The UNBREAKABLE Path to FITNESS

Due to the diverse repercussions of the global pandemic, the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas altered its modal delivery for all of its courses. From full face-to-face fashion, adjustments were produced in order to supplement the succeeding academic years through enriched virtual learning.

In due course, students and their instructors were able to adapt to the ongoing setup; yet, a good few still struggled in this regard. For instance, general education courses such as Physical Education are customarily intended to be delivered in person. In such a manner, both highlights and challenges are manifested throughout.

Traditionally, students would arrive at the institution to participate in their respective Path-Fit classes. Depending on the sort of activities, regions were designated for each and every session. This type of conventional framework was considered highly effective for some, while others found it inconvenient.

Typically, the institution provides the materials and equipment for its pupils. Proper techniques are also sufficiently exhibited and can be easily reiterated for the sake of clarification. Regardless, drawbacks are still induced in this setup. For instance, students with serious health-related issues found it difficult to partake in physical activities.

Unlike the current virtual setup, where learners can ob- serve their courses in their individual homes, managing time was likewise regarded as a bit of a concern due to the fact that some schedules are continuous, particularly for irregular pupils. Also, students who live far from the university struggled the most in the face-to-face setup.

As Path-Fit classes persisted in the comfort of the learners’ own homes, students were able to address their time management concerns. Necessary preparations for classes were trimmed, and travel time was cut, granting more spare time to be allotted to personal matters.

In correspondence to the physical classes being halted, the utilization of uniforms was also involved. As a result, some students benefited from this matter, due to the fact that school expenses were also lessened. This aided numerous students in cutting down on school fees and reserving their funds for other necessary expenses.

Unlike the face-to-face setup where assessments are done physically, requirements and activities are to be submitted directly to the professor, resulting in some students performing better and more comfortably. Assigned tasks can also be performed multiple times, permitting the students to submit a higher-quality output that unleashes the best out of them. Also, in terms of lectures, recordings are handed out which allow the accomplishment made at such a young age. pupils to watch and examine them numerous times for further clarification and comprehension.

As a ME graduate, Garcia noted that his collegiate program found direct bearing and applications in the development of the SVC.

“This project was [built] at the exact time I took Automotive Engineering as my elective course and as we progressed on building the SVC, the elective course guided me,” stated Garcia in an interview with Thomasian Engineer representatives.

To UST’s credit again, Garcia is not the only Thomasian graduate involved in the project. The SVC’s designer, John Martin Anos Garcia, is a graduate of UST Architecture while his younger brother, Stephen Anthony Anos Garcia, took up a Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Entrepreneurship at UST as well.

“Representing the Philippines is a big honor, combined with my passion and love for cars, [is] a dream come true. I would love to continue working and fulfill the goal, to show the Filipino skills to the world,” Garcia said with pride.

ARM’s development of the Squad Vehicle Charlie sets a new precedent in the Philippines’ ability to independently produce world-class military vehicles and equipment, leaving behind its history of outsourcing second-rate equipment from other countries. Although the SVC’s operational capabilities are yet to be put to the test, one cannot help but look on in awe at the groundbreaking strides made by ARM and its proud Thomasian members in overhauling and improving the AFP’s military assets to better uphold national defense, peace, and order in the Philippines.

Nevertheless, a home setup is still considered a challenge in relation to physical classes, due to the fact that the integrity of physical classes is somewhat overlooked. Materials and equipment that are unavailable in the students’ comfort would mandate them to improvise on their own. Further, not all are capable of acquiring a good space allocation for physical activities, making it tough for them to participate.

One significant factor that the online mode of learning delivery cannot provide is the physical interaction of the students. The fun and comfort that a student receives from their relationships with their blockmates and friends are missed out. Nonetheless, this detail is sacrificed in order for students to endure learning during the time of the pandemic.

As face-to-face classes transitioned to online classes, necessary adjustments and the best possible solutions were generated and followed to overcome hurdles encountered along the way. The solutions implemented have pros and cons, but it is given that they can’t be bypassed. At this time, people have shown eagerness and resilience in continuing to trace the path toward fitness.

Defending from thefront lines: