The daily grind for students and teachers in Cebu is being compounded by exhausting commutes, rising transportation costs, and a slew of hidden expenses tied to education. These challenges are significantly impacting their daily lives and overall productivity, creating a stressful environment for learning and teaching.
The Student's Burden: Long Hours and Hidden Costs
Wellamae Ferraren, a 22-year-old fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting student at Southwestern University (SWU) PHINMA, shared the difficulties she faces. Merely thinking about the long travel time and Cebu's severe traffic is enough to drain her motivation to get up in the morning.
Ferraren spends approximately one and a half hours commuting each day. Beyond the time lost, she expressed deep concerns about her safety while traveling. Crowded jeepneys offer very limited personal space, making it difficult to stay aware of her surroundings.
She also shed light on the often-overlooked hidden costs of education that are not reflected in tuition fees. "These include daily meals or snacks at school, additional fare if I'm late or need to transfer vehicles, printing and photocopying assignments, and buying stationery or materials for projects. These small expenses aren't on the tuition receipt, but they add up quickly when combined," Ferraren explained.
Educators' Struggle for Balance and Well-being
Teachers are navigating their own set of challenges, primarily in balancing their professional duties with personal well-being. Lieza F. Montejo, 25, an English and Senior High School teacher at St. Teresa School of Talisay, Inc., reflected on her first year in the profession.
She described teaching as going far beyond delivering lessons. It involves daily struggles with classroom management, tending to students' diverse needs, and completing administrative paperwork. On top of her teaching load, Montejo is also pursuing her master's degree.
She admitted that achieving a work-life balance is exceptionally difficult. "There are days when I feel I've done enough, but there are also days when I feel inadequate as a teacher, a student, and a person. My profession demands my heart, my mind, and my energy, and sometimes there's very little left for myself," she stated.
Coping Mechanisms and Sources of Strength
To cope with these pressures, Montejo turns to meditation and engages in physical activities like running, volleyball, hiking, and traveling. "These help me reconnect with myself, providing an opportunity to rest, heal, and grow," she shared.
She also emphasized that learning from her students has been key to her personal development. "Beyond the lessons inside the classroom, I have learned so much from my students. Their personalities, their struggles, and even their victories have shaped my growth. These lifelong learnings have molded me to become a more effective teacher and a better person," Montejo said.
Despite the hurdles, Montejo reflected that the year has strengthened her sense of gratitude and resilience. The stories of Ferraren and Montejo highlight a pressing issue within Cebu's education sector, where logistical and financial pressures outside the classroom are taking a toll on those at its heart.
