Filipino teachers and the passion that makes learning continuity possible

The new normal may have limited physical interaction, but in no way did it hinder the unyielding commitment and drive of those at the frontlines of education – Filipino teachers. Even if the academic community is facing numerous challenges in preparation for school year 2020-2021, countless Filipino teachers remain passionate about providing quality basic education to their students.

Two amazing examples of these teachers are Teacher Garcia and Teacher Catolin, who continue to work tirelessly to ensure that their students still receive quality education.

Accepting education’s new normal

Master Teacher Enrique Garcia is a member of the Cagayan National High School faculty. Like many others, he received training for distance learning through webinars. This prepared him and many others for the potential challenges that might come during the school year. “Last April, when we were still under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), I created self-paced modules. I came up with this idea because it’s one way to be able to help my students for the coming school year,” said Mr. Garcia. According to Mr. Garcia, he spends his time collaborating with school leaders and his fellow teachers to create efficient class programs that will help the school adapt to the new normal. He also often meets with his colleagues virtually to discuss appropriate and effective learning delivery modalities for the upcoming school year.

Mr. Garcia goes the extra mile by putting his students first and considering what learning delivery modality is apt for each of them. “I have to consider those who have the resources and those who have limited resources. After all, I cannot utilize a one-size-fits-all scheme. I deeply understand that my students are as diverse as the dreams their hearts have known.” He is a fine example of staying committed to delivering education amidst the pandemic.

Overcoming challenges

Aglonok Primary School Teacher Argy Catolin is a proud member of the Panay Bukidnon Tribe, which also inspired him to teach as a way to make education accessible to his kin. Even before the pandemic, Mr. Catolin has been doing everything he can to teach the students in Barangay Cahigon, Calinog, Iloilo. Due to the geographical conditions, students and teachers alike need to take a two-hour motorcycle ride and a three-hour walk to reach Aglonok Primary School. These challenges never stopped Mr. Catolin. “Teaching is about inspiring others,” he said. He is fueled by his passion to touch the lives of his students and influence their future.

The teachers and parents at the Aglonok Primary School continue to work together to make sure that students can adapt to the new normal in education. “In our case in upland areas, we always give our best in helping our pupils. We did it before the pandemic through the Adopt-a-Child Program,” Mr. Catolin shared. “In the new normal, we can help our students by providing learning materials and we can help parents by providing accurate information regarding the new normal setting.”

Mr. Catolin is hopeful that the academic community will overcome the challenges ahead. “This pandemic affects everything all over the world.” he said. “Until there is no vaccine, we have to deal with the new normal setting.” Both teachers believe that learning must continue, even during this pandemic. Mr. Catolin sees quality education as something that can help reduce poverty, promote peace, and foster development in the community. Likewise, Mr. Garcia  believes that through education, communities develop informed, critical, creative, morally-upright, and happy members of society. The resilience, passion, and commitment of these teachers during these trying times have become a source of inspiration for others. The collective efforts of the academic community, as well as the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan, are what will ultimately make the incoming school year a success.