks, activity sheets, studyguides and other study materials. The teacher takes the responsibility of monitoring the progress of the learners.

Features the teacher as facilitator, engaging learners' active participation through the use of various technologies accessed through the internet while they are geographically remote from each other during instruction. The internet is used to facilitate learner-teacher and peer-to-peer communication. This mode allows live synchronous instruction.

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words_jerilyn buena

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to frighten the Filipino netizens with its continuous threat to their lives and safety, the government and one of the executive departments of it — Department of Education (DepEd) — were thorn whether they would prioritize the student’s health first or their education.

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Social Media Rally

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www.the-people’s-pleas-social-media-rally.com

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After numerous reviews and studies of the Department of Education (DepEd), they decided to push through a new academic year amidst the said threat.

They will not allow the traditional way of face-to-face classes unless a vaccine is made available. Hence, leaving the only option of distance education through different methods such as online learning, modular learning, blended learning, and flexible learning. The Department of Education (DepEd) said that they are not forcing nor requiring the students and their families to afford gadgets for the new proposed way. The mode of learning will still depend on the student’s available resources.

Nonetheless, most of the tuition fees in private schools and universities have little to no changes at all due to the expenses in adapting the alternative learning modes to ensure unimpeded education.

This decision has angered both the students and their parents. Following this situation, the #AcademicFreeze and

#NoStudentLeftBehind trended on different social media platforms. A social media rally has blown up. The number of students appealing for this kind of measure continues to increase day by day. Different arguments and reasonings were discussed on the internet but it mostly concerns the possibility of the negative effect on the students’ mental health and breakdowns as well as the unprivileged students that can be left behind. One of the tweets in Twitter said, “I hope mass testing will be done so we can go back to school.

Education is our right, whether rich or poor.” While another expresses his stand on a tweet saying, “What about the students who want to study? Because of how difficult our system is, some of them need to graduate immediately so they can get a job and earn money.

What about them?” However, despite these pleas, the Department of Education still rejected the calls for an academic freeze.

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Social Media Rally

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www.the-people’s-pleas-social-media-rally.com

Since many people became unemployed, students are not the only ones who struggle. Their parents also carry the burden that comes with it. As told in an interview in Rappler, Tringkly Cortes, whose four children were all enrolled for the academic year 2020 2021, was truly disheartened with the new expenses they have to allot for their children’s distance education. She also mentioned that they are just connecting to the WiFi of their neighbour. Not to mention that the stability of the internet connection is a real issue that adds up to the difficulties. It gets interrupted from time to time. Mrs. Cortes’ family is not the only one who is experiencing these kinds of issues. Majority of Filipinos are going through the same situation considering that the Philippines’ poverty rate and internet connection stability are a big problem. Parents throughout the country are also expected to take the role as a supporting teacher to their children’s education, especially for those who are in modular learning. However, they struggle to fit into this role as most of them said they were not trained to be one.

As the new way of learning continues to push through, with only few months of starting the academic year 2020 - 2021, many reported incidents of students commiting suicide

and having worse mental health issues fired.

A new hashtag (#LigtasNaBalikEskwela) trended.

Considering the poor government response, the students are calling for a concrete action and solution. One of the social media posts said, “What we should fight for is not to stop studying but to call on the government for action so that we can hold physical school. Although it has its flaws, faceto-face is still the best form of instruction.” Both teachers and students are having a hard time now. Students question the quality of education they are receiving and complain about the heavy workload given.

Nonetheless, these two different arguments [academic freeze and safe return to school] are useless if our government personnels remain deaf and blind to the difficulties the students, teachers, and parents are experiencing. The situation will keep on worsening through time. I can say that those unprivileged are not the only ones who are being left behind.

The Philippines itself is be it on vaccination, education system, etc.

However, in these trying times, all we can do is to continue using our voices until our pleas are heard.

user01 what we should fight for is not to stop studying but to call on the government for action so that we can hold physical school. although it has its flaws, face-to-face is still the best form of instruction Twitter for iPhone

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words_elsiha jezreel ang. editor_jerilyn buena

Clearer proposals and concrete strategies for school openings that emphasizes affordable, accessible, and better education for both teacher and students, expectations that proposed to be announced by President Duterte’s administration from the teachers and members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines and the Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) for the opening of schools amidst the COVID-19 situation in the country.

