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Free Shipping: PNU Initiatives in the New Normal ERICA MAE GOZO
Amid the global health emergency, Philippine Normal University continuously delivers active responses to the educational challenges in the new normal. From complying promptly with the government's health protocols to responding to the stakeholders' needs, PNU has been espousing education continuity in the face of a pandemic. Here are some of the University's initiatives during the six months under the new normal:
PNU COVID-19 Updates
ONLINE-SEMINAR WORKSHOP MARCH 31, 2020 – APRIL 3, 2020 Digital Citizenship for 21st Century Learners Switching to flexible learning and teaching takes many adjustments for everyone, especially to educators and academic workers. To enhance the capabilities of faculty members and administrative staff, PNU organized a four-day Online Seminar-Workshop on Digital Citizenship for 21st Century Learners. The University partnered with Amicus Koi Solutions and Microsoft Philippines to make the event possible. Moreover, the PNU-College of Flexible Learning and ePNU (CFlex), the Institute of Knowledge Management (IKM), and MISO also offered support to ensure the engagement of 144 PNU faculty members and administrative staff.
MARCH 18, 2020 Having a reliable source is the key to understand the health crisis the world is facing. To provide essential information for PNUans, PNU launched its online bulletin for COVID-19 updates. With the Management and Information System Office's (MISO) help, PNU can reach out to its stakeholders for public advisories and accurate facts on preventing the virus's spread. The website also contains a list of helplines and government agencies' links concerning the pandemic and Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). The PNU COVID-19 website is available at https://www. pnu.edu.ph/covid-19. #PNUhope #COVIDkalangPNUanskami In the middle of a crisis that brings anxiety to many, staying connected is a must. PNU, on its Facebook page, started timely interactions through its #PNUhope #COVIDkalangPNUanskami project. It encourages the PNU community to interact virtually by answering questions like “PNUans, how do you spend your days being productive at home but at the same time safe from the possible threat of COVID-19?” PNUans expressed a variety of thoughts in the comment section.
PROJECT D.E.A.R. MARCH 23, 2020 As an active partner of the national government on combating the vast effect of the COVID-19, the PNU system initiated a donation drive called Project Disaster Emergency Assistance and Relief (DEAR), in cooperation with Community Partnership and Extension Office (CPEO). Through the three-day donation drive, the University collected a total amount of Php 216,550 that went directly to PGH Medical Foundation, Inc., the province of Agusan Del Sur-DRRM, and the local government unit (LGU) of Alicia, Isabela. On April 8, 2020, the Project DEAR donation drive had its second wave collecting an amount of Php 328,250.00 that helped the vulnerable sectors in Barangays 777, 778, and 779, city of Manila.
PNU T.A.L.K.S. MARCH 30, 2020 While most stayed at home, the University initiated a series of webinars to make education work during the community quarantine. PNU Teaching and Advocacy for Lifetime Knowledge and Skills (TALKS) features PNU faculty members, alumni, and students who discussed various practical topics such as Homemade Cleaners and Disinfectant, Smart Way to Get Fit amidst COVID-19, and A to E: Keeping the Mind Healthy. The episodes of the webinar are presented through Facebook live by PNU Officials. GRAPHICS● JUSTINE PATRICIO
UNIVERSITY DONATIONS APRIL 6 - 17, 2020 PNU Initiatives In the middle of the pandemic, cooperation and volunteerism are evident among various sectors. PNU manifested the same spirit as it extends help beyond its immediate community. Starting April 6 to April 17, 2020, the University distributed 50 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), 490 face shields, and 400 face masks to various medical institutions. Also, eight partner communities of PNU became the beneficiary of over 180 food packs and 263 packs of rice. Along with this, the University gave 15 food packs and monetary assistance to 15 students who were stranded in their dormitories.
PNU CRISIS HELPLINE APRIL 6 - 17, 2020 Due to the emerging emotional and psychological needs triggered by the global health emergency, the PNU- Office of Student Affairs and Student Services (OSASS) launched PNU Crisis Helpline to provide care for the emotional and mental well-being of PNU students. Counselors and trained volunteers around Metro Manila and nearby provinces staffed the program. The program gives: 1.Crisis intervention for individuals who are in emotional distress. 2.Information in recognizing distress and its effects. 3.Assistance related to medical, academic, and economic concerns. 4.Referrals to trained responders for additional follow-up care and support. According to Mrs. Merimee Tampus-Siena, PNU counselor, the service ended on September 28, but they decided to extend it from October 12 until October 31. In the proposed concept paper, OSASS coordinates with Associate Deans, Deans, Director of CPEO, physician, and nurses from the PNU clinic.
SURVEY ON ALS MAY 8, 2020 To prepare for the new normal circumstances, PNUEducational Policy Research and Development Center (PNUEPDRC) initiated an online survey to determine the PNU community’s preparedness in implementing online classes for the upcoming academic year. Through the collected data, the University determines the necessary actions to take and creates a comprehensive plan for alternative teaching and learning modes.
