PBHS learners reflect on school closures

By Mikaela Mia Miranda

LAST August 22, around 900 learners returned to Ponciano Bernardo High School (PBHS) for their first in-person classes since the COVID-19 pandemic hit two years ago. Because the virus is continuously spreading and evolving, PBHS learners reflected on what had changed since then and what safety measures they still take.

There were policies and procedures in place at the beginning of the pandemic to guarantee public health. During the pandemic, it became customary to wash hands as often as possible, wear masks or gloves to carry out everyday activities like grocery shopping, and isolate oneself from the community.

As the number of COVID-19 cases increased,

Russel Ann Loveria of Grade 9 Del Rosario recalled how terrifying it was to step outside for the first time.

Brandon Vildad from Grade 9 Aguilar also recalled feeling anxious. “Being aware that my mother occasionally had direct contact with people who were infected with the virus increased my worry, according to Vildad, who works in the healthcare industry.”

Many PBHS learners developed new interests and talents during the pandemic to help them cope with their worry. Carl Zaldy Castro of Grade 8 Kamagongsaid he began to exercise more. The biggest factor that led her to where she is today, according to Maria Ysabelle Kim of Grade 7 Maagap was “having a solid support system and family during the pandemic.”

Kim mentioned how she spent a lot of time with her family during the first lockdown. “I have come to appreciate how precious and important those moments were now that we are no longer in lockdown. If there was any benefit to the epidemic, that would be it,” she added. Although Covid may seem like a thing of the past, the virus is still active and instances are continually growing. Desa Denise Jarlego from Grade 10 Aguinaldo said she would continue to take the necessary steps to stop the spread of COVID by always having a hand sanitizer on her. To prevent the pandemic from occurring again, Arnie Justine Anota from Grade 9 Aguilar said that everyone should continue to use the same hygienic measures they did during the lockdown.

“I realize that many of us want to move past the epidemic and get back to normal, but in order to accomplish that, we must all continue to prioritize our health.”