The Tightrope, Chains, and the Test of Morality

With the one-sided and prolific belief that restricting student-teacher interactions answers the call for professionalism in the academe, one absolute truth coheres: the freedom of educators and learners is restrained and shackled through issuance of this ordinance – the Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 49.

Issued in November 2022, DepEd Order No. 49 aims to promote depoliticization and professionalism among educators. Unfortunately, its implementation has a negative impact on educators and students, and the order overlooks pressing issues like mental health and academic freedom.

Unabling socialization, the entire regulation already infringes the basic fundamentals of academic freedom – which ordains everyone the right to freely pursue knowledge by engaging in different activities without any restrictions, fear of prejudice and improper disclosure, and possess freedom of expression and thought. Delving deeper into it, educators and staff are able to mentor and teach through years of studying and training, gaining expertise while teaching and influencing students and colleagues at the same time.

Under the topic of academic freedom, the limitations of academic freedom restrain educators and students from connecting and collaborating on social media. However, during the pandemic, social media has become necessary for distance learning and allows for interaction and sharing of educational materials. With the use of social media, students may still interact with edu-

Hence, the quality of education the students receive will undoubtedly deteriorate, when teacher-student interactions are bounded as a result of insufficient communication, interaction, and collaboration between them – and unfavorably affecting the all-inall academic prowess of the country in terms of global academic standard.

The Cult in Culture

QUILLING SPREE channels. cators and vice versa, aiding in the accessibility of different educational and learning materials by means of sharing and accessing different online platforms and lessons.

The notion that "cancel culture" is cult-like is also debated.

The restricted interactions between educators and students can have adverse effects on mental wellbeing. Students who have a positive connection with their teachers have better academic performance than those who do not. The loss of connection between student and teacher in the face of adversity would only exacerbate a student’s feeling of isolation, solitude, and improvement rooted in what Order No. 49 can reap. However, educators and students can maintain proper interactions by establishing professional boundaries and engaging in an appropriate manner with each other.

The department can promote a culture of open communication and collabo ration by protecting the academic freedom of educators, which can ultimately lead to a more professional and effective work environment. Educators and students should be aware of and follow multiple intricate rules and regulations regarding proper interactions. Educators should receive training on avoiding conflicts of interest, upholding professional boundaries, and utilizing social media to promote teaching and learning.

Neglecting the well-being of students and educators for professionalism will result in adverse consequences. Therefore, guidelines and boundaries on social media and in real life should be put in place to maintain professionalism while protecting the well-being of educators and students. The adverse effects of Order No. 49 can only chain many to an inescapable reality, where freedom, health, and rights are put into the test of morality.

The Marcos administration has been in power for seven months and has received criticism for its governance. However, one law that has been signed, the SIM Card Registration Act, is seen as a positive step towards eliminating fraudsters and ensuring the safety of Filipino users of telecommunication. The law requires all users to register their SIM cards, a practice already implemented in many countries around the world. While some people are cautious about sharing person- al data with the government, the effectiveness of sim card registration in other countries suggests that it can be helpful in preventing scams and protecting people from harm. It is a lawful act that can provide a mantle of protection to the majority of the population. Millions of people have already registered their SIM cards, and the level of assurance and safety has increased. Fraudsters are finding it difficult to hide, as the selfie requirement makes it easy to identify users. This law is a nightmare for fraudsters and a safe scenario for naive people. It has become essential for people’s safety and deleting the smell of risk.

While people may be divided in their perspectives, the Marcos administration’s leadership has shown that it can perceptibly solve an ineffable and unsolvable issue. Even those who have been outcast and neglected by others due to their past can still gain people’s support if they take positive action.

The SIM Card Registration Act may not solve all of the country’s problems, but it is a step towards greater security and protection for Filipino citizens.

Other countries have already implemented similar measures, and it is time for the Philippines to catch up and provide its citizens with the same level of protection. The law aims to terminate fraudsters and amplify the safety of every Filipino while using their devices, and it deserves support and recognition.