“We march today for teachers and staff whose lives are endangered for the lack of safety nets, for millions of

learners who will be left disenfranchised by an inaccessible learning program and for parents who are struggling to keep their families afloat amid the sinking economy,” TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas said. Safe classrooms, nurses at every classroom, an Internet grant, a laptop for every teacher, mass testing, free care, a wellness fund, the protection of intellectual freedom, and assistance and work for retrenched private school workers are among the demands of the community.

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“Ligtas na Balik-Eskwela” (Safe

Schools Opening), is also their call to the President’s administration on account of the shortage of time of preparation and the fulfillment of major requisites to a secure, affordable, and high education for all learners to ensure that every student will be safe and there will be no student left behind.

Instead of the DepEdpushed learning continuity plan (LCP), (that aims to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and personnel, and the continuity of learning), they believe

that a “responsive education not only to ensure connectivity for everyone but also to assist the youth in overcoming the pandemic” should be implemented. According to ACT Basilio, the national government should also set aside a budget to finance the appropriate facilities for safe schools.

The TDC stated that there are several factors that must be weighed if the government proceeds with the opening of classes in “whatever form” as declared by Education Secretary Leonor Briones.

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words_mariah jichelle nokom. editor_jerilyn buena PARALLEL TRAILS

In line with the Commission on Higher Education for letting a few selected colleges and universities have a faceto-face class throughout the country, the Department of Education released their official statement regarding the possibilities and risks that may occur with the said enactment. On February 24, 2021, it is said that the 'existing laws expressly provide power to the President to make final decisions on education policies', which means that they will most

According to DepEd, this are the stringent conditions that needs to be applied if the pilot implementation may happen:

Pilot implementation of face-toface classes will take place only in areas categorized as low-risk (at least under Modified General Community Quarantine or MGCQ).

In addition, there are also exactly 1904 public schools nationwide that are applicable and possible to be a part of the pilot study of the narrowed face-to-face classes.

"We shall continue to coordinate with national and local authorities and health experts, parents, teachers and service providers.

likely rely on the President's decision before executing some actions. Due to the limited and in short supply for the vaccine, and the government having a hard time on handling the vaccines because of the rapid increase of the number of cases, the DepEd stated to prepare and work out some action plans and readiness while waiting and when the time comes that the President will give his approval to avoid more risks and be prepared to any peril that may come.

There must be a commitment for shared responsibility of DepEd, the local government unit (LGU), the parents or guardians and the providers of transportation.

Stringent health and safety standards shall be followed at home, during travel to and from the schools, and within school premises.

We have also started consulting our various stakeholders to address challenges in the distance learning setup but most importantly, we have been in constant dialogue with our studentleaders and learners to formulate informed strategies and policy direction that will best serve their interest in these trying times."

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CHED ALLOWS “LIMITED FACETO-FACE” CLASSES IN 24 CHED has chosen schools that SCHOOLS offer allied health-related words_kyra eunice nazareno. editor_jerilyn buena

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) confirmed that 24 higher education institutions (HEis) all over the country have been allowed to hold limited face-to-face classes. Effective in the 2nd Semester of Academic Year (AY) 2020-2021.

courses, including Medicine, Nursing, Medical Technology or Medical Laboratory Science, Physical Therapy, Midwifery, and Public Health to reopen for the conduct of limited face-to-face classes. CHED prioritizes these courses in order to provide additional manpower to the country's health-care system.

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With the implementation of limited face-to-face classes, students will have access to all of the necessary equipment, technology, and materials for the course they are involved in. Students will be able to achieve key learning outcomes, particularly in specialized laboratory courses, as a result of this. This type of learning will allow their students to gain experience in health-related topics and will help students have proper knowledge because teachers and professors will undoubtedly help in building those quality needed skills, as opposed to online classes, which cause some students, even teachers to have difficulty in understanding.

Prospero De Vera, chair of the CHED, stated that this is not mandatory and that there will be alternative methods for students who do not wish to physically attend the said limited face-to-face classes. Despite the implementation of these limited face-to-face classes,

De Vera stated that the HEis will be monitored to ensure that schools provide a safe environment for their students.

