tap the play arrow
(if on mobile, click “Listen in browser”)
on the souncloud pod below,
for the theme dedicated
to all my students
from whom i have learned
how it is to teach
and what it is
that matters:
CODE
FOR ALL CLASS MEMBERS, marichulambino,
April 22, 2020
This is my last
letter to you.
In view of the life-threatening pandemic,
the lockdown and suspension
of all transportation system
and the prohibition of any gathering
of more than ten
and prohibition of any movement
of persons on the streets,
the suspension of all forms
of academic work
due to the lack of
means of communication
brought by
deeply rooted
social inequities,
denying
internet infrastructure
at home for almost half
of the students
and the faculty
and having to choose
the more urgent imperative
to survive
the limited access
to food
and essential supplies,
the social uncertainty
enveloping the nation,
the sudden imposition
of a quarantine
in all communities,
which started in March
with only two days’ notice
to the people,
showing the absence
of prompt measures
to allow the country
to prepare for the peril
to our existence – —
depriving all of us
of a regular semester –—
and considering that there are students
who were not given the chance
to earn the points that they need
because the lockdown
was suddenly imposed
chances and choices
of which they have been deprived
through no fault of their own …
and the impossibility
of ever returning
the time that was lost
no matter
the effort:
The least harmful way
of proceeding
is to allow class members
safe passage
through the course
and be given a passing grade
(“P”) on June 2, 2020
and providing
two unofficial, voluntary,
optional
online bridge sessions
at a time that is safe
for members of the class
for the topics missed
for the days
and moments
taken away
from us …
from the life
that we knew.
i wish
we have been able
to spend
more time
with each other.
You have one final test
for the class
and
it is
the most important
for now:
Stay alive — —
Help others
stay alive.
i will
see you
on the other side
of this pandemic –
alive,
fighting,
and
marching
with the people
for the right
to a humane life.
Maraming salamat
sa inyong pakikibahagi
sa maikling panahon
na tayo ay nagkapiling
sa ating klase.
-marichu
moments written, documented, shot and produced by the students from a handheld mobile phone in the third week of classes February 2020
