“2-Week Suspension of Classes: Online Learning — Convenient or More Hassle?”?
Does your country often experience natural disasters? Including typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions? Does your local government respond to these social problems effectively and properly? In that case, this blog talks about the experiences and perspectives of 5 students of STEM from Mater Ecclesiae School, INC., in regards to the two-week suspension of the governor of Laguna province, Gov. Sol Aragones.
On October 13, 2025, Monday, many were stunned by the announcement of the local government that there would be a two-week suspension from October 14 to October 31. “Bakit sobrang tagal naman ng suspension?”, “Totoo ba ‘to?”, “Nakita niyo na ba announcement ni Gov? Ang haba ng suspension.” These were some of the comments that not only the students, but also different families had said. Part of it, the community had considered how the upcoming events and activities would proceed this October, now that the province has switched to an online setup. What did the students think when they heard about the 2-week suspension of face-to-face classes?
“When I first heard about the two-week suspension, naisip ko agad yung mga activities and events na we were preparing for. Especially yung field trip ng SHS and yung upcoming exams. It was an unexpected action by the local government; instead of giving go-bags and other practices in preparation for the natural disasters that we are now experiencing, they thought of suspending it for 2 weeks, kasi ‘convenient’ siya for ‘all’. Pero again, I thought that they needed to suspend it for everyone’s safety from the things that may happen. It was a thorough decision that everyone should follow for their own good as well.”
-Maria Sofia T. Ramirez said (4:00 PM on October 16, 2025)
“My thoughts when I heard it were "Totoo ba toh?" "Literal ba na 2 weeks cancelled ang pasok?" because it is unusual to cancel for that absurd amount of time.”
-Moira Athalia S. Tagle” (10:18 AM on October 17, 2025)
“When I first heard about the 2-week suspension this October, I felt a lot of emotions all at once — happiness, excitement, and also sadness. I felt happy because it meant I could finally have time to rest from the busy schedule at school. It’s also a relief because it would help lessen daily expenses like transportation and food. I was excited because I suddenly had more free time to focus on myself and do things I usually can’t do because of school, like my hobbies, self-care, or bonding with my family and friends.However, I also couldn’t help but feel sad and worried. The reason behind the suspension is the series of earthquakes happening in the country, which is truly alarming. It made me realize how unpredictable disasters can be and how important it is to be prepared. I was also disappointed because some of the activities I was looking forward to, like our field trip and other school events, were postponed. These are memories we’ve been waiting to create together. On top of that, I know that this will probably lead to more assignments and online tasks being given to us. So even though there’s a break from physically going to school, the pressure of schoolwork will still be there.”
-Kyle Daphne T. Sumpay (9:11 PM on October 16, 2025)
“My thoughts about the 2-week suspension this October — it feels like we're going back to the pandemic, because this is exactly how it started back then, and it ended up lasting two years. It's kind of scary because I really don’t want to go through that again. I'm also thinking it’s going to be hard for us, because it means another period of adjustment, especially for those who don’t have a stable internet connection to join Zoom classes on time.”
Shaina R. Sumayod (8:01 PM on October 16, 2025)
“Honestly, when I first heard about the 2-week suspension, I felt a mix of relief and worry. Part of me was glad to have a short break from the usual routine, but I also thought about how it might affect our lessons , deadlines and exams. I understood that it was for everyone’s safety, but it still made me wonder how things would work out once classes started again.”
-Laica May C. Diaz (7:01 PM on October 16, 2025)
Not all students have the capacity to join their online classes. For instance, some may have an unstable internet/network, while others may not have the device to comply with this online setup. Whenever there are projects, it is hard for the students to accommodate and see each other due to different schedules and reasons. What could be the experiences of those students during the online setup?
“For me, I can say that it was more tiring than the face-to-face setup. Aside from the activities and online classes that they need to provide, the exposure to other people and the environment that they are in can greatly affect the concentration of the student. We had to adjust our schedules to accommodate the tasks that we needed to accomplish.”
-Maria Sofia T. Ramirez (4:00 PM on October 16, 2025)
“Right now, I realize that it is more tiring than an F2F class, because you only sit in front of your laptop all day long, and sometimes it gets boring when you can't talk with anyone.”
