BEyONd SCREENS: Students’ solidarity for education continuity

NICOLE LINDSAY RAMOS | DOMINIC KEAN CALAVIA

while some are stuck in the frontlines and others need to undergo social media detox for their mental health, many had no choice but to also turn to social media to ask for help. As the crisis worsens, many resorted to setting up fundraising projects and donation drives. hashtags such as ‘Piso Para sa laptop,’ became more prevalent on different social media platforms.

The hasty shift towards the new normal schemes on education can further exclude students who cannot keep up with the required means of the digitalized education. students who cannot do living and education at the same time will be pushed to their limits. it is no longer about having that grit if the education system itself cannot cater to those who have the least of resources.

CASHIER

Ronah, an incoming third-year Values Education student, has been working at a supermarket for the last 3 years. When asked about the changes that the pandemic has brought to her work, she shared how costumers usually avoid them. “As a cashier, it hurts that people see us as virus carriers, just because we meet different customers. I understand, but I hope, they will see us working for them, not only for their money because we are also humans. Despite having fear of being infected, we still go to work, to serve them. It is painful that this pandemic not only took lives but mostly the respect and values of a person for other human beings,” she said. While for precautionary measures,

She also mentioned how she had to avoid children in their household. She hopes that as we fight against the pandemic, we will also fight for the love and respect for others, to remain intact.

VOLUNteeR FIReFIGHteR

Aside from being one of the USC’s official layout artists, Adrian is also a volunteer firefighter since 2018. When the pandemic started taking its toll, it has become part of his task to transport PUIs and COVID-19 positive patients. “Di ko ito inasahan, dahil akala ko hanggang pagiging bumbero lang aabot ang pagiging volunteer ko, at bilang isang kabataang aktibo sa pagtulong, kahit delikado, hindi na ako nagdalawang isip dahil ito ang pangangailangan ng tao ngayon, ang tumulong at matulungan,” he said in an interview.

#QuaranTeach

While his mother is out to work in a factory, Ben, an incoming 2nd-year student started his own #QuaranTeach project with his nieces and nephews. “I am deeply happy na marurunong na magbasa at magsolve ang mga bata namin sa Bahay,” Ben said in an interview.

Upon initially teaching students who are in the kindergarten and elementary level with topics that he thinks they will encounter, he later on also taught Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere to those who are in Junior High. The same project that he did out of boredom made him realize that he is on the right track after all. He said that teaching does not only help him and his family, it also became his way of giving back to the community.

Publicity Committee (Project Hero)

Voluntary work is no longer new for Mary, an incoming third-year BEE student. She has witnessed how her father, a tricycle driver, does it “almost every day;” by running emergency errands. Growing up in a community rich in advocacy and through an organization, masarapMABUHAY, she got used to such work. “All of my volunteer work is done physically, but the pandemic changed the game. I even thought that I could no longer do any volunteer work, but this changed when my friend messaged me about Project HERO,” she said in an interview before giving an overview of the group, established by PNU alumni. When she learned about the advocacy of the said project, she immediately said yes and decided to commit to it. Since then, she has been writing captions as a member of the project’s publicity committee.

Special Commissions for a Cause

When she heard of their classmate’s situation, Angela knew to herself that she should act to help him. “As an aspiring educator and a blooming artist, I want to utilize my skills and privileges to extend a helping hand to students in greater need now that we are amid a pandemic,” she stated with regards to the reason why she has decided to open special art commissions. Aside from their section’s donation drive, 60% of her profit from the art commission, will be donated to their classmate, who they knew will struggle to keep up with the required means of the new mode of learning.

Art for a Cause

Knowing that a lot of students are struggling financially due to the pandemic and the changes that it has brought, Ghyllann, decided to launch an art for a cause project. “I also didn't have any money with me, so I came up with the Idea of selling commissioned digital artworks,” she shared while also mentioning that she’s a freelance artist who has done commissions before, but this time, it’s not only for herself but also for her fellow PNUans.

