PEDAGOGY: RISING PHOENIXES AMIDST MALADY

s the world we all know has

Acome to a halt, we are faced with bundles of unfortunate events, and restrictions, which resulted in separating us from each other. It’s no surprise that many of us are in a situation of utter hopelessness and low spirits. The world is currently in a fight against an enemy we never get to see, a virus that has claimed numerous lives. It has set up a challenge to test our ability to cooperate and unite as one. 2021 was undoubtedly one of the most difficult, wearying and miserable years Ilocanos faced. Life, as we know has drastically changed, and the things they used to take for granted, like going out with friends, or touring different destinations, are now restricted for the better. This pandemic also shed light to the inequalities that were not addressed. Due to the problems the pandemic caused, the situation of countless lives became more troublesome. A lot of families are financially struggling, schools are having a hard time providing education for their students, businesses are forced to close, and many end

JAYSON SABONG

PEDAGOGY

Rising Phoenixes amidst Malady

up unemployed and homeless.

Food and other basic necessities, especially alcohol and face masks, are rapidly taken out of shelves, leaving others empty handed. But regardless of everything the province had faced, it made Ilocanos realize that in order for them to stand and help each other, every municipality must learn to unite and put down their differences in order to make a cause and be willing to change. These hardships took a heavy toll on them, but it also taught their minds to value the meaning of friendship and cooperation,and further strengthen it.

Recovering from this will be very tedious, but as Ilocanos contribute even in their own small ways, it gives out a glimmer of hope to the community, to the front liners, and for their country. This will encourage them to stay strong, have hope, and stay safe in the New Normal. It will not start out easy, but as time goes by, things will slowly, but surely work out for everyone.

It is very important, especially nowadays, to be hand in hand. This is because not everybody is fortunate to have such privileges like having food on the table, and a roof over their heads. Together, as Ilocanos, as Filipinos, and as humans, it is our duty to help those who are in dire need of help, to spark a glimmer of light in the darkness, to heal as one. Through the advantages of social media, we are able to connect and communicate despite being far from each other. We, the Ilocanos, can make a brighter tomorrow filled with dreams, standing strong, safe and fearless. Because it is when we choose to strive for purpose and humanity, only then that we can make a difference. Life is still complicated and uneasy for the majority of citizens, infections are still on the rise, and the economy until now is really struggling. But with compassion, empathy, kindness, and trust along with noble friendship, no distance, no obstacle, no hardships will get in our path for greatness.

In the end, these unfortunate circumstances will soon be nothing but a memory and history. A memory filled with lessons and experiences, that’s permanently etched in our minds. The best thing we can do in this pandemic is to do our part. Together, we ILOCANOS will rise again, just like a Phoenix rising from the ashes.

“We, the Ilocanos, can make a brighter tomorrow filled with dreams, standing strong, safe and fearless.”