A Reflection On Covid Pandemic

A REFLECTION ON COVID PANDEMIC
By Arsenio Jake F. Flores Jr.

21 July 2020
It is not my attempt to criticize or evaluate a country’s, especially the Philippines’,

response during the Covid19 pandemic. Rather, it is through the eyes of a Math teacher that I
endeavor to offer my two cents on how this virus has changed my outlook on one of
Mathematics’ fundamentals – coming up with a solution when given a problem. The Novel
Coronavirus has reminded me of the importance of facing a tough problem and coming up with
an even tougher solution such as the search of a vaccine to trump COVID-19. However, unlike
most Math formulas that have been already been tried and tested, truly as a civilization, we
have yet to discover solutions for certain problems such as the Coronavirus. It is still early to
evaluate as to whether we did right or wrong in facing the problems regarding the Coronavirus
pandemic, for no matter how deep in a rut we may seem, we are really just at the beginning.
It was in December 2019 through the World Health Organization that I came to know of
the news about the situation in Wuhan, China. However, I was not alarmed at that time. In this
time and age of science and technology, it seemed to me that almost all our problems were
easily solvable, and so I found no reason to be alarmed. But just like the millions of people who
shared my lack of concern, I was proven wrong.
Like rapid wildfire, governments all around the world began reporting numbers
pertaining to the data of COVID-19 cases, deaths, and recoveries. Suddenly those numbers
were essential data that kept everyone abreast of the gravity of the virus. In the blink of an eye,
our fast-paced world stood at a standstill, with countries across the Globe in lockdown, forcing
billions of people to stay indoors in quarantine, halting all socioeconomic operations. As the
numbers of COVID-19 cases continued to rise exponentially, the people’s morale plummeted as
well.
While many learners struggle with numbers, I do not have any problem with it as I am a
Math teacher. But in the face of the numbers of stirred up by the pandemic, I felt fear and
confusion of numbers for the first time. I realized that some numbers do scare me – numbers
that represent the body count of COVID-19 cases and casualties -- as I try to keep myself
informed with updates on the pandemic. With these updates, I try to suppress the questions
and uncertainties that keep coming into light. What happens now? How long will this pandemic
run its course? There are too many queries I would want to be answered, but chief among all is:
even though the new normal requires social distancing, will this crisis unite the people instead?
The concept of exponential growth is daunting during the pandemic. A single case of
COVID-19 can prove to be devastating and critical for the whole community. This exponential
growth could also mean difficulty in many aspects of the lives of those living within the area
stricken with even just a single case. It is with my hopeful perspective wishing that if only
economic growth encompassed those members of our society living in Classes D and E that we
can aspire that their economic conditions will make them be more ready for the challenges of
COVID-19. These countries with millions experiencing difficulty due to poor economic
conditions, to name a few are Africa, Latin America and even Iran.
There are just too many new concepts that arose during the aforementioned pandemic,
that even a mathematician should be aware. As the COVID-19 andemic runs its course, many
governments are implementing measures to somehow slow the spread of the disease. The
concept of lockdown has come into fruition to implement mass quarantine, but we can not lock
down forever. It may be so that the virus fails to kill the people, but hunger will. The concept of
social distancing can buy us time, but how about the struggle of social distancing where it
seems almost impossible due to heavily population dense areas like Tondo, Manila?
I have realized that COVID-19 is the biggest problem since World War. I would want to
celebrate that some Southeast Asian countries have low numbers of COVID-19 cases but I held
back because could it be that sometimes numbers also lie? Low number of COVID cases
because there was limited testing negates its credibility, and by extension the government’s
efficiency in dealing with the pandemic.
These are all just the tip of the iceberg, for there are still numerous factors to consider. I
was hoping I could say to those in authority to simplify their approaches in solving the crisis. For
the sake of cooperating with the country in hopes of faster pandemic recovery, I choose to
believe that the numbers they report to us, the people, reflect the government’s transparency
and honesty. All I can do now is to hope. I am hoping that the number zero will soon be posted
on television, newspapers and social media. Zero for new COVID-19 cases. Zero for new deaths
due to COVID-19.
As a teacher, the importance of one student is undeniable. A life is very important

because it can truly have an impact to the society. The one one life that is influenced by
focusing on him as to overcome his difficulties. The social role of a teacher wherein he
considers how his students may cope to the challenges of pandemic. To be able to have the
gadgets and other technologies if ever the online class will push through. I have realized that
truly my students are facing numerous problems together with their families with regard to the
provision of what online classes entail.
It is to be noted that most students in public schools have parents who are farmers and
fishermen or those whose employment is most affected by the pandemic .Most students have
to adjust financially because of unemployment of their parents during the covid crisis. Far flung
areas also do not have good access to internet.
During the past ten years of teaching, math is truly challenging to most students even
during the face to face set-up, will the online improve the performance of the students? Will
their interest toward the subject be noteworthy? Truly, I have a role to play, to make the
subject be highlighted as indispensable.Covid19 will make a mark in history. It is with great
work and sacrifice as a teacher that this crisis will bring out not just the worst in us but the best
in terms of coping and in solving the problem.
During the pandemic, it challenged my role in teaching not just solving math problems
but to inculcate values such as social responsibility. It is not just enough to be intelligent in
numbers but to use it for the betterment of the society. It is a social pride to be good at
numbers or to be known as mathematician but the point is that different disciplines such as
philosophy, sociology, economics, science and technology to mention a few can truly contribute
for the covid19 pandemic. We are not just relying for the vaccine to be discovered and put all
the praise to the scientists but while it is still not available, students should be encouraged to
do their part by simply being at home or wearing their masks or washing their hands. We all
have a role to play, may the best in us encourage us that if we are the ones in position to use
our power and authority for common good. My position as a teacher, is to make the students
realize that there is a solution to a problem, that this is not our end. The “new normal” is that
the power of one teacher can truly make a difference by encouraging “one” student that when
the time comes, his idea matter, his brilliant idea might be the solution we are all waiting for.
My encouragement to my fellow colleague in the academe is not to take for granted even one
student. May not even one student be left behind in education as we endeavor to take the next
step in learning amidst the corona virus pandemic.

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A REFLECTION ON COVID PANDEMIC

By Arsenio Jake F. Flores Jr.

It is not my attempt to criticize or evaluate a country’s, especially the Philippines’,

As a teacher, the importance of one student is undeniable. A life is very important

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