Some of the digital arts that she can make include posters, covers, comics, logo designs, and more. She also acknowledges her friends who helped and supported her with the publicity. Because of them, she was able to earn and donate what she considers a small amount and is still hoping to donate more. #GetPiercedForACause by Gael

Other than being a PNUan, Gael is also a piercing artist. She gives piercing services so that she can pay bills, buy school stuff, and many more. With that, she used her skill to raise funds for other pnuans who are at risk because of the pandemic.

Gael shared her sentiments that she knows the struggle of other students despite their family background. "There are still a lot of people who need to work hard for them and their families amidst pandemic, people who cannot afford to rest because resting correlates hunger," she stated.

Gael further emphasized that the beneficiaries of her piercing with a cause are PNUans who messaged her about their situation. "I planned a donation drive to help them. One of them cannot afford food and medicine for their sick parents, while the other one decided to condone in prostitution to survive,"

She extended her voice to fellow pnuans explaining the importance of empathy and the purpose of every action. Meanwhile, she slams the government for its disservice to the people.

Amidst the worsening of our state negligence, Gael explained the importance of civic responsibility. "Ang pagiging mulat, ang pakikinig, ang pagkakaroon ng malawak na pang-unawa ay ang mga pangunahing kailangan ng bayan, lalo't higit na sa ganitong sitwasyon," she ended.

Wifi para sa Kat’ha ng mga Bata

Incoming third-year BECEd student, Hannah, launched her cosmetic line, Kat’ha on the first few weeks of quarantine. When the local business grew, she took the opportunity to make it a cause. Aside from donating a portion of their profit to the Black Lives Matter movement in August, they also partnered with Project WiFi, which has a goal to provide WiFi to students that have limited access to online learning. “As an aspiring teacher and had experience working with students that have limited resources, I am passionate about this project we took part in,” she said. She added that she made sure that the charity organizations she collaborated with and donated to are trustworthy and transparent, especially with the situation going on all over the world.

Bayani1derpets: Bayanihan para sa PNUone by OBTEC I-1

When PNU-Manila announced the opening of classes, some of the students of I-1, were hesitant to pursue their studies. Since they call their sections, Onederpets, they also value the show’s famous line: "Anong kailangan? Magtulungan!" and organized fundraising called ‘Bayani1derpets: Bayanihan para sa PNUone.’ As an act of gratitude, they send e-books, wallpapers, and digital arts to those who have donated. “We will always help each other because we believe that together, in a simple act of kindness, we can make a difference,” they said in a collective statement, also adding that no one should be left behind.

aTRES-ABANTE: Donasyon para sa Edukasyon by OBTEC I-13

They aim to raise funds to help their class through mobile loads, gadgets, and other necessary stuff needed for online learning. In return, they will give tokens to those people who gave donations. "Ang online class ang magsisilbing paraan para sa pag-aaral namin sa gitna ng pandemya, pero hindi alam ng karamihan ay may mga mag-aaral ang walang kakayahan at maaring mahirapan sa ganitong sitwasyon," the post stated.

SOS: Singko Online Shop by OBTEC 1-5

By selling calligraphy services, photo editing, clothes, and artworks, OBTEC 1-5 was able to raise funds to help each other. The proceeds are expected to be used for the online classes of their section as some of their classmates are struggling with internet access.

#Sais Para sa 1-SAIS by OBTEC 1-6

Cellphone wallpapers? Poetry? and photo editing? They got it all for you.

OBTEC 1-6 launched a donation drive Sais Para sa I-SAIS that will benefit selected financially unstable students from their class. The proceeds will be distributed for load allowance for class members with no internet connection. “We decided to launch this and offer our talents in exchange of 6 pesos,” they explained.

NuebHiE Para Kay bHiE by OBTEC I-9

Inspired by the #PisoParaSaLaptop donation drive on Twitter, Benedict, an incoming 1st-year student spearheaded a fund-raising project called, ‘NuebHiE Para Kay bHiE.’ In exchange of nine peso donation, students of 1-9, offer a short poem, a quick sketch, a short song cover, and a free talk to whoever donated.

