Void in Existence (A short story)

I was walking down the alley of the streets and going back home. Holding the black folding umbrella while the sky is pouring. I had thoughts that kept running into my mind. 

What will I do next? Do I have a plan for myself? Am I just messing with everyone's lives? --- These thoughts weren't here, supposedly, to stay. But it won't leave. 

I reached my house. It was dark, silent, and empty. Its vibes creep me so hard that I am just staying there as I have no other choice. Its darkness is just about the light, but the spirit it imbibes in me. It feels like it is swallowing me whole without even hesitating to stop. Its silence does the opposite as it keeps the unnecessary noises filling my mind. Its emptiness feels like I'm in a desert, alone. 

This was the life that I was living. 

Then, a pandemic happened. The emptiness grew bigger as I was trapped in my house for months. 

As the pandemic unfolded, the emptiness that had once lingered within the walls of my house seemed to seep into every aspect of my existence. Each day blurred into the next, and the once-familiar routine became a monotonous cycle of solitude.

Alone with my thoughts, I found myself questioning the very essence of my existence. Was I merely a bystander in my own life, watching as the world moved on without me? The weight of uncertainty bore down on me like a heavy cloak, suffocating any semblance of hope or purpose.

With each passing day, the walls of my isolation seemed to close in around me, amplifying the echoes of my uninvited thoughts. What if I had never found my place in this world? What if I had been destined to wander, forever searching for something that remained just out of reach?

The emptiness became a void, swallowing me whole and leaving me adrift in a sea of solitude. And as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, I realized that the greatest battle I had faced was not against the external forces that sought to confine me, but against the demons that had lurked within the recesses of my mind. 

With that, it happened.

A Call for Strengthening DepEd's Child Protection Policy

The Child Protection Policy of the Department of Education (DepEd) is a crucial measure in ensuring the well-being of students within Philippine educational institutions. However, given the constantly changing landscape of child safety and education, it is necessary to review and improve this policy framework comprehensively. The review will ensure that the policy is effective in promoting safe and nurturing school environments.

Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice

One of the biggest concerns in the education system is the inconsistency in implementing policies across different schools. While policies exist to create a safe and secure learning environment, they are not always applied consistently. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a meticulous review of the existing policies to pinpoint areas where they lack clarity or require additional support for their implementation.

To address this issue, it may be necessary to develop localized guidelines that cater to the specific contexts and needs of each school. These guidelines could include detailed information about the policy and its implementation procedures, as well as practical tips for teachers to identify signs of abuse and follow proper reporting procedures.

The review process can explore the creation of training modules and workshops that equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively enforce the policy. These training programs could cover topics such as recognizing different forms of abuse, understanding the legal obligations of reporting, and fostering a safe and secure classroom environment.

By implementing these measures, we can envision a future where every educator has the necessary knowledge and skills to identify and address issues related to abuse and misconduct in a timely and effective manner. This will create a safer and more secure learning environment for all students, which is essential for their well-being and overall academic success. (National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, 2020).

Addressing Implementation Challenges

Even if a policy is well-written, it may not be effective due to practical obstacles. A review can help identify these challenges and suggest practical solutions. For example, a lack of training for teachers can be addressed by increasing government funding for child protection programs in schools. The shortage of resources in schools can be tackled by developing resource kits for teachers, including age-appropriate activities, guidance materials, and access to online databases with relevant resources. Unclear reporting mechanisms can be streamlined by appointing designated personnel and establishing clear procedures for reporting suspected cases of child abuse. By recognizing these roadblocks, the review can pave the way for a more robust and implementable policy.

Child Protection and a Positive Learning Environment

The ideal policy should aim to protect children while empowering educators to maintain a conducive learning environment. A review of the current guidelines can refine them and provide clear and practical approaches. One way to achieve this is by establishing a tiered system for addressing student behavior, with escalating consequences for repeated offenses. The review can also emphasize the importance of restorative justice practices that focus on resolving conflicts, promoting positive behavioral change, and fostering a sense of accountability within students (Center for Restorative Justice Practices, 2023). Imagine classrooms where discipline is not just about punishment, but about fostering responsibility, respect, and a sense of community.