It cannot be denied that the law has proven to be effective in curbing fraudulent activities and ensuring the safety of Filipino citizens while using their devices. The success of this law is a testament to the Marcos administra tion’s com mitment to governance and their willingness to take bold steps towards protecting the welfare of the Filipino people. It is hoped that this law will continue to be refined and improved

Disgracefully Forgetting Special Education

Path Finder

EDITOR

Dear Editor,

I’m currently sitting in a classroom that’s hotter than a volcano, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to spontaneously combust any minute now. My classmates and are melting into little pools of goo, and demand that the school take immediate action before we turn into a science experiment.

Sincerely, Marianne Deza

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Marianne,

We’ll make sure to have a fire extinguisher on standby just in case. In the meantime, we’ll be sending over a team of STE students to study the effects of extreme heat on students we hear it’s a hot topic in the research community.

Sincerely, Editor

Cancel culture is a cult work. People being canceled for their wrongdoings might seem valid, but they must be taught what is right rather than being neglected by society.

Excessive and misplaced attention is the mere definition of a cult and these people are infesting social media platforms.

As our society sequentially turns into the digital world, our concept of a person also changes into someone who is socially and politically aware.

This leaves the netizens to constantly call and point out those who may have acted or spoken in an unacceptable manner that leads to ostracism, boycotting, and shunning which is often done through social media and the broader cultural sphere, rather than formal legal or institutional

The practice of rejecting, boycotting, or demonizing a public figure or organization because of past remarks or deeds that have been deemed offensive or controversial is a form of excessive moral purity or groupthink that stifles free speech and critical thought.

Others see it as a crucial aspect of accountability, especially for people and institutions with enormous cultural clout but we all know that people are not perfect, everyone makes mistakes, and it is a toxic mentality that creates a negative and unsupportive society, promoting hatred and negativity instead of compassion and understanding. There are several reasons why cancel culture is deemed exaggerated or more so, “cult-like” with a threat to free speech, lack of nuances and context towards the “canceled” person, and mob mentality of the people as the top reasons. These should not be the result of condemnation, but rather an educative response in a respectful manner.

Cancel culture challenges free speech by creating a culture of fear where people are afraid to express their opinions for fear of being criticized or boycotted, thus creating a threat to freedom of expression.

Ultimately, people are prompted to keep their thoughts and opinions to themselves and position themselves in the middle towards issues. These are often the result of arrogant adherence to ideology, where certain people or the public demands strict adherence to certain political or cultural beliefs, and punish those who do not follow.

Many criticize cancel culture for not considering the context and complexity of a said or did years ago, without considering how they may have evolved or changed since then. The idea that cancel culture performs as a kind of exclusionary clique that separates people from the broader society manifests the flaw of the idealization of perfectionism– which we are not.

Like a controversial book up for release, people flock over its launch. Cancel culture operates like a mob, with individuals or groups piling on to criticize and boycott a person or entity without fully understanding the situation or considering the consequences. Cancel culture works as a group that enforces a particular ideology or way of thinking and punishes those who deviate from it– a “cult-like” trait. People should be free to have their character development moment. People should be given a second chance because everyone makes mistakes, and it is a fundamental aspect of human nature to have the capacity for growth and change. Offering someone forgiveness can help them learn from their past mistakes, improve their behavior, and lead a more fulfilling life. Additionally, change and explanation can foster a sense of compassion, forgiveness, and understanding, creating a more positive and supportive society. Instead of promoting hatred and negativity, we should create a space where people can learn from their mistakes without hate. Safe spaces are important because they provide individuals with a sense of security, acceptance, and support.

The Philippines’ inadequate provision of education is a problem that affects many developing nations. However, the lack of budget allocation for special education in the country is particularly concerning. Denying children with disabilities access to education is a violation of their basic human rights, as stated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The failure to invest in special education not only violates these rights but also misses out on the potential contributions of a significant portion of the population. The COVID-19 pandem- ic has further highlighted the digital divide and lack of access to technology for children with disabilities. The closure of schools has also resulted in a loss of critical services and support that these students rely on, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling. Opponents of increased funding for special education may argue that the government has limited resources and must prioritize other areas. that there are not enough qualified teachers to properly teach students with disabilities. While this may be a valid concern, it is important to note that this is not a reason to deny funding for special education but rather a call to action to invest in teacher training and development. issue that must be addressed immediately.

