ANXIETY prevails over the studious schoolchildren. The lazy ones are rejoicing over the extension of the opening of classes on October 5, yet I am of the belief that it may be extended some more, citing as main reason the presence of active Covid-19 cases.

Preparations have long been made by both parents and the students. Computers of various designs and configurations have been acquired in anticipation of the opening of classes, which may be through online, distance or virtual teleconferencing.

Now, with the expected postponement of classes, everybody concerned is confused, to say the least. It has become so complicated and baffling.

Eminent columnist Federico D. Pascual, Jr., of the Philippine Star, discussed the confusion surrounding the eventual opening of classes: The usual experience within the four walls of a classroom is being replaced by what education officials call 'distance learning' something akin to working from home, making online purchases, teleconferencing and said computer-aided innovations made possible by modern technology.

Distance learning is delivered through three methods--online virtual classes, on printed modules or materials or broadcast on radio and television.

The poor students are at a gross disadvantage. They could not easily acquire the needed gadgets due to a lack of financial resources.

Global rally against Covid-19. The threat of Covid-19 is ferocious and widespread. Ambassador and columnist Babes Romualdez wrote: No one—absolutely no one—could have foreseen a global health crisis of this magnitude whose economic and social impact has been unprecedented.

Indeed, even the most developed countries have been sorely reeling because of this pandemic.

Toward this slide, US infectious expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has this admonition: We're all in the same boat, we need to pull together as a community, as a nation and as a global population. We need to row towards the same direction to reach the shore. Otherwise, we will all be swept away—wave upon waves—by this contagious disease.

Are we then up to the challenge of Dr. Fauci? Or are we content to be swept away easily by this Covid-19 disease?

We have been served major challenges before and yet we maintained our standing. With this new albeit daunting challenge, will we let ourselves absorbed by this disease? These are persistent questions needing our collective answers.

And yes, we shall overcome.