Rebooting to New Normal

For over two years of battling against COVID-19, many sectors, institutions, and citizens have been affected by its loud impact on every corner of daily living. It is undeniable that the tireless effort to mitigate the impact of this crisis has gradually stoked one of education’s foundations. In the past year, students’ safety has been a driving force behind the implementation of flexible learning and online classes. This was being implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) to ensure the health and safety of the students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This style has been adopted by every student and teacher for almost three years. The decline in the case of those devastated by COVID-19 in the Philippines becomes the gate towards re-engaging with the original setup at all year levels. But, are we truly prepared to reboot for the future, or should we be content with the present learning approach?

As the COVID-19 case continues to fade, many societal sectors are gradually reopening and returning to normal. However, the issue of education appears to be a challenge as to when the full capacity can finally open up for all year levels. According to the outgoing DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis-Briones, during the regular briefing in Malacañang, there are schools that have started in-person classes but are still on a limited modality. She also encouraged each institution to open completely in the upcoming academic school year 2022-2023. It is said around 73 percent of public schools have already resumed face-to-face classes.

Months ago, the CHEd announced the resumption of courses having laboratory works and activities that require an in-person setting. Based on CHEd guidelines on returning to face-to-face classes, previewed during a December 1, 2021 press conference, all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) under Alert Levels 1 to 3 needed only to conduct a self-assessment on their readiness to re-open campuses for limited faceto-face classes. It was also reiterated the provision in the earlier CHEdDOH Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-001, released on February 10, 2021, stating that students participating in face-to-face classes must be registered in the HEI/health facility with PhilHealth or equivalent medical insurance that covers COVID-related expenses. Only fully vaccinated students, faculty members, and HEI personnel would be allowed to participate in the classes.

It is noteworthy that face-to-face classes are slowly returning this year. Through this action, students can now learn more effectively and socialize with one another. However, considering other factors such as financial, physical, and emotional preparedness may be a necessity that needs courage to face this transition. Around 12,657 undergraduate and graduate students are expected to return to the university this coming school year 2022-2023, yet the current 42 estimated facilities are insufficient to cater to the majority of the students. Despite the battlecry, facts are enough to justify that the university is yet to be ready for face-toface classes.

But again, we are already stepping into the new normal and returning to online learning is definitely an irreversible effort. In spite of being unprepared for physical classes, a learning reboot should be pushed through, as commitment is what makes face-to-face learning a valuable one. In dealing with this change, recuperating the essentials should be the university’s top priority, as it is not only that the government should take part in this but it must be a joint effort between the communities. Since the goal is to eventually reinstate face-to-face classes at all levels, one must not forget that the new normal comes with new rules, new challenges, and new dangers to consider.