THE SILVER LINING
It has already been two years and counting since the world was placed on pandemic. In this span
of time, we have all been in a state of turmoil. The economy is declining. The health sector is
drained to capacity. The government is buried in debts and financial obligations. The education
sector is struggling with limited resources. At the moment, many people are jobless, many are
overworked, many are scared, many are uncertain.
Nonetheless, despite the health crisis, people in the different social organizations are resilient on
how to face the challenges of the pandemic. Here are some of the social organizations who
innovated ways to battle this dilemma.
But, if there’s one group greatly compromised, it would be the children; the Filipino youth and
their education.
First is the EDUCATION SECTOR, in response to the challenge of the “new normal” in
education, schools pushed for Self-Learning Modules (SLMs) with alternative learning delivery
modalities (modular, television-based, radio-based instruction, blended, and online) that grant
access to education while classes are prohibited with the advent of COVID-19. These SLMs are
delivered in printed format to schools that are located in coastal areas, far-flung provinces, and
communities without access to the internet or electricity. For households with gadgets and
devices, the Department has announced that SLMs can also be accessed online or offline.
Students can now learn at their own pace and discover study habits that work for them. They can
also make their own flexible schedules for completing their tasks. Problems on focus, forgotten
assignments, cutting classes, bullying, and absenteeism may all be resolved since students would
just be in their homes, supervised by elders. In a way, this creates a study setting where parents
and teachers can breathe with ease and assurance. Since disciplining and overseeing the children
becomes a joint responsibility of the family and school, teachers won’t spend a lot of time
stressing over a stubborn student; parents will worry a little less about their child’s safety since
they’d be together most of the time; students will also feel safe from bullies and away from
negative influence or usual school stressors.
Second, we have the COMMUNITY PANTRY ORGANIZATION. The group extends help to
people especially the less fortunate by donating food everyday in the middle of the raging
pandemic.
The pantry has stocks with fresh produce, canned goods, and other non-perishable food items.
Moreover, hygienic essentials and medicines are made available allowing the people to get these
without any cost.
Furthermore, in this community pantry, everyone can lend help by giving any in kind donations
which will be given to the marginalized people.
Third, we have one of the popular applications around the world – TIKTOK. Many people are
jobless nowadays because of the pandemic. However, people still find ways to get through the
global health crisis. Because of boredom, people can freely make creative and catchy videos
through posting them in Tiktok. Many Tiktok influencers with huge folloers are now earning
money because of paid partnership of brands as well as live streaming where the tiktokers can
get gems which can be converted in money. With these, small tiktokers can suffice the essential
needs of the family.
On the on the other hand, people around the world use the TIktok as platform for topics such as
medicine, education, religion, culture – to name a few.
Fourth, Local Government Unit mandated the use of QR Codes when you enter malls, hotels and
other establishments. This is a type of barcode which can be immediately scanned by a digital
device. Instead of writing names and other information for contract tracing, people can use their
QR Codes. People utilize this to minimize the spread of the virus and to rapidly identify and
track information of people who might have a connection to COVID.
Lastly, Food Delivery platforms revolutionized during this pandemic. This business is gaining
momentum which I can say a very helpful service in these risky times. To minimize the human
contact during restaurant transactions, people opt to let their food be delivered by food delivery
services. At the comfort of your own home, your food is ready is just one snap without worrying
about the possible threat of the virus when you go out.
Indeed, people from the different social sectors such as the Education Sector, Community Pantry,
Local Government Unit, Tiktok Community and Food Delivery Services still build resilience
amid the covid-19 pandemic. For now, while COVID remains at rage, I’ll keep my eyes open
and heart ever welcoming to the positive experience this holds for everyone. After all, there is
always a ray of hope in the midst of adversity.
There is always a silver lining to look out for every waking day.
