Like their public counterparts, the Philippine Engineering-Agro-Industrial College (PEACI) is also exploring New Normal ways for education.
With the safety of their students as their foremost concern, PEACI currently uses the social media platform in responding to the needs of students who still have pending school requirements. PEACI is also using social media to consult students what they think is best for them.
“We had an agreement with their parents, whether they are willing to enrol their students for the summer class “kasi mapag-iiwanan na sila sa panahon” (because they will be left behind). “We asked them if they have access to internet but we are not forcing anyone,” Prences Mae Langga, PEACI Faculty Member, says. While students still cannot come to school physically, all communications are done through Messenger and mobile phone text messages and calls.
“We need to understand that if we are going to make this current process possible. All stakeholders must meet half way. We have to compromise if we want the students to learn. We have around 1,000 students. Education today is very accessible but we are not forcing anyone [to follow the process] so we are laying down various options for students,” Ms. Prences Mae explains.
When asked about measures to ensure the health and safety of teachers and students, Ms. Prences says they cannot absolutely guarantee anything yet since even the community quarantine levels and consequent limits on mobility could change any moment. “We cannot see the ‘enemy’ here but still we have prepared thermal scanners and continually promote awareness. We always remind everyone to practice the minimum health standards,” adds Mr. Jake Doloricon, PEACI Senior High Instructor.
The PEACI teachers believe that the pandemic has encouraged affirmative actions and policies for education. Our Instructors are getting more experience in education. If something similar happens again in the future, we will be more flexible because we already have this direct experience,” Ms. Prences Mae states. However, “as private school teachers, we always follow guidelines from above, so it would benefit us if authorities can explore ways in giving instructions that reach us more directly,” Ms. Prences Mae suggests.
“We have not really bounced back yet from the Marawi Siege and here comes COVID-19. We feel luckier at PEACI because we have some resources to help us adapt. But what about other private schools that do not have enough?” Ms. Prences Mae asks. “We hope that after this pandemic, we can immediately help education in Marawi bounce back through government’s support,” she concludes.
Reference:
L. Sumpingan
Thursday |4 June 2020
MP Maisara-BTA/BARMM
In photo, PEACI Faculty Ms. Prences Mae Langga and PEACI Senior High Instructor Mr. Jake Doloricon share their insights to the MP Maisara Media Team.