Integrating Cultural Nuances

The Philippines is a country characterized by a rich cultural diversity, which results in disciplinary practices varying significantly across regions. To safeguard the Child Protection Policy's alignment with Filipino norms and values while prioritizing the paramount principle of child safety, a comprehensive review is essential. Such an evaluation should encompass the incorporation of culturally appropriate strategies for behavior management that take into account the unique needs and beliefs of different Filipino communities. For example, community elders or restorative circles could be employed as a means of disciplining children while still enforcing universally recognized standards that prohibit harmful practices (UNESCO, 2014). By acknowledging and respecting cultural nuances, the policy can gain wider acceptance and foster a sense of ownership within different communities.

Addressing Evolving Threats

The landscape of child protection concerns is constantly changing, with new threats arising through technology and social media. To address these evolving threats, it is important to review the policy and ensure that it stays current. This may involve incorporating guidelines for online safety, preventing cyberbullying, and identifying signs of tech-facilitated abuse. The policy should equip educators with the necessary tools to identify potential dangers lurking in the digital world, and empower them to guide students towards safe and responsible online behavior. It can also explore partnerships with technology companies to develop age-appropriate educational resources and filtering tools for schools. (ConnectSafely, 2023).

Fostering a Culture of Safety

The success of the Child Protection Policy hinges not just on its existence but also on widespread awareness and a cultural shift within schools. A policy review can emphasize the importance of ongoing awareness campaigns that educate students, teachers, and parents about their roles and rights within the framework. Imagine interactive workshops conducted not just for teachers, but also for student councils and parent-teacher associations, focusing on early identification of abuse, positive communication techniques, and fostering a supportive school environment (National Association of School Psychologists, 2020). Age-appropriate information materials tailored for different age groups, along with engaging information campaigns using various media platforms, can further strengthen this culture of safety.

Investing in Teacher Well-being

The recent viral incident involving a stressed teacher underscores the importance of creating a support system for educators. A review of the policy can highlight the importance of teacher well-being. This could involve incorporating provisions for stress management workshops, access to mental health resources, and fostering a more collaborative school environment where teachers feel supported and empowered (National Education Association, 2023). By prioritizing teacher well-being, we create a ripple effect, ensuring that educators have the necessary mental and emotional resources to nurture and protect their students.

A Lifeline for Students

Open communication channels are crucial for identifying and addressing concerns promptly. A review can explore ways to improve communication between teachers, students, and school administration. This could involve setting up clear and accessible reporting channels for students to voice their concerns, through anonymous suggestion boxes, online reporting systems, or designated hotlines. Implementing open-door policies that encourage students to feel comfortable seeking help from teachers and counselors can further build trust and ensure issues are addressed before they escalate. Imagine a school environment where students feel safe to speak up, knowing their voices will be heard and their well-being is a priority (National School Safety Center, 2021).

Partnering for Child Protection

No single entity can shoulder the responsibility of child protection alone. A review can explore ways to strengthen partnerships between schools, government agencies, social service organizations, and mental health professionals. This could involve establishing referral networks to ensure children receive proper support when needed. Joint training programs for teachers, social workers, and law enforcement can further enhance communication and collaboration in handling child protection cases (U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2021). By fostering a collaborative approach, the policy can use the expertise of various stakeholders to create a more comprehensive safety net for Filipino learners.

Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation

The Child Protection Policy is a living document that requires continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure its effectiveness. The review process should establish a framework for ongoing data collection and analysis. This could involve tracking the number of reported cases, the effectiveness of implemented programs, and areas where the policy requires further refinement. Regular feedback mechanisms can be established to gather input from teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders. By continuously monitoring and evaluating the policy, we can ensure it still is adaptable and responsive to the ever-changing needs of our schools and the children they serve (American Institutes for Research, 2020).

A thorough evaluation of the Child Protection Policy of the Department of Education (DepEd) is not only a suggestion but a crucial step towards providing a secure and nurturing atmosphere for all Filipino students. By addressing any gaps in its implementation, adapting to modern threats, and fostering a culture of transparent communication, we can ensure that this policy serves as a powerful tool in protecting the well-being of our future generation. Let us prioritize investing in child protection today, and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. We must conduct a comprehensive review of the Child Protection Policy implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd). This review is not only a suggestion but a crucial step towards creating a safe and nurturing environment for all Filipino students.

