How are you doing?

It is important to ask this question now because of everything that is going on.

As of the moment, the world is in the midst of a battle against COVID-19 pandemic and this resulted on a major shift in our lives. Most schools approached the few remaining weeks of the school year to accommodate changes brought by the threat of the disease. Notably, graduating students who are eagerly excited for their ceremonial rites to celebrate their accomplishments have to face an unusual goodbye, a rushed goodbye, that is. There are a lot of emotions on that peculiarity indeed. You, all of us, have to deal with the “uncertainty”, “confusion,” and the “new normal.”

As you go through an important transition in your life, I just want to encourage you to place importance to what our community needs because the quality of service we impart to the people is in itself an immeasurable achievement. It is through giving back to the community where we belong where we experience true satisfaction. It is through these dangerous times that we need unifying action and a compassionate heart for everyone specially those who are suffering.

This pandemic taught us to find ways, in as much as the situation and measures permit, to continue the learning process. This is what we are trying to navigate and develop, an educational crisis leadership strategy. We are learning more about the importance of good governance and proactive leadership, as well as a well-functioning and responsive social and health care systems.

The Department of Education recently announced that graduation rites are not cancelled but merely postponed due to existing public health measures. The Commission on Higher Education, on the other hand, also expressed that learning institutions may hold an alternative way for such ceremonies or moving it on a later date. With all these pronouncements, we sincerely hope that you can still have your ceremonies in the near future.

In traversing life, there is a need for continuous growth to adapt accordingly. So be prepared. Stay optimistic. The challenge now lies within us as we begin our new reality.

Mabrouk to all the graduates of different academic institutions in the Bangsamoro!

*This article was first published on MP Mitmug’s facebook page on April 23, 2020.