The COVID-19 outbreak in the Philippines has caused the indefinite shut down of schools, leaving us with no choice but to dive into the world of technology as an alternative platform. The implementation of online classes outraged Filipinos as social media was plastered with stories of the extent that students go—self-harm and even suicide. While everyone was taken aback by online learning, it seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary for us due to our privilege that constantly accompanied private school students. With this very strong assumption, it was implied that these circumstances did not apply to us. Unfortunately, the pandemic’s lasting impact did not spare anyone; problems from the digital divide started to surface, and it goes far beyond a poor internet connection. In fact, there is more to it than just the technical aspect; it exposes universal problems that magnify academic inequality and the detrimental impact it has on students.
Though many private schools are able to sustain its education, it does not conclude that every single one of its students have an ideal lifestyle. Whenever we see our classmates through the monitor, what we see is the surface or the tip of the iceberg, but not what lies beneath it. We don’t hear the voices behind the muted mics and the circumstances beyond the four corners of one’s screen. Turning on one’s video may overstep the student’s privacy while turning on one’s mic may allow everyone to overhear conversations between household matters. Being a private school student does not provide immunity to the raw and imperfect realities, such as the historic rise in mental illnesses, financial stress, family dysfunctionality, and domestic abuse.
Dissecting the online setup is more complex than the technical difficulties that it resonates. As a matter of fact, it has been difficult for schools to define the boundary between what is required of students and the circumstances education cannot demand. Assuming irresponsibility for unmet deadlines is not a reasonable accusation with the extensive factors that contribute to it, especially for students who do not have any control regarding their situation. The utmost goal of every academic institution should be to help students cope with the traumatic events rather than excessively overwhelm them with unattainable expectations. Underestimating the impact of the pandemic on students will further desensitize the next generation to what actually matters.
The continuous campaign for an academic freeze will create another band-aid solution that succeeding generations will eventually have to face as we forget to take into account why academic inequality exists in the first place. This is a deeply-rooted problem, but we can take the primary course of action by taking initiative to ensure the welfare of both teachers and students.
Shifting from solely focusing on academic achievement, we have to realize that we are amidst not only a pandemic but also an economic and social crisis. Despite our minuscule roles in society, we still have an essential part of the solution. Truth be told, we have to first acknowledge that each of us are actually a part of this inherent problem and it is implausible to expect change through mere pity or charity as these problems do not change when we please. There will never be a direct solution with no one at the losing end but in order to defy this notion, we have to understand the gravity of such to constantly make an effort to unroot the beginnings. With this, we may come together as a community in supporting one another and overcome each obstacle one step at a time. Through every step of compassion and cooperation, may we go beyond the intent as we act upon our urge for radical change to alter the course of the lives oppressed by the pandemic.
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