Welcome to the -Ber months of 2026! The weeks leading up to this time, however, have
been marked by many days of heavy monsoon rains and floods, resulting in continuous learning
disruption aside from the planned holidays during the month. As we know, teacher-student
learning time is the most important time in the school year. With a limited number of days in the
academic calendar to achieve the required competencies for each subject, this poses a problem
for both teachers and students. Teachers may rush lessons to keep up with the curriculum, while
students may feel rushed and short on time to complete all their requirements.
It is important for both the teacher and the student to take advantage of the learning
continuity tools available to them to minimize the effects of this kind of situation. At Fernandez
College of Arts and Technology (FCAT), we use our Learning Management System (LMS), Google
Workspace for Education, to enable teachers to hold synchronous online sessions and to provide
supplementary, asynchronous materials through Google Classroom. It also includes a suite of
other tools that are valuable for teacher and student productivity. E-books and journals are also
available to students through our Library department to enhance lessons, whether face-to-face
or online. FCAT still prioritizes face-to-face interactions but strongly advocates the use of
technology, especially to mitigate the effects of learning disruption. Teachers and students receive
orientation and support in using these alternatives.
The writer strongly advocates that teachers and students work together to find the right
blend of learning that works for them. Depending on the context of the learning situation- the
teacher, students, subject, culture, etc. – what works for one class may not work as well for
another. At FCAT, we strongly encourage students to take responsibility for their learning and
utilize all the tools at their disposal. The teachers, on the other hand, should provide all the
opportunities and support each student needs to maximize their potential. By caring for ourselves
and others, we deepen our passion for excellence. Let us work together to transform learning
disruptions into learning opportunities.
Erwin Rommel Y. Fernandez, LPT, RGC, Ed.D.
FCAT President
