Surreal Paradox

The psychological and practical ramifications of ongoing online learning at all levels of education vary from time to time, and its direct impact on students changes depending on the situation. Confusion is inevitable in these challenging times, resulting in a palpable sense of loss, and as we rise above the chasm, may we discover a firm resolve to maintain the severity of the unwelcome impact. Even while online learning was touted as a solution during the COVID-19 crisis, its detrimental influence remains a concern. The urgent need for face-to-face learning will pave the way for a better education experience, particularly for college students across the country. However, despite the efforts made to reduce the escalating effects of this pandemic, are we willing to jeopardize our health in exchange for quality education?

Recently, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) announced that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) would progressively be authorized to conduct limited face-to-face classes for all degree programs, especially in areas deemed low risk for COVID-19 with regions utilizing less than 50% of hospital/intensive care unit beds for patients and declining infections in recent months. In an effort to meet the requirements, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) conducted a survey on October 4, 2021, across the system to further assess the implementation. There were 11,358 respondents, 697 of whom were faculty, and 10,661 were students. Given the conditions and readiness of the facilities of USTP to implement the required health and safety protocols, the respondents stated that the 2nd semester of the AY 20212022 is the optimum time for the limited face-to-face class.

In relation to its implementation, CHED confirmed that required vaccination is not a prerequisite for college students to attend the limited face-to-face class. It is up to the universities, however, to determine whether or not to require the needed immunization. According to the survey results, 4,754 or 42% of teacher and student respondents indicated they are fully vaccinated, while 1,049 or 9% said they have no plans to get vaccinated. Meanwhile, when asked if vaccination should be mandatory, 8,673 or 76% of teacher and student respondents agreed. The intention of mandated immunization is commendable, but the right of every Filipino to say no should be considered as well.

In a holistic approach, face-to-face class remains a necessity for education as online learning aggravates inequalities and unevenness in access to technology, the internet, and other aspects. However, saying no to vaccination must come after authentic information, as it has unquestionably become more of a rationale and an excuse than a right. As a result, if the Philippines fails to meet the herd immunity objective, the likelihood of the virus spreading remains significant. More often than not, positivity is lost in these unprecedented times as we face the complex demands due to the pandemic. Furthermore, parents’ decisions should be weighed, as some are still concerned about their children’s safety, while others express optimism about the return of in-person learning. As we strive to establish the parameters of this massive dilemma, may we discover a fresh route amidst the ambiguity. We are in a surreal paradox–seemingly contradicting the vague reality. Needless to say, our own definition of resolution, our approach to assessing solutions, and our ability to adapt to the situation will provide a comprehensive roadmap for the best potential solution. In such instances, do you think we are better off having the new mode of learning instead of the conventional way? Are we?