The government’s failure to allocate funds for special education during this challenging time is a rave injustice.

However, investing in special education is not an either-or decision and has long-term benefits that can ultimately save the government money in the long run. Another argument against increased funding for special education may be

A possible solution to the lack of budget allocation for special education in the Philippines is for the government to reallocate finances from other areas and prioritize special education. The government can also seek out and secure backing from transnational associations and non-governmental associations. The government should also invest in technology and structure to support online literacy for scholars with disabilities and give fresh support services, such as speech and occupational remedy, to address their unique requirements.

The lack of budget allocation for special education in the Philippines is a glaring

Time for Transparency and Accountability

Young Blood

secrecy creates opportunities for corruption and mismanagement, undermining public trust in government institutions.

Confidential Funds, or special purpose funds, are a subject of controversy in the Philippines due to the lack of transparency surrounding their allocation and use. The government allocates these funds for undisclosed purposes and restricts their use, raising concerns about accountability in government spending. This

Confidential Funds prevent the government from prioritizing spending on programs and services that are most in need, as they are not subject to public scrutiny. This can result in resources being directed away from areas of greatest need, hindering the government’s ability to meet the needs of its citizens. Transparency and accountability are essential elements of good governance in a democratic society.

Some may argue that Confidential Funds are necessary for sensitive operations or national security purposes, but existing mechanisms such as classified spending can address these concerns while maintaining transparency and accountability. Increased transparency and accountability can actually improve the government’s ability to respond to situations by ensuring that resources are being used effectively and efficiently.

One solution to address the problem of Confidential Funds in the Philippines is to establish more rigorous reporting requirements for their allocation and use. This could include requiring annual reports to be submitted to the Commission on Audit (COA) and regular audits of Confidential Funds to ensure appropriate use. Results of audits should be made public to restore public trust in government institutions.

The government needs to provide the neces sary funding for special education by reallocat ing funds, seeking inter national assistance, and implementing special education tax, investing in technology and infra structure, teacher train ing and development, support to schools and institutions, and es tablishing a special education task force. It’s high time that the government takes the rights and welfare of children with disabilities seri ously.

Confidential Funds represent a threat to transparency, accountability, and the principles of democracy itself.

The Philippine government must take immediate steps to increase transparency and accountability in its use of these funds and restore public trust in its institutions. Transparency and accountability are the cornerstone of good governance and the foundation of a healthy democracy, and it is time for the government to make a commitment to these principles in the allocation and use of all government funds.

Venting Venue

A Rant for the communals na sobrang dugyot at baho... hindi nila nililinisan ng tama tapos pagmaglilinis sila hindi sila nagsasabon kasi tinatamad mga students linisan dahil sobrang baho -Jebster

A Rant sa mga hagdan sa school natin na parang nagbabakasyon sa Tagaytay, ang lakas ng loob magpa-steep at magpa-uneven! May sense of adventure ba sila or what? Hindi lang basta nakakapagod akyatin, nakakatakot pa baka masampal tayo ng reality na wala tayong balance. Parang trip nila tayo i-challenge sa pagiging mountain climber, eh sa kaya ba naman ng backpack natin? -Orofan

A Rant sa mga nangunguha ng bashan. Grabe talaga ‘tong mga magnanakaw sa section namin, parang pugad ng mga ninja ang classroom namin! Hindi ko alam kung saan nila itinatago yung mga basahan, dust pan, at walis namin. Baka naman ginagawang pangsubo sa mga chocnut nila? Pero joke lang, seryoso ‘to! Nakakainis kasi pag dating namin sa classroom, parang crime scene ang peg, may nawawalang gamit na naman. Hindi ba nila alam na bawal magnakaw ng gamit ng iba? -SpiceGirl