By conducting this evaluation, we can identify any gaps in the policy's implementation and address them effectively. We can also adapt to contemporary threats and ensure that the policy is up-to-date and relevant to the current situation. 

We can work towards fostering a culture of open communication in schools. It is essential to create an environment where students feel comfortable reporting any incidents of abuse or harassment without fear of any repercussions. This culture of transparency also requires that school officials take these reports seriously and take appropriate actions.

Child protection should be a top priority for the DepEd and the Filipino government. By investing in child protection today, we can ensure a brighter future for our children and pave the way for a safer and more secure society.

References

American Institutes for Research. (2020, July 15). A guide to effective program evaluation. https://www.air.org/our-capabilities/research-evaluation
Center for Restorative Justice Practices. (2023, February 14). Restorative justice in schools. https://www.weareteachers.com/restorative-justice/
ConnectSafely. (2023, March 1). Back to school safety guide: Keeping kids safe online. https://connectsafely.org/
National Association of School Psychologists. (2020, September). School safety and crisis prevention. https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis
National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. (2020, December). Child maltreatment training: Recognizing and responding to child abuse and neglect. https://www.nctsn.org/
National Education Association. (2023, January 18). Teacher well-being and student success. https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/make-educator-well-being-priority-now
National School Safety Center. (2021, September). Creating a school safety climate: A guide for school communities. https://www.schoolsafety.gov/school-climate
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (2021, December). Building partnerships to protect children: A guide for communities. https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/programs/youth-and-families-partnerships
UNESCO. (2014, September). Corporal punishment in schools: The global challenge.

Forgotten Shadow, Connor (A short story)

(loosely based on musical play and theatrical movie Dear Evan Hansen, on Connor's perception)

So, my name is Connor. Grew up in this quiet suburbs’ town. Everyone there seemed like a copy of each other, normal as apple pie. Me? I was like a flashing neon sign in a blackout. Wild hair, clothes that never matched – you get the picture. My classmates were all about parties and football games, but I wasn't into that. I preferred hiding out in my room, the only light coming from my lamp, getting lost in fantasy worlds or sketching weird creatures in my notebook.

High school? Not exactly my jam. I was way offbeat, you know, weird interests and all. Nobody really wanted to hang out with the "odd one out." I kinda floated through the halls like a ghost, nobody even noticing me. At home wasn't much better. My parents and me, we weren't exactly close. They were busy with their own stuff, didn't seem to see how alone I felt. It kinda pushed me further into my own world, where I just… existed by myself, you know?

As time went on, being alone became my comfort zone. Not a healthy one, mind you. Started messing around with stuff that numbed the loneliness for a while. But deep down, I just wanted someone to get me, you know? To break out of this weird shell I built around myself. My hood was practically a second skin by the time I reached my locker. The usual soundtrack of jeers played behind me; a symphony of cruelty I'd grown numb to. Lunch was a warzone of assigned seating and forced interactions, a social minefield I desperately wanted to avoid. But first, I had to navigate the gauntlet of the hallway.

A crumpled piece of paper caught my eye at my feet. I unfolded it with a tired sigh, already knowing what the messy scrawl would say. "Loser." It wasn't exactly news, the word a dull ache in a place already bruised by neglect. Loser wasn't quite right. I wasn't a troublemaker, or a bully. I was just… invisible. The kind of guy who could walk through the halls and have people forget they even saw him.

Shoving the note back in my pocket, a familiar wave of loneliness washed over me. I yearned to be the one with the effortless jokes and the easy swagger. But those roles were already cast, leaving me as the understudy in a play nobody wanted to see. The bell yanked me from my daydream, its shrill tone another unwelcome reminder of the day stretching before me.

English class. Sir Fontamillas droned about Shakespeare, but the words swam before my eyes. All I could see was the swirling vortex I'd been doodling in my notebook – a dark reflection of the storm brewing inside me. It was supposed to be a cityscape, a concrete jungle I felt all too familiar with. But my hand, guided by a subconscious I couldn't control, had twisted it into something more sinister.

Suddenly, a nervous cough pierced the monotonous drone of Sir  Fontamillas's lecture. I looked up to see a guy with a cast on his arm shuffling awkwardly towards my empty seat. He looked even more lost than I felt.