“I am glad that most of us are checking and using our privilege for the betterment of our fellow PNUan,” Benedict stated, since like a domino effect, some of their fellow freshmen students, also thought of similar fundraising projects to help their classmates cope with the new normal education.

I-TENacious: Charity for Literacy by OBTEC I-10

By conducting a poll to keep track of their classmates during online classes, students of I-10 were able to identify who among them is to be considered beneficiaries of what they consider a “small initiative.”

To make ‘I-TENacious: Charity for Literacy’ possible, the students established a group of talents as the project’s assets. “No value is too big or too small, every peso counts in this fundraising project,” they said after enumerating the form of art that they offer, in exchange for monetary donations

LOVING ISA - Sapat na by BVE II-11

Students from Bachelor in Values Education organized a donation drive for distinguished values education majors from II-11.

They explained that the amount of 11 pesos are highly appreciated because it will help their classmates with the new normal scheme of education. "Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ng nakararami na maraming mag-aaral ang kasalukuyang humaharap at haharap sa matinding pagsubok ngayong taong pampanuruan,” the group stated in an online post.

Furthermore, they said that the worsening of the health crisis makes the students’ academic life even worse.

DoSending Hope and Positivity by OBTEC I-12

With recognition that not everyone can carry on with their studies, students from OBTEC 1-12 are among those who utilized social media to launch their donation project. Aside from the proximity of their classmates’ homes to signal posts or towers, lack of financial resources to afford mobile load, or WiFi connection, they also acknowledged that some of them are greatly affected by the pandemic.

“Ang mga nakalap at makakalap pa naming donation ay hindi lang po magsisilbing tulong kundi mukha ng pag-asa para sa mga susunod na guro ng bayang ito. Tayo po ay mga tagapagdaloy ng kaalaman sa hinaharap kaya naman marapat lang din na dumaloy ang pag-asa at pagiging positibo sa kabila ng mga kinahaharap nating pagsubok,” Kirk, 1-12 student, said in an interview. In return, donors will receive art package as a token of appreciation.

TRESEE-LIENCY: A Donation Campaign for the Students of 1-13

To provide load allowance for their classmates in need during online classes, students of 1-13 decided to organize a fundraising project for batch Paglaom (Hope).

As a token of appreciation, they give bookmarks, vector art, literary pieces, phone wallpaper layouts, and songs to the donors. “Bilang isang kapwa mag-aaral, napakasakit isipin na kahit pilitin naming magsikhay para maisaktuparan ang aming pangarap sa kapwa't bayan, marami sa aking mga kamag-aral ay mas prayoridad ang pambili ng pagkain at iba pang pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan sa panahon ngayon,” Shania, the project head, stated.

She mentioned that she took inspiration from her fellow students doing similar projects because she believes in the power of unity.

Kapwa ko, Tabang na! by OBTEC I-16

Although they have no plan to launch a similar fundraising project as their fellow freshmen, when one of them shared about his situation with regards to online classes, 1-16 discovered that many of them are financially unprepared.

“Actually, po wala pa po kaming natatanggap na donation kaya sobrang challenging po ng dadating na pasukan, para sa amin po. Kasi alam namin na maraming hindi makakasabay samin, itong interview po na 'to magiging malaking tulong po siya sa project namin…ayaw po namin na may maiwan,” Maria shares her frustration and worries during the time of the interview. Through ‘Kapwa Ko, Tabang na,’ they also promote art as they offer poems, calligraphy, illustrations, and bookmarks. Dos at Singko: A Call for Donation by OBTEC I-12

Supposedly, Jude should have been a second-year student this year but due to a medical reason, he was not able to study last academic year. The University Physician advised him to undergo treatment after failing in the medical exam. Despite his situation, he stays connected and became aware of how his supposed-to-be-classmates struggle to submit the remaining academic requirements online due to lack of resources.

“While I am waiting [for an] email from Admissions, nag-iisip na po ako ng something na makakatulong,” Jude shares on how he came up with “Dos at Singko”: A call for donation, to help his classmates and schoolmates. Jude also mentioned that his current section, 1-12, also accepts bond paper and/or ink, that they can donate to their chosen school and/or organization.

