By ROLANDO C. RULLAN, JR – CAPINTALAN NHS

SCHOOL PRINCIPAL I

It’s in history that viruses had brought the world unexpected changes in many
aspects of human lives. These viruses are capable of turning the pages of our history
from one chapter to another by going through the hardships, fears, declined economy,
health instability and death. Thus, along its way are the complexities and challenges that
we have to face, that we have to battle with and problems that we have to surpass in
order to create a state of the “new normal”.
To end the war against pandemic is indefinite. It depends on how people do their
part in using the effective health protocols, the availability of quality vaccines and the
systemic responses of the government such as the Department of Health and all other
concerned agencies. All of these are necessary to mitigate the length of time of the
disturbances of the viruses to our communities. Presently, countries worldwide
including the Philippines, are not yet free since the Covid-19 virus continuously mutates.
Consequently, many of the human activities are still subjected to modification,
cancellation or stoppage, which include the teaching and learning activities.
Among the actors in the educational processes, the role of the teachers as the
prime movers of the learning continuity is essential. Teachers must be tough enough to
handle tasks more than what is expected of them. They need to be physically, mentally
and emotionally balanced in doing lots of preparations and adjustments associated with
the shifts of learning modalities. They need to strategize on utilizing modules, video
lessons and media of communication as the means to create connections with their
students. They must create norms and criterions as to how they can properly assess the
students’ academic performance. And a lot more on top of their roles as parents or
guardians in their respective homes. Hence, teachers’ resiliency is very much needed up
to the time that we are about to survive the Covid-19.
How resilient our teachers are in times of pandemic? How strong are they that
made them adaptive in the new ways of teaching? How creative are they in their coping
techniques to face the adversities in the delivery of learning? How optimism helps them
lessen their stress and anxiety despite risks and dangers on their own health? These can
determine the vulnerability and dedication of our teachers. Furthermore, these
questions have to be answered in order to say that our teachers are still sound and fit in
performing their duties and responsibilities. Sustaining self-motivation to fuel
themselves to keep on going is vital.

If there is one more important thing to be considered, it should be everyone’s
health. Teachers can be resilient if they stay healthy in all aspects. We appreciated how
the Department of Education provided our teachers with programs like academic ease
and mental and psychosocial support. Stressors in our job that lead to anxieties can be
managed when we have good mental health. People become stronger, can decide firmly
and can generate positive ideas when they have peaceful hearts and minds. Thus, it is a
must for everyone to ensure that we have a clear state of mind as we do lots of things in
our workplace.
But how resiliency can be sustained by our teachers knowing that the pandemic
continues to spread with its different variants? Perhaps, having the right perspective is
one. It is obvious that we cannot control this pandemic, but having the right response on
how we should deal with it lies in us. Let us consider this moment as an eye-opener that
everything around is important. It may be the best time for us to appreciate and see the
good things around us – our home, nature, our loved ones, our work and a lot more.
Spending quality time with our families and loved ones is another thing. We knew
exactly how important each member of our family was during this pandemic. They are
our source of our joys, happiness, admiration and our reasons why we push ourselves to
work. Belongingness in the workplace can help too. Co-workers especially the school
heads can influence and brighten the mood and the atmosphere of each and everyone in
the school. We have teacher-survivors from COvid-19 who handled the disease well for
they felt the love and support, not only from their families, but also from their
colleagues. In fact, we do have Zumba sessions, TikTok video production, online
kumustahan and virtual LAC sessions that enrich synergy and cohesiveness in our
workplace.
Most importantly, self-compassion and self-care can help everyone to survive the
pandemic. Knowing our capabilities and weaknesses gives us ways to understand
ourselves, and so we can empathize with ourselves when we commit failures and
shortcomings through self-compassion. If we have lots of regrets in our workplace, in
our tasks and with our students; deal with them or better accept them and just let them
go for a while. We must be forgiving to ourselves since we cannot do all our goals
because we are guarded by the risks of viruses. Just believe that we are now moving
towards the time that we can do a lot better and when our place is safer. Along with this
vision, everyone should practice effective self-care. Today, taking care of ourselves
means taking care of others too. Remember that life is a gift from our creator and the
best way to show our gratitude is to take care of it the best we can. Moreover, having the
strongest faith in our God is our greatest refuge. Let us all pray and hope that teachers
may continue gaining their inspirations, their goals and their strengths until such time
when our “new normal” is finally achieved.