When we dream, we come to a point where every situation we encounter has to be ideal. In my case, I came up with comforting scenarios in my head where I found myself being able to relate to and sympathize far from the ruthless embrace of reality in the real world.

From the onset of the new normal, every stakeholder coming from the education sector has to adapt to various strategies, either ineffective or effective, unjust or just, unreasonable or reasonable, and many either-or statements that do not have concrete answers. This is a clear picture of what the reversion of the said calendar can bring.

It means that either the privileged or the underprivileged can benefit, and either we compromise the learning of those who need it most or we lay out better strategies not to trample over on anyone. 

The truth is, that the Department of Education (DepEd) has fully understood the urgency of returning to normal, beyond the time when the pandemic has not hit us yet. They stated that studies and research were conducted for years to solidify the core significance of the actions they undertake. However, it seems like the problems lie in the fact that they may not be fully capable of redirecting these changes in a better light.

I am a student who has gone through battles because of the pandemic. I also know how it feels to be hopeless, contemplating whether I could see another glimpse of a productive morning. I went through periods where I had to ask myself to always fight because that is how I was shaped and born. I always have to be determined, or I may not reach success. But it seems like I am not the only person in this world who has gone through the same experience. And that many people have undergone the same.

After the Philippines joined the PISA Assessment in 2022, many problems showed their horns of demons lurking around the system of education. It is revealed that the economic status of a student influences their performance in learning. The same goes for the language used, which becomes a factor in students' comprehension. These results speak a lot about the current state of education. 

As someone who has been in the four walls of a big institution from the province of Bicol, I cannot help but wonder if DepEd has far better priorities than giving solutions to these ill-rooted problems that are the original causes of why students have to struggle to catch up with the lessons. 

Unfortunately, we did not come to school just to encounter band-aid solutions, but because we started by listening to our teachers and doing our seatwork with the outcome of a long-term solution in mind. It is because these students dream and understand that, truly, without enduring the battles, nothing good will come out.

Ultimately, it is significant that we become hopeful about possible interventions. However, not when people do not become considerate of the welfare of other students whose defense and armor is education itself. Because it must be known that the true meaning of progress starts by being inclusive of its people.