-Moira Athalia S. Tagle” (10:18 AM on October 17, 2025)
“Going back to an online setup for two weeks isn’t something entirely new to me since we already experienced this during the pandemic. In some ways, it actually feels a bit familiar. But at the same time, it’s also a bit challenging because I’ve already gotten used to face-to-face classes again. It’s a big change to suddenly shift from learning in a classroom to learning in front of a screen at home.
One of the main challenges is communication. It’s harder to interact with classmates and teachers, especially during group activities or discussions. Internet connection is also a common problem — sometimes I can’t tell if it’s my signal or my classmate’s or teacher’s. There are also distractions at home that make it difficult to focus, unlike in school, where the environment is more controlled. Still, I’m trying my best to adjust to this situation since I’ve already experienced online classes before. It’s not as easy or interactive as face-to-face learning, but it’s something I can adapt to.”
-Kyle Daphne T. Sumpay (9:11 PM on October 16, 2025)
“I’ve been feeling a bit down lately because I’ve just been stuck in my room all day. It’s different from being at school, where even if we’re just in one classroom, we still get to interact with our friends and classmates. Still, I’m trying to stay okay.”
-Shaina R. Sumayod (8:01 PM on October 16, 2025)
“Going back to online classes feels a bit weird because it reminds me of the pandemic days. It’s nice that I can stay at home and save time, but it’s also hard to focus sometimes. The connection isn’t always stable, and it’s easy to get distracted. I do appreciate the effort of teachers trying to adjust again, but it’s definitely not the same as being in the classroom.”
-Laica May C. Diaz (7:01 PM on October 16, 2025)
On the bright side, it was an opportunity for us to reflect on ourselves and be able to try new hobbies and skills. Was it effective for them or not?
“Because of this setup, I learned how to manage my time well and be able to try new hobbies like playing Tennis and having to “work-bond” with my friends. Though sometimes it can be more draining than actually going to school, it was an open door for us to explore and enjoy our own company. It made us realize that safety is our top priority. The suspension was to raise awareness of the disasters that we are now experiencing- and with the tips and protocols that have are now learning, we will be able to know what to do in times of a catastrophe.”
-Maria Sofia T. Ramirez (4:00 PM on October 10, 2025)
“I think maybe only a 2-3 day suspension would be fine, but a whole 2 weeks is a bit inconvenient because not all students have a stable wifi or laptop to use, and most students understand the lesson better when it was F2f than online.”
-Moira Athalia S. Tagle (10:18 AM on October 17, 2025)
“As a student, from my perspective, it is 50/50, but the 2-week suspension is a bit inconvenient because it affects our learning and daily routine. I also find it harder to study at home without classmates and teachers around.”
-Shaina R. Sumayod (8:01 PM on October 16, 2025)
“I think it’s both effective and inconvenient. It’s effective because it keeps everyone safe and gives time for things to settle down, but it’s also inconvenient because we lose the normal flow of our lessons. Some students struggle with online access or find it hard to keep up, so it’s not the easiest setup for everyone.”
-Laica May C. Diaz (7:01 PM on October 16, 2025)
“It is effective because, first of all, it prioritizes our safety. Staying at home lessens the risks in case stronger earthquakes happen. It also helps us save money since we don’t have to spend daily on transportation, food, and other school expenses. Another good thing is that we have more time to do schoolwork and personal tasks, and we get to rest a bit more than usual. I personally appreciate being able to sleep longer, spend time with my family, and have some quiet moments for myself.
But at the same time, it is inconvenient. Even though we have more time, the number of tasks given by teachers often increases because everything is done online. It can be overwhelming to face the screen almost the whole day, whether for online classes or doing assignments. This can affect our health, like causing eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. It’s also harder to concentrate at home, especially if there’s noise or an unstable internet connection. Unlike in school, it’s not easy to ask questions or collaborate with classmates when something is unclear. So yes, the suspension has its benefits, but it also has its struggles.”
