As a teacher, I have personally experienced how the nature of education in the Philippines has shifted in recent years. The transition to blended and technology-driven learning during the pandemic was one of the most defining moments in my career. I vividly remember the early days when I had to convert all my lessons into self-learning modules and online presentations. It was overwhelming at first, but it pushed me to acquire new digital skills and explore tools I never thought I would use in teaching.

One example was when I guided my students in using virtual platforms for collaborative projects. At first, many of them struggled with internet access and digital literacy. But over time, I witnessed how they became more independent and resourceful, even teaching each other how to navigate applications. This experience made me realize that education today is no longer about teachers being the sole source of knowledge—it is about facilitating, mentoring, and creating opportunities for learners to construct their own understanding.

Autobiographically, this change has reshaped my identity as an educator. From being a traditional classroom teacher, I have grown into a learning designer, a coach, and even a learner myself. The challenges of new modes of education taught me humility, adaptability, and patience. More importantly, they reminded me that the heart of education is not in the method or the platform, but in the meaningful connections we build with students, no matter the circumstances.