Do you believe that battle of talents could also be done during this time of pandemic? It is so amazing right?

Ugac Elementary School, as a support with the Division Memorandum No. 108 s. 2021 titled “Conduct of the Division Virtual Sci-Mathlympics 2021” conducted the first ever Virtual Sci-Mathlympics on June 30, 2021. This is to prepare and scout for the school’s representatives for the District Sci-Mathlympics. The Department of Education is looking for ways and means to hone the skills and talents of the learners. It provides opportunities where learners can showcase their skills and talents through a very unique platform and that is virtual because face to face scheme is not possible due to the Covid 19 pandemic or the new normal situation.

The said competition was open to all Grade 6 learners. To be qualified in the contest, the learner should meet the minimum requirements based on the contest guidelines and mechanics as stipulated in the Division Memorandum No. 108 s. 2021. The learner must have gadgets preferably a laptop and a smart phone. He must also have a stable internet connection. There were 4 contested categories in the said competition. They were: 1. Math Quiz Bee, 2. Science Quiz Bee 3. Poster Making Contest and 4. Science Skills Olympics. The said competition was announced to the top 15 of Grade VI-Venus through their created Group Chat. The Science Coordinator also called up to inform the identified learners regarding the minimum requirements. There were eight (8) lucky learners who responded and joined the said competition. They were Jan Patricia G. Dela Cruz, Zachary Guitering, Mark David Sales, Marriel Saquita, Almira Banan, John Laurence Bonifacio, Edrian Q. Banatao, and Princess Giliane Marie N. Gammad. All the 8 learners participated in the Virtual Science Quiz Bee Contest and the First Place was garnered by Jan Patricia G. Dela Cruz. The next competition was the Math Quiz Bee and this was garnered by Zachary Guitering. John Laurence Bonifacio got the slot for Science Skills Olympics and Mark David Sales for the poster making. The four learners represented Ugac Elementary School in the District Level on July 2, 2021.

During the District Virtual Sci-Mathlympics, John Laurence Bonifacio garnered the First place in the Science Skills Olympics, hence he represented Iguig District in the 3^rd Congressional Level on June 24, 2021. Mark David Sales garnered 2^nd place in poster making while Jan Patricia G. Dela Cruz garnered 3^rd placein Science Quiz Bee.

This opportunity provided among the learners was indeed a great experience. The contestants learned a lot from this specifically on how to log in their accounts, in using or accomplishing google forms, in writing their responses in the chat box, and others. So, I am right in saying that this Virtual Sci-Mathlympics was amazing and challenging.

It is often described that teaching is a noble profession and teachers play important roles in the teaching- learning process. As public servants, teachers are accountable for people as the society expects them to be. The community rely much on teachers and are expected to have advanced skills, proficient in the use of instructional strategies, advanced technologies with high academic and ethical standards. It is anticipated that as educators, they should have a thorough understanding of the level of development of their learners and see to it that they develop to their full potential and safeguard their health and well-being. Teachers’ duties and responsibilities are not confined within the four-square walls of their classrooms but way beyond the school to the community.

During the pre-pandemic, the dissemination of learning took place mostly in classrooms, but with the unprecedented occurrence of the Covid-19 Pandemic, this set-up has drastically changed. Despite the overwhelming fear of catching the virus, education did not stop. The government, together with the DepEd, thought of and made a continuity plan so that education will not be paralyzed and that children will continue to learn within the confinement of their homes. The adaptability and resiliency of teachers were tested in carrying out their duties- that is to disseminate knowledge and skills to learners beyond the classrooms.

They have to adapt to a new educational landscape at the midst of pandemic to do their tasks. Besides reproducing modules and delivering learning packets to the learners, they need to establish a good rapport and work hand in hand with the barangay officials, parents and knowledge bearers so that there will be a smooth flow of communication which is needed in a distance learning. Teachers, especially those who have limited knowledge in the use of technology were motivated to attend webinars to cope with the new normal situation. They need to fit their instruction and practices to cater to the present need of blended learnings as homes have turned into classrooms. The biggest challenge of distance learning is keeping the learners engaged on the tasks given to them. The teacher must be equipped with technical know-how and be creative therefore in preparing her lessons and constantly monitors the learners be it virtual or face-to-face to make sure that they are focused and accomplished the given task. The responsibilities do not end there, in addition to those mentioned above and doing some paper works, monitoring for teachers does not only concern about how well the pupils fare in accomplishing their modules but seeing as well to their health and welfare, that someone beyond the classroom is with them, to help them in doing the assigned task and make sure that they are in good health and are not sick. The teacher needs to reassure her learners and those helping them every now and then that she or he is always with them to help and guide them in the accomplishment of pupils’ modules. In the absence of a parent or a knowledge bearer, the teacher does home visitation following IATF protocol, to reach out pupils who have no internet connection so that assistance will be given.

Indeed, this pandemic has made a multi-faceted duties and responsibilities to teachers, and they were put into higher level of stress, but they are still coping and giving their absolute best in carrying out their tasks amidst this pernicious pandemic. “Teachers are the next level Covid-19 warriors,” according to an Indian educator. They fight for the nation, and they shape the future of tomorrow whatever it takes.