-Kyle Daphne T. Sumpay (9:11 PM on October 16, 2025)
OCTOBER 13, 2025 at 1:28 PM
For the safety and security of everyone, the announcement of the local government was attentive. Since different areas experience different phenomena, it was decided to suspend face-to-face classes for everyone, ensuring that all will prepare at their homes and follow the safety protocols. Although there is an alternative way of preparing for these types of events, such as implementing regular drills, safety drills, and providing go/emergency bags to different areas. We hope that the government will take this as an opportunity to check the facilities and infrastructures of the schools, have a seminar with the teachers/administrations, and continue to inform everyone of what to expect.
We can say that this two-week suspension was a time for a break and preparation. A time for a break in a way that we control our schedule and can adjust to different events, from the face-to-face events and activities. With our family, we can prepare together to ensure that each other’s safety is secured and that we are aware of what may happen.
The recent announcement of a two-week suspension of classes due to the series of earthquakes in the Philippines has evoked mixed emotions in many students, including myself. Initially, there was a sense of relief, as it meant a break from the usual academic routine and more time to rest at home. However, this feeling of relief was followed by worry and sadness, knowing that the suspension was caused by something serious—natural disasters that can happen at any moment. It is a clear reminder of how unpredictable life can be and how quickly everything can change.
This situation highlights the importance of safety as a foundation of our daily lives. Safety is not just a set of rules to follow; it is a shared responsibility that allows education, growth, and development to happen. When students feel safe, they can focus on learning and achieving their goals. But when fear and danger are present, even the best learning environment cannot function effectively. This is why taking safety seriously is essential—not only to protect ourselves, but also to protect the people around us.
In times like these, when unexpected events such as earthquakes remind us how fragile life can be, it becomes even clearer how important it is to prioritize not only education but also safety, preparedness, and community support. The suspension of classes for two weeks may have caused inconvenience to many students, but it is also a necessary step to ensure that everyone is protected. Education will always be important, but our safety and well-being must come first. Without security, learning becomes harder to achieve.
These events also teach us the value of unity. Communities must come together to support one another, whether through sharing resources, helping rebuild, or simply offering encouragement. Beyond safety and education, this situation reminds us to build resilience — the strength to keep moving forward no matter how challenging the circumstances may be. It encourages us to be adaptable, to continue learning even outside the classroom, and to value every opportunity to grow.
At the same time, this situation also shows how crucial it is to remain resilient and united. Education is not limited to classroom walls or face-to-face interactions. Even during challenging times, learning continues. Adjusting to online classes again may not be easy, but it teaches us to be flexible and disciplined. It reminds us that education is not just about lessons in textbooks, but also about the values we build along the way—responsibility, patience, and courage.
Preparedness and awareness play a key role in facing these kinds of situations. Disasters may be unpredictable, but our response can be planned. Earthquake drills, safety training, and disaster education are powerful ways to turn fear into readiness. By understanding the risks and acting early, we protect not only ourselves but also the people we love. These actions may seem simple, but they can save lives. In addition, this situation teaches us the importance of unity and cooperation. No single person, school, or government can face disasters alone. It requires a community that works together—students, teachers, families, and leaders—doing their part to keep everyone safe.
This moment is also an opportunity to reflect on the things we often take for granted: our education, our loved ones, our safety, and our community. It is a reminder that learning does not stop when challenges appear; in fact, these are the moments when we learn the most important lessons. We learn how to stay strong, how to support one another, and how to protect what truly matters.
Disasters may disrupt our routines, but they also open our eyes to the importance of working together and staying strong as one community. In the end, disasters may test us, but they do not define us. What defines us is how we respond—with preparedness, unity, hope, and resilience. When a community values both safety and education, it becomes stronger. It creates individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also responsible, compassionate, and ready to face the future. No earthquake or disaster can break a community that stands together.
This situation may be uncertain, but it is also a chance to grow. It reminds us that even in difficult times, learning continues, safety matters, and hope remains. Together, we can face challenges with strength and courage because united communities are always stronger than any storm, quake, or trial that may come their way.
Through it all, we must never lose faith. Even when the world seems uncertain, we can always hold on to the hope and assurance that God is with us. He is our source of strength, our shield in times of fear, and our guide in moments of uncertainty.
📖 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1
