In the midst of the fatal COVID-19 pandemic where the country’s education sector has to shift to modular and other alternatives, Pinay teachers defy rain mud and virus to deliver education.
This admirable gesture of the country’s frontline in educating the country’s future citizens has received praises.
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It happened during the COVID-19 pandemic
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hit the country and the entire world unprepared. The pandemic has caused strict implementation of health standards and lockdowns to prevent the spread of the fatal disease – thus, the academic community has to shift to modular or online approach to keep up.
The year 2021 could be said as a year of recovery with the arrival of life-saving vaccines.
Teachers defy rain mud and virus to deliver education
In the opening of the school year in 2021, the first day of class for several teachers from Malungon, Sarangani went viral on Facebook after they got drenched in rain and had to brave muddy roads while distributing activity learning sheets on Monday, September 13.
As the school year 2021-2022 began, the photos and videos of Michelle Buquiran-Miguel and three other teachers, who were soaked by the rain that Monday, went viral on Facebook.
The mud was also visible on their uniforms after distributing the learning sheets to the parents of their students.
A happy experience
In an interview with Balita, Miguel reflected on the experience, describing it as still a “happy” one.
According to the teacher, they were on their way home after distributing the modules when a heavy downpour suddenly began. With no shelter in sight, they decided to simply enjoy walking through the mud.
Photo courtesy: Michelle Buquiran-Miguel (Facebook) via Balita
“Bale po, pauwi na po kami galing school nun, nag-distribute po kami ng mga learning activity sheets sa parents. Tapos bandang hapon na, pauwi na kami, pagdating namin sa kalagitnaan ng daan, bigla nalang bumuhos ‘yong napakalakas na ulan.”
“Wala na kaming masilungan saka kapag huminto pa kami, mas lalong mababasa yong daan—mas mahirap, kaya nagpatuloy nalang kami, kahit may laptop kaming dala, no choice po,” Miguel said.
Lengthy 4-5 kilometers walk
The teacher added that it was a four to five-kilometer walk before they could reach a better road leading to the main highway.
“Hanggang hindi na nakayanan ng motor, kasi napakadulas na ng daan, kaya naglakad nalang kami saka yong mga partner namin yong naiwan at nagtulungan para matulak yong motor hanggang maka abot sa lugar na wala putik,” she said.
Photo courtesy: Michelle Buquiran-Miguel (Facebook) via Balita
How their heroic story went viral
Miguel and her three companions featured in the Facebook post teach at Taclobo Elementary School in Malungon, Sarangani Province.
The teacher shared that, with the help of DepEd Sarangani, they were able to distribute solar radios to all children or families without access to devices.