"Hey, is this seat taken?" he mumbled, gesturing to the empty space beside me.

"Uh, no," I stammered, surprised anyone would even consider sitting next to me.

He slid into the seat, his backpack bumping against mine.  "Evan," he muttered, extending a hand with a sheepish grin.

"Connor," I mumbled back, shaking his hand with a grip that surprised even myself.

For a few moments, there was an awkward silence between us. Then, Evan cleared his throat.

"Uh, so, I saw you writing in that notebook," he said, his voice barely a whisper.  "Is that, like, a song or something?"

I hesitated, surprised he'd noticed.  "Not really," I mumbled.  "Just, stuff."

He nodded, his gaze flicking back to Mr. Molina for a moment.  "Cool," he whispered back, a small, nervous smile playing on his lips.

It wasn't much, but for the first time in a long time, I didn't feel completely alone.  Maybe, just maybe, this weird kid with a cast might actually see me, the guy hiding under the hood. It was a sliver of hope, a tiny crack in the wall I'd built around myself, but it was something.  And in the suffocating loneliness of being invisible, even something small felt like a lifeline.

The sliver of hope I felt that day with Evan began to bloom. We weren't exactly friends, not yet, but there was a hesitant camaraderie, a shared understanding of the shadows we both inhabited. We'd pass notes in class, filled with bad jokes and awkward observations. It wasn't much, but it was a connection, a lifeline thrown across the chasm of my isolation.

One afternoon, during a stolen moment between classes, Evan blurted something out, his voice barely a whisper.

"Hey, so, your sister, Zoe…" he began, then stopped, cheeks flushing red.

My heart skipped a beat. Zoe, the girl with the fiery hair and the unexpected kindness he keep mentioning, was just for my sister? A thrill shot through me; a connection stronger than anything I'd dared to hope for. Maybe, just maybe, this newfound bond would bridge the gap between him and Zoe.

One day, after lunch, I found Evan waiting for me by my locker, a strange glint in his eyes.

"Hey, Connor," he said, a forced cheer in his voice.  "So, about Zoe…"

My stomach tightened.  "What about her?"

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Look, it was cool hanging out and all, but… well, this was never really about you, was it?"

The words hit me like a physical blow. The warmth in my chest turned to a chilling emptiness. I was not a friend, not even really an acquaintance. I was just a way to get closer to Zoe.

The betrayal was a bitter pill to swallow. The invisibility I'd grown accustomed to suddenly felt suffocating.

"Yeah," I finally managed, my voice hoarse. "I guess not."

He shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my gaze. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? It's just…"

I didn't wait for him to finish. With a numb ache in my chest, I turned and walked away, the memory of Zoe's kindness turning into a cruel mirage.  Maybe I was invisible after all. But this time, the invisibility felt tainted by a new kind of pain – the sting of a betrayal not just from a classmate, but from someone who'd pretended to understand.

One day, all the sudden, it went dark. Numb. Silent. 

I looked like I did not exist in the first place. I became the forgotten shadow of the past. 

The Curse of the Forgotten Curtains (A Short Story)

I woke up one morning feeling a blaze from the heat of the sun. I am furious with myself that I have forgotten to close the blackout curtains in my windows. I got up soaked with sweat even though my air conditioner unit was on. I started questioning myself why I forgot to do that simplest thing that I usually do before going to sleep. While I was walking towards the bathroom to take a hot shower, I decided to brew coffee that would give me energy that was stolen by that stupid morning. But damn! I ran out of coffee beans. So, I took my shower and got dressed. Feeling irritated, I headed to the nearest convenience store near my apartment.  

As I was walking in the alley, I noticed that somebody was following me. I walked faster just to make sure that person was following me or not. My thoughts were proven wrong. Maybe it was just the effect that I hadn’t had my coffee to think reasonably.  I reached the store, and a homeless old man opened the door for me. I looked at him and noticed that he looked like he hadn't had his breakfast. Based on his looks, he resembled one of my relatives from the province. I was moved by his situation and decided to buy him a sandwich too for him to have breakfast. I picked up my on-the-go coffee-in-a-bottle and proceeded to the cashier to pay. I handed the sandwich to the old man and his face turned happy with a big smile on his face. He thanked me as I left. 