Kaagapay sa Bagong Normal by BME III-21

Even before the pandemic, some of the students struggle to meet the deadline for academic requirements due to the lack internet access. Before the academic year started, III-21 BME crowdsourced within their section and learned that three of them are in need of financial assistance, to afford data connection. “Our section firmly believes that no one should be left behind this academic year because of internet problems and lack of access to a functioning gadget. Inspired by another section’s donation drive, we have decided to come up with our own donation drive,” they said in a collective statement.

As the word ‘Kaagapay’ suggests, they aim to provide consistent aid to their classmates as they face the new normal. They also believe that through the initiative, they can help each other reach their academic goals while in lockdown.

#Pisoforyourthoughts by TEC-PNU

The pandemic released the inner artists in many students, which is why The English Club (TEC) spearheaded a donation drive entitled Piso for your Thoughts. This aims to help English majors who are struggling financially. As a return, TEC invited spoken word artists to perform through their FB page. "The fund raised in this event will be converted to load and will be given to the beneficiaries weekly for their online classes," TEC explained.

TEC also first conducted a survey for fellow English majors to determine students who are in need of help.

Alagang Medyor by KADIPAN-PNU

Under distance learning, some students will be having a hard time learning, especially if learning gadgets and connectivity remain a problem. This situation pushes student leaders to help the most vulnerable students. "Alagang Medyor: Sa tulong ng iyong ilalaan, walang maiiwan sa Bagong Kadawyan" is a fundraising activity of PNU Kapisanang Diwa at Panitik, the official Program-based Organizations of Filipino Majors in PNU.

Through their Facebook page, Kadipan calls for everyone to donate any amount. "Naniniwala kaming ang maliit na halaga, kapag sama-sama ay malaki maitutulong para sa mahat nating medyor sa Filipino." the organization said.

The proceeds will be given to financially unstable Filipino Majors.

#QuaranSINING by ACES-PNU Quaransining is an organization-led relief drive spearheaded by Arts and Culture Education Students (ACES) under the faculty of BCAEd The Organization aims to raise funds for selected BCAEd Students who are in need of financial assistance during this pandemic. ACES also conducted several online art events to support the cause.

Project TALA by FESSA-PNU

To support Early Childhood Pre-service teachers that were greatly affected by the pandemic, the Faculty of Education Sciences Students Assembly (FESSA) launched Project TALA.

FESSA President, Geraldine, shares that TALA stands for Tulong at Alalay; Lingap at Aruga.

According to her, donors may choose between two options: a. Tulong at Alalay - donate the desired amount on a one-time basis and/or a gadget. b. Lingap at Aruga, wherein sponsors are encouraged to commit in supporting a student in their needs (internet connectivity, gadgets, financial assistance) for the rest of the first term or longer, depending on the sponsor's discretion.

Also, adding that the main organizers of the project were Dr. Bartolome, Dr. Curugan, and Dr. Sabate of Faculty of Education Sciences. Pisikalinga by SAPE-PNU "Every donation will lift a student's education" as Society for the Advancement of Physics Education (SAPE) stated in their new activity for the benefit of the Physics students.

They introduced Pisikalinga, a donation drive that will benefit PNU Physics Majors to continue their education during this quarantine. "We are genuinely asking everyone to help us using donating any amount or any useful equipment, and sharing this project in your social media," SAPE posted on their Facebook page.

Moreover, aside from monetary donations, SAPE also accepts in-kind donations like laptops, cellphones, tablets, and scientific calculators.

SAPE is a student organization of the Faculty of Science Technology and Mathematics.

Bionihan by BioSoc-PNU

Bionihan is a donation-drive project of Biological Society (BioSoc). They introduced a unique donation project similar to a “bakeshop for a cause.” Fresh bake pastries are sold to raise funds for Biology Major students.

Some of their products are cookies, cinnamon rolls, puto, and cakes. "All proceeds will be used in helping the chosen biology students who have been qualified beneficiaries," BioSoc assured.

