Former world mixed martial arts champion Eduard Folayang (File photo)
MANILA – As the country’s public schools formally started classes under blended learning on Monday, also World Teachers’ Day, former educator and world mixed martial arts champion Eduard Folayang emphasized the need to recognize the important role of teachers in nurturing students amid many challenges.
Folayang, a former high school teacher, believes that the Philippine education system needs some tweaks if it wants the youth to have a brighter future.
He said the World Teachers’ Day is not only an annual celebration of the lives and the works of teachers but a time to recognize the reality in our education system.
“We need to take care of our teachers because they have a very important role. They take care of our children when we are not able to. They teach them how to be adults. This Teachers’ Day, let’s celebrate our teachers,” Folayang said.
While teachers remain as pillars in today's society, they are among the most underpaid and overworked, leading to some looking for a career elsewhere.
Folayang, for example, turned into mixed martial arts after just six months of teaching English and Physical Education.
Still, it did not stop him from teaching the younger generation, although in a different capacity.
“In some ways, I’m still very much a teacher. Now I teach the younger generation of martial artists, to help them navigate our industry,” Folayang, a former world champion at the Universal Reality Combat Championship and One Championship, said.
He also said that even without words, he wants to teach the children valuable lessons in life.
“I like to inspire by giving a good example. I try to be a good role model. In my position, I know a lot of people look up to me, that’s why I try to conduct myself in the right way. I want to be a good influence on peoples’ lives,” Folayang added.
After a delay of four months due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) formally opened the school year 2020-2021 for the more than 24 million public school students.
Instead of face-to-face classes, DepEd has adopted blended education which is the use of a combination of learning tools and methodologies like online and offline tools, modules and use of the television and radio to protect students from Covid-19. (PNA)
