June 11, 2021
By Llana Isabel Sadie
Prior to the coronavirus, the country had a debatable reputation for the quality of its education system. But following the coronavirus, which led to the closing of schools across the country in March of 2020, the education system seems to have reasonably regressed.
According to research on PubMed, one out of every four respondents (roughly one-fourth of 1,879 respondents) reported feeling moderate to severe anxiety during the early phase of the pandemic in the Philippines, and one out of every six respondents (roughly one-sixth of 1,879 respondents) reported experiencing high incidence depression and facing a psychological impact.
Transition to distance learning
For over a year now, millions of Filipino learners have been suffering from various reasons caused by the pandemic. From challenges such as the lack of flexibility in distance learning and resource materials to factors such as family problems and natural disasters, students from all over the country started to face a decline in their mental health.
With the need to adapt to the requirements of distance learning, there’s no denying the fact that students have had the possibility of experiencing burnout or a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress.
In October 2020, the Department of Education (DepEd) urged teachers to assign a “reasonable” number of tasks in class to avoid mental strain for the students, following reports that the new system was overwhelming them.
“Sapagkat nasa gitna tayo ng krisis dulot ng pandemya, dapat lamang na magkaroon tayo ng konsiderasyon sa lahat lalo na sa mga bata at kanilang pamilya na maaaring limitado ang kapasidad pang-ekonomiya at pang-akademiko,” said Teachers' Dignity Coalition National Chairperson Benjo Basas.
(Since we are in the midst of a crisis caused by the pandemic, we should have consideration for everyone, especially the children and their families who may have limited economic and academic capacities.)
In the same year, a month after adjustments were made by higher education institutions, the DepEd dismissed calls for “academic freeze” or suspension of classes in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We would like to dismiss this call as not something that is supported by the direction of DepEd for learning continuity,” DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said in a briefing.
Although these protests were made in response to the negative effects of distance learning, the department opposed “#AcademicFreezeNOW” and “#LigtasNaBalikEskwela” as a “shortsighted solution” as Malaluan pointed out, it does not take into consideration the trade-off of prolonged interruption.
Distance learning’s effects on students
CNN reports that as of August, DepEd had confessed that one student committed suicide due to the COVID-19 game and that mental health problems persist for students and teachers. Additionally, the agency made a commitment to reinforce its collaboration and increase its commitment to supporting psychological well-being.
According to a 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) estimate, around 3.3 million Filipinos suffer from depression, making it one of the highest rates in Southeast Asia. The WHO also warned in May 2020 that COVID-19 would cause a mental health crisis that professionals now call, “the next pandemic”.
For students in medical education, such as 3rd-year undergraduate Joy, not her real name, this is a significant issue. Joy says she has learned to manage her stressors over the year, adding how mental health problems aren’t discussed in medical school because they could jeopardize one's rank.
“Kinailangan kong mag-reflect sa academic performance ko dahil sobrang na-chachallenge na talaga ako,” said Joy. “Nag-open up din ako kay mama tungkol sa pag-LOA dahil naramdaman ko lang na yun yung magiging best para sa mental health ko,” added Joy who discussed an LOA (Leave of Absence) option with her mother.
(I had to reflect on my academic performance because I was feeling really challenged. I also opened up to my mom about LOA because I felt like that would be the best for my mental health.)
Joy shared how she managed to get by. After deciding on a break from her academics, she pursued trying to take on hobbies such as crocheting, journaling, and even calligraphy.
Related to Joy’s situation is what private practitioner and clinical psychologist Beatrix Sison said about the importance of having clear boundaries, space, and routines to managing studies during this pandemic. She also mentioned how that could still be challenging for students who just have naturally have a harder time adjusting to remote, online learning.
Jake, not his real name, however, was supposed to graduate senior high school until he and his parents decided for him to get therapy instead. “I was a consistent honor student until this pandemic happened. My mental health is in a rabbit hole. I can't focus and finish things because of it. Now, my parents and I decided that I'll stop a school year to get therapy instead of graduating senior high.”
He also wonders about the situations of his fellow students who are less fortunate.. “I'm so sad that they still ignore the fact that a lot of students are having mental health issues. What about those who don’t have the capability to go on therapy, don't have anyone to help them. They already gave online schooling a try and it didn't help anyone.”
“DepEd needs to be accountable for the fact that Filipino students are indeed overworked. WE ARE NOT LEARNING. We are being churned out into becoming cogs in the system, and that takes a huge toll on our mental health,” an anonymous Twitter user posted.
Since the start of the pandemic, challenges have evolved from struggles for effective education to legitimate concerns on mental health, financial capability, and even survivability.
“This girl did everything right. She did EVERYTHING right. This institution was supposed to PROTECT her, and they failed. I am so sorry. How many students are suffering, in constant pain, just so that they don’t have to face this institution with mental health problems?” grade 12 student Mary, not her real name, cried out as she recalled how she has followed school policies and has been a stellar student all her life, yet the DepEd rejected the students’ calls for actions on a “#NoStudentLeftBehind” protest.
Many more students unite and believe that Filipino resiliency should not be romanticized in these times of crises, and that incompetence in the country’s government should not be tolerated. Students stand with each other in saying that the Philippines’ current situation in the education sector is taking a toll on their mental health and is not conducive to learning. SYNC IN
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