Chemical Society Donation Drive

Chemical Society (ChemSoc) alumni led a donation drive for undergraduate chemistry students. The project aims to raise funds that can provide financial assistance and gadgets for students amid the implementation of distance education. "I hope you can help us achieve to achieve our goal by donating any amount of money or old laptop/laptop/pocket or prepaid WiFi routers of your..." ChemSoc asked.

#PNUAmbagan by UNITED-PNU

To provide financial assistance to students in need regardless of faculty and year-level, USC Chairperson Alfredo Magat and his best friend, Danica, spearheaded ‘PNU Ambagan.’

The small initiative grew later on upon collaborating with Mass Organizations of the university, the UNITED-PNU was able to raise around PhP 18, 000.

“Although it has already ended, we are thankful for all those who have contributed–to our university officials, professors, alumni, classmates, and friends, maraming salamat po!” Alfredo said, extending his gratitude to those who helped.

LACaligrafia For A Cause

When Sir Cap, a PNU alumnus, noticed how PNUans resorted to online fundraising projects just so they can buy gadgets that they could use for distance learning, he decided to launch, ‘LACaligrafia For A Cause.’

“Ngayon kasi, kapag may mga libreng oras, nagkacalligraphy ako dahil parang iyon na rin ang naging takbuhan ko kapag stressed sa trabaho. At iyon nga, naisip ko na baka pwede kong ibenta virtually 'yong mga calligraphy na iyon at 'yong mga malilikom na pera ay ido-donate sa mga medyor,” he shares in an interview.

He said that the art that he enjoys making can also help the students. Although he does not expect that he will gain much from being commissioned to make customized calligraphy, still, he hopes that it can add up to what the students are doing to keep up.

#MobileClassroom by Marcel Limpios

Maricel always puts her heart in the service of the people. Being known as an activist, Maricel practices her motto to serve the people through her Mobile Classroom.

Before teaching in a private school, Teacher Maricel experienced unemployment because of the pandemic. The struggles in the education sector pushed her to initiate her #MobileClassroom. "Ang mobile classroom na ito ay para sa aking mga kapitbahay na nasa Kinder hanggang ikaanim na Baitang...ito ay nahahati sa 6 sessions each day," she narrated.

The project accommodated at least 8 students from her neighborhood. Teacher Maricel also provide snack for the children for free. The program would not be successful if not for her sister and friends who supported her.

On the other hand, Maricel pointed out that as the pandemic gets worse the government fails to respond accordingly. "Libo libong health workers, front liners at volunteers na ang mga nagsakripisyo ngunit mas piniling mag kibit-balikat at magbulagbulagan ng gobyerno," she exclaimed.

Teacher Maricel asked fellow Filipinos to be vigilant and critical to what is happening in our society. Project HERO #FeedPHBabies

Realizing that infants and children’s health have become more vulnerable due to recent lockdown, where “no work, no pay,” scheme has become prevalent, Project HERO, a group founded in 2019 by PNU alumni: Steffan-mae, Winnie Beth, Sharenz Risnny, and Aunell Ross, launched #FeedPHBabies.

“The campaign started when a random netizen messaged one of our founders asking for one peso to help her buy milk for her baby saying ‘Piso lang po malaking tulong na para sa anak ko,’” the founders share.

The group added that they were able to raise funds to reach more babies ages 4 to 24 months, since that encounter. However, due to conflicts with the Philippine Milk Code, they can only give cash assistance to their beneficiaries, instead of formulated milk and/or commercialized baby food.

The prevalence of donation drives and fundraising projects during the pandemic manifests people’s solidarity in times of crisis. however, this is also indicative of a weak state response and inadequate support from the authorities. students and other vulnerable sectors find themselves clinging to the romanticized value of Filipino resiliency. To briefly describe the situation, unlike other countries, we have lived with it rather than through it.

On the brighter side, students and education stakeholders proved how collaboration moves mountains. yet, the need to demand accountability from the government to advance the people’s welfare must remain a priority alongside taking collective action.