BETTER THAN NONE

While education is an integral right all humans possess to be aware of the world happenings, unlock the secrets of injustices and create a more inclusive society to live in, the best process of attaining it remains vague as new systems of learning are imposed.

For instance, the announcement of online distance learning for the school year 2020-2021 in the Philippines due to the global rising threat of Covid-19. Families were still adjusting at first with the schedule of classes, assigned activities, internet and material availability, and options provided like module-dependent and internet dependent methods. In fact, 77% of academic leaders believe online education is equal or superior to learning in the classroom according to Forbes, while Thinkimpact stated that on an average, students retain 25% to 60% more information in online learning compared to 8% to 10% in traditional classroom set up.

However In due time students grew fond of such way of learning as studies show that many found it cost efficient, since traditional daily and weekly expenses were cut off from the to-do list. Independent learning and self-discipline were brought to light also as these encouraged students to learn at their own pace with ease of online tool, time and place accessibility. Further, this model of learning challenged students’ technical knowledge and skills to keep up with the class lessons.

Despite the advantages it entails, downsides were also identified like the liability to technical issues, internet disconnection, lack of appropriate digital devices, health problems brought by over screen-exposure, possible hacking incidents and time-management problems. Moreover, Save the Children revealed that 67% of the students were struggling with understanding the concepts in modules and online classes, especially the young ones who could not read nor write yet.

Come February 2, 2022, president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. approved the recommendation for the progressive expansion of face-to-face classes, followed by Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones’ authorization of all regional directors to commence the project in both public and private schools. With that, the gradual resumption of physical classes started on August 22, 2023. After 2 years of distance learning, students were excited to finally bring back the classic way of a student life. Verily, GMA news stated that 86% from the National Capital Region, 94% from Luzon, 97% from Visayas, and 97% from Mindanao want face-to-face classes to resume. overlook the significant essence of mental health, the University of Batangas had all eyes on it. On October 10, 2022, UB spearheaded the celebration of World Mental Health Day through the leadership of its Counseling and Psychological Wellness Center in partnership with the Philippine Mental Health Association. With the theme Make Mental Health and Well-being for All a Global Priority, the institution stood on the same grounds with its Light Up Blue for Mental Health campaign that lifted the leverage to promote the mental health and social well-being of Filipinos, especially the members of the Brahman community.

Subsequently, the long awaited comeback brought nostalgic feelings of joy and enthusiasm that fuelled students’ desire to learn and catch up with friends again. Real-time interactions, collaboration and comradery amongst teachers and students, physical experimentations, and active participation in school organizations and projects were observed once more.

Of course together with its edge comes its setbacks namely the presence of expensive tuition fees, uniforms, transportation costs, tight schedules, increased teacher dependency and susceptibility to road risks and accidents. Hence it’s still best to follow the institution’s precautions and guidelines to ensure the mass’ safety.

As a student who has been through both phases of the situation, I find them equally beneficial as they offer alternatives that fit my personal agendas, so a balance of physical interactions and online meetings would be preferable. Besides, why should we pick one when we can enjoy the best from both worlds?

In the end, the educational system is not a onesize-fits-all thing but a matter of distinctive preferred effective learning styles which differs from person to person.

By empowering stability and raising awareness,

Brahmans became more sensitive and appreciative of the state of mental well-being among their fellow Filipinos – igniting the flame of understanding that feelings are valid and that these are what make us human.

In collaboration with the Student Government, officers of the Senior High School Supreme Student Council and academic organizations of all SHS strands, and the Psychology and Counseling programs of the undergraduate and graduate departments, the University signified its support by illuminating its campuses and facades with blue lights from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, having its members wear blue as they danced in the flash mob, and propagated mental health as a discourse for people to in different platforms.

“Join and take part in the said initiatives and together, let us help in the promotion of mental health among the students,” said Dr. Gladiola Eje-Dimaculangan, the Director of the COPWELL Center, encouraging as many as possible to participate in the celebration of dances for the sake of mental health awareness. In the end, sometimes, our simplest actions and messages like a hug, pep talk, and our mere presence are all it takes to save a life from giving up – or to save our life from giving up. And celebrations for a cause like these must happen more than once in a blue moon – frequently lighting UB grounds blue now, more than ever.