WATCH: Class of 2021 shares what it’s like to graduate during a pandemic

Over a year into a health crisis that has so far killed over 3.8 million people globally and left millions jobless, graduates begin another chapter of their lives with fear and worry.

“We’ve heard a lot of news about millions of Filipinos, or even people globally, who’ve lost their jobs during the pandemic,” said Loreta Arroyo, a journalism graduate.

But it’s not just their employment after graduation that students worry about.

“I’m worried about stepping into a new environment without actually setting foot in that place. We’re [entering] college without visiting our campus, and we will interact with people [who] we haven’t actually met personally,” said Cheska Vienido, a senior high school graduate.

For the second time this year, face-to-face graduation is still not allowed.

Philippine schools have stopped in-person classes for over a year now, forcing students and teachers to shift to remote learning. (READ: Why PH schools remain closed a year into the pandemic)

The implementation of remote education, however, has been widely criticized, as the country appeared not to be prepared for it.

In this video, the class of 2021 shares what it’s like to graduate during a pandemic. – Rappler.com

Reporter: Bonz Magsambol
Graphics: Rappler Creatives team
Video Editor: Quita Chuatico
Producer: Jaira Roxas
Supervising Producer: Beth Frondoso