An unknown writer said, "To educate a child is to turn walls into doors."

Aside from manning the coast of Pag-asa Island, two Philippine Coast Guard personnel — Ensign Jev Latic and Ensign Arnel Gomora — selflessly dedicate their passion to teaching children at Pag-asa Island (Thitu Island) in the West Philippine Sea, as face-to-face classes kicked off on 22 August.

Latic, an Education degree graduate, said what pushed him to teach more than 40 students of Pag-asa Island was the scarcity of teachers on the island, making students stop from their studies.

"Our unit in Pag-asa proposed to the Department of Education to help the lone teacher who teaches grade one to six students. That teacher is based in Puerto Princesa, Palawan without any replacement," he said.

A teacher needs to travel for three staggering days from Puerto Princesa City to reach Pag-asa Island, making some teachers turn down offers to teach students.

Gomora said despite having no formal experience because they were called for PCG service after obtaining their teaching license, they still chose to help mold the children of the island.

"What we only have is our skills as Education graduates, nothing more. And based on my assessment, these students need to learn how to read and write, at least, for them not to be fooled in the years to come," Gomora stated, as most people living on the island turn out to be fishermen.

Latic said each classroom, ranging from grades 1 up to 6 students, is subdivided with a curtain.

Temporary mentors

"We are dedicating an hour for each grade level for us to teach them simultaneously the basic education that they need. Frankly, it's hard, that's why we are calling on the government to send dedicated teachers to Pag-asa Island. The local government of Palawan said they are willing to help us," Latic added.

The scarcity of teachers in Pag-asa Island, he said, calls for the need for the government, particularly the Department of Education, to hire more teachers.