History repeats itself. After so many years, once again the world is facing yet another killer virus. It is a well-known fact that nothing has killed more people than a contagious

disease caused by viruses. At the height of the corona virus outbreak, an overwhelming number of infected people from almost 180 countries had been reported and until now the cases of infection continue to rise. Indeed this novel virus has struck every nation causing global health crisis. It is undeniable that the health and well-being of every individual is at risk.

March 2020 will forever be remembered as the month when all schools instantly closed. When doors of every classroom were shut, ending the school year as early as mid-March. The severity of the situation was not easily realized until a series of lockdown was announced. It was a serious and sudden blow causing a gigantic educational crisis. Today, as we live amidst the threat of the novel corona virus, it is not just our health that is compromised, but also the learning mobility of our students.

As a nation belonging to what we call the third world country, it is indeed difficult to shift from traditional schooling to online, modular and blended learning. This abrupt change has caused uncertainties and doubts as to whether it’ll push through. Questions like, Is it possible? or will it work? surface upon the minds of many. But Filipinos are well known when it comes to adaptation. Yes we have doubts, but we always use those doubts to try new things with extra caution.

With the current situation, where opening of classes was postponed until late August, the Department of Education was stormed with countless queries which centered to one; “How will education continue amidst the pandemic?”

Fortunately, though we are not as rich and as powerful as the western and European countries, we are blessed with some dedicated educators and officials who never seized to find ways on how we can continue to educate our learners. As what our Secretary of Education, Leonor Magtolis Briones used to say in a number of press conferences, “Education must continue.” That we cannot let our learners starve for knowledge. Let us prove that it will take more than a killer virus to stop us from chasing our dreams.

Today as we fight against this deadly virus, against this unseen enemy, it is imperative that we do our share of commitment to help uplift our living condition, through our continuous effort to learn. It is the responsibility of teachers, parents, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles and every adult there is in the community to help our young learners. To let them know and realize how important it is to gain knowledge and wisdom.

They can say that this pandemic is potentially one of the greatest threats in global education, but for us who thirst for knowledge, this is just one of the challenges we must face.

And just like any other challenges that we encountered in the past, we will rise up, stronger than ever. Yes, this virus may kill the lives of thousands, but no virus can kill education. Education, amidst this pandemic, must and will continue.