BE GLAD STATEMENT IN IDAHOT 2023

          The BPO Employees, Gays, Lesbians, and Allies for Genuine Acceptance and Democracy (BEGLAD) support the observance of May 17th as the Commemoration of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, which kicks off today. As the world celebrates this triumph in history, massive oppression and discrimination among LGBT and queer people still prevail in different parts of the world. Regardless of beliefs and races, many countries still prohibit the rights of LGBT individuals to self-expression and identity, which results in confusion and struggle to live as human beings. Discriminatory laws, practices, and beliefs towards LGBT individuals lead to denying them self-autonomy, as well as the right to a better workplace.

          However, in the Philippines, which has been considered the gay-friendliest country in Southeast Asia according to a recent report by an independent Pew Research Center, the actual realities are a little different. It is undefined how LGBT workers live, especially the majority of BPO workers. Despite the culture and promotion of good acceptance in the workplace for LGBT individuals in private institutions and BPO companies, BPO workers are still prone to not having a good place to work and are open to the possibility of losing their jobs. Wages are not intact, low and cheap, and not even reciprocated to what is expected. Due to the country's neoliberal policies, the entire workforce has only been given an option to stick to the available job without security or suffer from hunger. The sentiments of the so-called "sunshine industry" are still labeled as a good image for the employment status of the country, but even proper treatment among the sector of the industry is not really a priority and is abstracted in the minds of our leaderships. Skills are still being targeted for cheap labor, which the government does not even bother to promote its welfare and well-being.

          BPO workers are calling for a standard entry-level wage of 31,000 per month to live together with their families. Nevertheless, this call is still pending and takes time for those in power to approve due to some arrangements with international investors. Inflation and the high prices of basic commodities are still part of the ongoing lives of every BPO worker, even those in the field of entertainment still challenge them on how to survive in everyday life. These are the common challenges and struggling situations of every LGBT worker in the BPO industry, leading to other related work and using their other skills just to provide financial subsidies to their loved ones and families. As a big share in the economic placement in this country, we are still bound by the demand for a better opportunity, and this government should ensure proper arrangements to secure jobs and living wages.

          We are also calling on our leadership led by none other than President Marcos and his colleagues to stand for truth and justice among the workers and seek to halt the ongoing impunity and massive killings happening on the ground and hold all perpetrators accountable for their inhumane acts. The right to self-organization and securing every right of every BPO worker should be a priority and cannot be put in the road of injustices and maltreatment. This fight for our calls would not be the only way for us to see in the limelight of battle. Our call for genuine acceptance and freedom is to pave the way for true democracy that should be seen in reality. As the IDAHOT perspective says, “We need to diversify and unite.” This can only happen through genuine collective actions among LGBT individuals and people who have the same level of burden and aims of being free from oppression and discrimination.

If you are not a teacher, how will you advise a teacher so he/she can ensure inclusive education in the classroom setting.

 

The education in the Philippine right now is facing some challenges not only it’s facilities and other necessary services not only for the teachers but also in the disabled learners. In the classroom, they are normally seen integrated into the traditional classroom components of students without disabilities and the teachers. Teachers are having a hard time to think of ways to cope up these learners to get along with some lesson. Since they were merged with other students, teacher was trying to find other way for them to be catered and not left behind. When time of rationalization, students are expected to have understand the basic level of understanding especially in the stage where in they are need to comprehend the lesson and other concepts. This area of learning is crucial not to mentioned that learners are having different curve or style of coping the knowledge. There were times that teacher does a lot of flexible way of method and then they came to the point that some student can’t follow what should be done. That’s were a lot of intervening activities come in. I have noticed in one of my interviews in one of the public teachers in Olongapo, Zambales, teachers don’t a proper training on how to handle those students with special needs, teacher are struggling to level their action to the traditional student and their classmate with having special needs. They intend to mainly focus the lesson to the student who having difficulty in understanding and make it more interesting in order for to get the lesson nevertheless, they would still stick on the same level of understanding. I know Department of Education is trying to get more information through it reports on basically this problem be fixed. But different scenarios are still prevailing based on some assessments. These challenges were seen in a lot of aspect in terms of classroom management. The challenge, how these students can be more engaging in term of fulfilling the lesson in a daily basis. As this task require how can I suggest that a classroom is more inclusively good and conducive to those who are not of attention.

                Some studies and articles shown that using an inclusive language on all forms of discussion and narrative especially in the classroom is considered part of the inclusivity in school. Educators are expected to make the process welcoming by ensuring all handbooks, forms, and other communications are inclusive of all family structures and gender identities. Teachers are should be made and build a positive and welcoming classroom environment, using technologies like bulletin boards that compose of colorful design and creative materials that show the life of every student and other people regardless of color, race, sexual and gender identities are encourage to form in order for them to feel nice and comfort. By this action the teachers are promoting and showing respect and diversity among the members of the class. To address the issue of learning difficulties on understanding each of the lesson, I must suggest that creating a more flexible way teacher are good. In this manner, the teacher can use variety of teaching method of course teacher expected that he or she know every style of his or her class members. Teacher needs to do it and catered to different learning styles and their abilities. This can include, visual aid with a clear detail of the lesson, they can add some animations and moving objects like in PowerPoint presentations. Also, they can more group work so that other introvert student can participate to the lesson and classroom activity, this is much exciting for them to anticipate various and complicated lessons. Hand on activities and Technology based resources like TikTok and YouTube are encouraged to adopt. Millennials are so fond now adays in terms of social media, so this can be better to add in the flavors of learning in the classroom. Also, this may encourage their openness and participation using the technology and cyberspace. A great way for them to learn. It also shows their eagerness and participate in every classroom activity. A guidance may need to implement just to avoid to much using of social media.  Other suggestion would be teachers should provide accommodations and modifications to meet the unique need of each student. This may include extra time especially those students who having a hard time to follow the lessons. Teacher can open their other timeslot of helping the students on their respective assignments, and written works activities. Other way for that, teacher can also work with seating arrangements, he should put those students who having a hard time to see the blackboard and the information showing in front of the class and other assisting them to use the computer and other emerging technologies. Teachers can present a more classroom participation in all class members and de show a lot of encouragement. Giving them a lot of way to understand every topic can acquire more understanding. Also, it allows different perspective to be shared in the class. Multiculturalism should be given to the context of each classroom management since different students came from different class and group of society this may include cultural response to each lesson so that other learners especially from the outside community may participate. Incorporating cultural references and traditions into the curriculum and avoiding stereotypes. Lastly, my other suggestion is that, collaboration could also help in ensuring the response and development of the learners. As we all said, “it takes the whole community to raise a child” means, not only reciprocating ideas of every mentor for the students but extending the hand and influence for the learners and the community are also welcome on this kind of method to become more inclusive.

                In conclusion, being diverse and open for a lot of opportunities to every kind of students are more good compare to a non-responsive type of the classroom to the needs of people who are need more attention. Inclusive education is to create an environment that is fully welcoming and responsive to all students needs, regardless of background, abilities and disabilities.