PHOTOS of the classroom with colorful pillows on the chairs went viral on social media a few weeks ago for its aesthetics.
However, its effect of making the classroom more visually appealing was only secondary.
The main purpose of the colorful pillows on the chairs was to make sure that the pupils of Grade 6–Cypress at the Sta. Ana Central Elementary School will not keep on transferring from one chair to another.
The money that was used to procure the pillows came from the children's parents. The parents approved the project because they knew that it will benefit their children.
Class adviser Carly John Condino said the parents are very supportive to any kind of project that he initiated because the parents see the outcome of their contributions.
The pillow project started in the first week of this month but prior to that Condino already informed the parents that he already has a plan to make the seats of the children more comfortable.
"Na lessen ang absences because excited ang mga bata moadto sa iskwelahan. Komportable sila ug stress-free sila. Naga behave na silag tarong tungod kay komportable sila (The absences of the students lessened because they were excited to come to class. They are now more comfortable and stress-free. Their behavior also improved because they feel more comfortable)," Condino said.
He added that the pillows really served its purpose as students have stopped transfering from one chair to another.
"Sauna, gahi ilang lingkuranan that's why sige silag alingasa og balhin balhin og bangko (Before, their seats were uncomfortable. That is why they keep on transfering seats)," Condino said.
Thirteen-year old Mareal Ann Naquin, one of Condino's pupils, said the pillows really helped them to be more focus during the class.
"Hayahay kaayo mi karon kay amoang likod dili na naga sakit ug dili nami sigeg balhin balhin og lingkoranan. Always nami naga sulod sa klase kay hayahay na amoang pamati diria (We feel more comfortable now. Our back does not hurt anymore and we have stopped transfering from one seat to another. We are always coming to class because it is now more comfortable)," Mareal said.
Condino has 50 chairs in his class that is enough to cater to his 40 pupils. But just to make the classroom more welcoming, Condino provided 10 pillows just to fill in the remaining chairs. Condino also used his own money to paint the chairs.
Condino right now is planning to make an action research on his pillow project because he found it to be very effective in terms of improving his pupils' behavior and attendance.