As I took my coffee while I was waiting for my company shuttle bus to arrive at the bus station, I had some realizations. First, we take all the things that we have for granted. Second, a small act of kindness can ripple outwards, creating waves of positivity you never anticipated. That smile on the old man's face warmed me more than the coffee I was holding. Maybe that's why I forgot the curtains – the universe, in its own mysterious way, was nudging me outside to perform a good deed. 

As I sipped my coffee, phone in hand, an alert buzzed on the screen. It was a notification from my bank – an unexpected deposit for the exact amount I spent on the coffee and sandwich. I furrowed my brow, confused. Glancing around, I saw no one who might be the benefactor. Perhaps it was the old man, I thought, a strange but heartwarming possibility. The idea sparked a flame of curiosity within me. 

Just then, the familiar rumble of the approaching shuttle bus interrupted my musings. I boarded the bus, the mystery of the money swirling in my mind. As I settled into my seat, a glint of something on the floor caught my eye. A small, worn package sat nestled beside me. Curiosity piqued, I reached down and picked it up. It wasn't addressed, but a single slip of paper peeked out from a seam. I carefully unfolded it, revealing a single line written in familiar, scratchy handwriting: "Good deeds are always rewarded." A grin stretched across my face. Maybe forgetting the curtains wasn't such a bad thing after all. 

The bus moved forward, carrying me not just to work, but towards a day filled with newfound curiosity. The kindness of strangers and the strange way the universe works now held a deeper meaning for me. The mystery of the old man and the unexpected payment hung in the air, a reminder that even the smallest choices can spark extraordinary experiences. I clutched the package tightly, a tangible reminder of the ripple effects my simple act had created. Who knew what other surprises this day, or the ones that followed, might hold? 

The Wandering Soul David (A short story)

Who am I? What is my purpose here on earth? Does my existence matter? 

Stuck in a soul-sucking office job, David felt like a hamster on a wheel. Every day was the same – the harsh fluorescent lights, the soul-crushing cubicles, the endless paperwork. Unlike his friends who craved trendy vacations, David found solace in forgotten towns, the kind bypassed by the tourist hordes. A loner explorer at heart, he thrived on discovering hidden gems.

Then, fate intervened. Browsing a dusty antique store, David stumbled upon a relic – "The Atlas of Forgotten Places." Its worn cover and faded ink promised tales waiting to be unearthed. He became obsessed. Every night, he'd pore over its cryptic symbols and faded sketches, the book whispering secrets of lost civilizations and forgotten wonders. It was a siren song, beckoning him on a pilgrimage unlike any other.

Fueled by a deep yearning, David took a leap of faith. He ditched his corporate life, packing only essentials and his trusty Atlas. With each forgotten village and crumbling ruin he explored, he felt like he was piecing together a grand, forgotten mosaic. The existential questions that once plagued him began to morph. It wasn't just about finding his place in the world anymore; it was about becoming the person he was meant to be.

These forgotten places mirrored the forgotten corners of his own soul. He encountered a cast of characters as overlooked as the ruins he sought – a weathered nomad with stories etched in his calloused hands, a reclusive artist whose paintings spoke in a language beyond words. These encounters became his education, each interaction a window into the richness of human experience.

David's journey wasn't about grand gestures or saving the world. It was about the quiet moments of connection – a shared smile with strangers under a starlit sky, swapping stories around a crackling campfire. He realized his purpose wasn't a destination on a map, but something he created with every footstep. His life mattered not in the grand scheme of things, but in the ripples he created in the lives he touched and the forgotten corners he brought to light.

Now, beneath a canopy of stars far from the reach of Google Maps, David doesn't write for fame or fortune. He writes because the journey has redefined him. He's no longer just David, the office drone. He's David the Wanderer, the Seeker of the Unseen. As he closes his notebook, he knows his adventure is far from over. The Atlas whispers on, promising countless hidden places and untold stories waiting to be discovered. Each new chapter holds the promise of a deeper connection, a profound understanding of himself and the world around him. The unmarked paths beckon, and David, the architect of his own extraordinary life, is ready to keep exploring. His adventures might not be on travel blogs, but they're no less remarkable. He's a testament to the power of forging your own path, of finding beauty in the unseen, and of making connections in the most unexpected places. After all, that's the secret sauce to an epic life.