President Rodrigo Duterte approved the resumption of limited in-person classes earlier this year, particularly in medical and allied health programs at HEis. De Vera said, “This is also the reason why President Duterte approved limited faceto-face classes – because our HEis can help the government’s vaccination program.”

To date, the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila Central University Gymnasium, St Louis University Baguio Gymnasium, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, Our Lady of Fatima University and the Central Philippine University have offered to serve as vaccination centers. The CHED Public Health Experts Group is assisting CHED in developing guidelines for establishing vaccination centers in HEis.

The schools allowed for a limited face-to-face are: NCR Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Santo Tomas, University of East Ramon Magsaysay, Our Lady of Fatima University – Quezon City, Our, Lady of Fatima University – Valenzuela City, Manila Central University, University of the Philippines – Manila

CORDILLERA REGION St. Louis University

ILOCOS REGION Mariano Marcos State University – Batac

CALABARZON

CENTRAL VISAYAS

Adventist University of the Philippines, De La Salle Health and Medical Science Institute, University of Perpetual Help – Don Jose, Our Lady of Fatima University – Sta. Rosa

Cebu Institute of Medicine, University of Cebu School of Medicine Zamboanga Peninsula, Blancia Foundation College, Inc.

WESTERN VISAYAS

Xavier University, Liceo de Cagayan University

West Visayas State University, Central Philippine University, Iloilo Doctors’ College of Medicine, University of Iloilo

BICOL REGION

MINDANAO

CENTRAL LUZON Our Lady of Fatima University – City of San Fernando

Naga College Foundation PARALLEL TRAILS

TAKE YOUR STAND:

ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF ACADEMIC FRREZE?

I am for the implementation of academic freeze.

Not all of us have the same resources and materials for the new normal way of learning. I am also a victim of this as I don't have the appropriate gadgets for this, and my parents were just forced to buy me a personal computer. We also don't have the proper and stable network for online class, and this also applies to almost everyone. The rate of unenrolled students increased drastically due to various reasons. Instead of being able to learn, students just got used with the idea of passing instead of learning.

The year 2020 was truly a disaster that no one had anticipated, despite a continuous call for academic freeze, classes were still going through, and it was a real struggle for everyone from the beginning to the end. A lot of parents have lost their job and are having a hard time coping with how they're going to live, but they also want their children to go to school, sacrificing their lives to make a living even though there's a pandemic going on. The government has already taken alternative measures to ensure that students learn in the safest way possible because of the pandemic, but not all students, even some teachers, can afford this way of learning.

- Kyra Eunice Nazareno

- Mariah Jichelle Nokom

I am against the implementation of academic freeze. The fact that implementing an academic freeze will not leave any students behind would have made a better option. However, what happens after that?

With the classes halted, given that our government’s pandemic management and response is poor, it is not guaranteed that they will further address the education system under pandemic and work in finding the best solution for safe learning. Considering also the number of jobs that will be lost and contribute to the rise of the unemployment rate.

- Jerilyn Buena

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My stand in this proposition is against, I am not saying this not because I am privileged and I may have all the things I needed for education but, let us also think about the teachers, faculty members will be affected and may lose their jobs and the possibility that schools, businesses will shut down that our country economically, would be in a huge risk. For me, Academic freeze is not the best option for us students and the teachers, being against is not the best option also but what I can see is the best option is for us Filipinos to help each other especially in these times.

- Elisha Jezreel Ang

Academic Freeze

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www.academic-freeze.com

Many people are protesting online about the new education system in the country. Different people have their different insights, stand, reasoning, or argument. But there are also people who remain neutral. These arguments includes the #AcademicFreeze and #LigtasNaBalikEskwela. This two may appear to be just the same. However, they are different. see next page

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#AcademicFreeze vs #LigtasNaBaikEskwela “Ang education makakapaghintay ‘yan. Pero hindi ko pa [kayang] i-risk ang safety ng mga anak ko kapag lumabas na lang sila. Natatakot ako na baka mamaya pag-uwi nito galing sa school eh may COVID-19 na pala.” words_mariah jichelle. editor_jerilyn buena

T

here has been a massive response from millions of Filipino students and teachers across the country in line with the implementation of the new learning system, and the announcement of the pilot implementation of limited faceto-face classes. This school year 20202021 still continues with a new way of learning which is online and modular learning. A lot of us encountered difficulties and had a hard time coping up with these 'new normal'. Yet, even though wishing for everything to be back to normal and have the usual physical classes, the netizens didn't concur with the government's decision to have it when the number of cases increase rapidly like wildfire.

