Education Amidst The Pandemic

The Corona Virus, also known as the Covid-19 Pandemic, was the most difficult challenge that everyone
faced a few years ago. The Corona Virus is causing more than just a health crisis; people are losing their
jobs and income. Stores, schools, and establishments were forced to close down with no way of knowing
when normality will return. Hello, everyone. Thank you for having me. My name is Christian Ortaliz, and I
am going to be speaking to you today about “Why should education continue amidst this pandemic”.

The pandemic itself had a significant impact on education, as did teachers' and students' struggles to bear
this heavy burden. The COVID-19 pandemic is by far the largest disruption witnessed by education
systems in the 21st century. At the peak of the first wave, school closures affected over 90% of all learners
worldwide. This placed educators in a challenging teaching environment, and put millions of households
under economic stress. The learning loss and the heightened risk of student disengagement, particularly
for the most vulnerable, can have long-lasting effects on their life outcomes and future economic growth
and well-being. Many students have been called upon to direct their own studies to a greater extent, to
solve problems without immediate assistance from teachers, to motivate themselves, to create new ways
to learn, and to be accountable for their learning as they have been studying from home.
So, should education continue rather than implementing an academic freeze in the Philippines' education
system? Yes, education is essential. Education is the foundation for our country to thrive despite this
massive economic loss. “Ang Kabataan ang Pag-asa ng Bayan”, These were the words of Dr. Jose Rizal, a
National Filipino hero. Throughout his life, he was devoted to the belief that what would make a country
prosper are its own children. The pandemic raised many questions in our minds: what about our
education? How will we achieve our goals? How will we pay for our studies?. According to the
Department of Education, "education must not stop" which is why they are working hard to find
alternative solutions to the current crisis, as a response they implemented Online Learning, Blended
Learning and limited Face To Face classes. As schools have closed due to the pandemic over 2 years, it has
become more important than ever for education systems to understand how the opportunity to develop
a broader range of skills will impact education quality. So, despite the global pandemic, here are some
reasons why education must continue.

1. Provides Confidence - Being self-confident is essential for success in life. Your level of education is
frequently regarded as a means of demonstrating your knowledge, and it can give you the confidence to
express your opinions and speak your mind.
2. Provides Equality - In order for the entire world to truly become equal, it must begin with education. If
everyone had equal access to education, there would be fewer disparities between social classes.
Everyone, not just the wealthy, would have an equal opportunity to advance in their careers.
3. For Self-sufficiency - The importance of education in becoming self-sufficient is obvious. If we are
educated, it is something that belongs to us and only us, allowing us to rely solely on ourselves. It can
enable you to be financially independent as well as making your own decisions.
4. To be A Part Of Society - In today’s society, having an education is considered a vital part of being
accepted by those around you. Having an education is believed to make you a useful part of society, and
can make you feel like a contributing member as well.
5. Provides Stability - Education provides stability in life, which no one can ever take away from you.
Being well-educated and holding a college degree increases your chances of landing a better job and
opening new doors for yourself.

We may encounter trials, and hardships on our journey, there will be times when we want to give up, but
always remember the reason why you started. I would like to end with a quote by Nelson Mandella

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.