To My Dear Students,
It's been two years since I last set foot in your school and yet, I want to thank you for being open whenever I had lessons where I weaved societal issues in. Stating facts and truth was something I did as a teacher then and as a writer now and I have never forced political viewpoints on anyone. I say it then and say it now: make yourself aware and from that, make yourself useful in any way.

I know a number of you are going to be college next year. I'm sorry if I won't be attending your graduation next month--you know why with the times. All I can say is I am proud that you're all one step closer to the real world. Scary, yes but not something I know you all won't handle. You will have 4 years of college to figure it out.

But before you guys get your highschool diplomas and get your feet to the university gates, I must tell you think of the situation right now. You all are aware of the virus. Does it scare you? I know it does but hear me out.It's plastered all over TV and the internet that I know you are all religiously on because online classes were suspended.

Sure I will be the first to tell you, like everyone else, to keep yourselves clean. Wash your hands, drink a lot of water, avoid going out of the house if you feel a little sick and go to the doctor if you are extremely ill. Observe cough etiquette, practice social distancing. I guess it can never be said enough right?

But you see, what's happening now is more than just a health issue. You can see so many people especially the working class and the marginalized suffering though the cracks of governance from poor facilities to power abuse. You will see how our health frontliners are fighting this battle also head on but there's this issue of our local healthcare and the scarcity of manpower. You will see all these employees who are delivering basic goods and services having a hard time because the issue of no transportation will force them to walk long distances just to do their part. You will see employees who are meant to stay at home but are forced to report to work because their employers tell them so or they will not be paid. You will see people lose jobs, livelihood, and loved ones, all because of this virus.

I will ask all of you to watch and read every news intently and ask yourselves, what do you think are the things needed in these crucial times? Once you identify that, I urge you to work on being the solution once doors of college open in a few months.

No, I am not telling you to do something drastic. You are young and like me an adult, are also caught in the hardships this country is facing. The virus could disappear someday, but the real plight of the Filipino will still be there and it's because of this virus these problems are highlighted: bad governance, unfair labor practices, little health workers, and so much more.

I am so proud how a number of you are telling me what you want to be: a doctor, a nurse, a writer, a lawyer, and so much more. In your quest to be who you want to be, also remember to be the person this country will need.

Look at the problems around and look at the success (no matter how hard you think it is). If there's a sector you see is suffering, remember them and work on how to help them someday when you're in the real world. When you see those acts of good like the leadership of some people who want to make the lives of their constituents better, then continue that.

Just remember I am not asking you to be anyone. Never lose sight of the issues and see how in your own way, talent, skill,interest, goals you can help.

Nothing happens overnight. It takes small steps to make a difference. You may not be the answer to this COVID-19 pandemic now but you will be the people who will be preventing any future virus and destroy the chain of questionable leadership especially when the time comes years from now. And watch the Philippines become a better place.

Even if you're at home, let this time remind you of your true purpose. In a few months, you will be in college but make this education count as someday, we will count on each other to improve our country.


Note: I'm writing this with my former students in mind. But I think many of the lessons will definitely apply to everyone.