With our neighboring countries also being affected by COVID-19, the same risks and situations happened to them. But due to the poor handling of our government to this pandemic, it's not a surprise that we had it worse than them. Vietnam quickly organized a response when they had their first confirmed case. They traced all of the datas and people that just arrived and departed from their country.

Taiwan was also one of the countries who prevented the worst scenarios that might happen. They're one of the countries who're left out about the outbreak, but still decided to come up with plans regardless of them being outdated. Resulting in their proper and better way of handling made their students to have a normal education.

Here are some of the major concerns that are always voiced out: • • •

Online classes are necessary for the current situation but do not consider students with lack of resources.

Other Southeast Asian countries were able to overcome the outbreak by prioritizing the needs of its healthcare system.

The Philippine government should prioritize its health situation to ensure a safe return to school.

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#AcademicFreeze #LigtasNaBaikEskwela is one way to ensure that no student will be left behind; however, this is only a band-aid solution to our country’s problems.

is a better alternative that includes the needs of teachers and staff and also encourages better, longterm plans of action.

“

Filipinos deserve quality education.

Filipinos deserve a transparent government.

Filipinos deserve accessible healthcare.

Filipinos deserve support for frontliners and teachers.

Filipinos deserve competent leaders.

Filipinos deserve more.

This is a call for change.

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Just like Bacelisco, we all want our students to be safe from this virus.

However, ensuring the safety of these students shouldn’t come at the cost of our education

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COPING UP WITH THE NEW EDUCATION SYSTEM The following is the list of student-approved tips and tricks for making online learning a better experience, including strategies for staying motivated, focused, and successful in online learning. words_kyra nazareno. design_jerilyn buena

GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER Orderliness allows students to feel at ease, as if they can carve out their own space and know where to find what they need. Such convenience enables necessary transactions to take place without the benefit of the kinds of human presence found in a traditional school. A sense of order fosters familiarity and predictability, laying the groundwork for face-to-face learning.

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE Younger learners and those with special needs will require extensive adult involvement in a remote learning setting. Families should be given instructions and guidance on how to support their children's ongoing learning.

THE POMODORO METHOD With this technique, you work on a task for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break.

You repeat until you've completed four "Pomodoro" sessions. After four sessions you then take a 30-minute break. The method's integrated and holistic goal is to avoid procrastination and over learning.

SETTING SMART GOALS Only you have the ability to motivate yourself; this is known as internal motivation. Set objectives for each class. Write down your classes and desired grades based on your goals. Then tape your goals somewhere you'll see them every day, and write motivational quotes next to them. This will keep you motivated to achieve your goals.

ORGANIZE YOUR LIST Don't put too many items on your list that you know you won't be able to complete. This way, you'll be able to finish your plan of action. This comes down to three steps: organize your list, prioritize, and execute. Take action to complete your list to avoid overloading yourself with activities.

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SET RULES FOR YOURSELF Tips for overcoming procrastination; includes studying techniques, knowing when to work, and setting deadlines.

Try making your own success rules; participate in online groups and discussion forums, seek joy in learning, and turn in assignments on time.

INTERACT WITH TEACHERS Despite the online learning system, there are several ways to interact with your teachers and professors. Send them an email and inquire about their preferred method of communication, such as apps or emails. It is best to interact with them during working hours in order to connect and achieve success in the new learning system.

A simple but adventurous grade 11 student. A Photo Staff of DLSU-D La Estrella Verde and a former news writer.

A senior high, grade 11 STEM student. She got interested in editing and eventually explored different apps. She had already worked on multiple layout designs.

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A former sports writer in “the Image” newspaper of Immaculate Conception School of Naic. A former studentathlete. A simple eleventhgrade student who enjoys trying new things.

A girl who continues. She who prefers to stay in the shadows.

Mariah Jichelle is a timid yet passionate grade 11 student who aspires to be a pilot, and also loves writing.

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PARALLEL TRAILS  2021  ISSUE 1