Elias Angeles St.

, Naga City

REFLECTION
PAPER

In Partial Fulfilment of
the Requirements for the Subject
Catechesis on Jesus Christ

Submitted by:
Risha Abigail B. Tolosa

BSMT –T3

Submitted to:
Ms. Sonia Ibarbia

MAY 2020
1. What is this pandemic we are experiencing all about?

The world today has undoubtedly plunged into a spiral of uncertainty, chaos, and severe
disarray. These extraordinary times evidently entails a plethora of emotions and catastrophic
crises and disasters brought about by various social determinants - causing an abrupt change
which left millions, including myself, unprepared and disoriented in the face of such a
dangerous threat.

With the arrival of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), a serious global infectious
disease outbreak which caused more than half a million of fatalities worldwide, fear and panic
rapidly filled the hearts and minds of the people as they become inevitably confused, reactive,
and helpless when faced with an invisible and life-threatening enemy, the COVID-19. This
disease had originated from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China and quickly spread internationally
– including to the Philippines. It is a new strain of Coronavirus that had previously not been
identified in humans. Additionally, the key features of COVID-19 are respiratory symptoms
with a fever and cough.

2. How did it affect the lives of the people?

As the crisis of COVID-19 pandemic spirals out of control, its detrimental impacts have
undeniably reached a global scale, affecting hundreds of millions across the world.

In myself: Personally, things are much different than they used to be. My routine has become
extremely repetitive and with regards to academic-related matters, because of the slow internet
here, `remote learning has become nearly impossible to do effectively. However, despite all the
obstacles and hindrances that I faced during the ECQ, I also had a lot of time to myself where I can
reflect in a deeper level and cultivate family bonds. I was now given an ample time to further
develop my hobbies, widen my knowledge, and nurture my overall well-being.

In my country: Combined with the rising fatalities and the inefficiency of the system in the
Philippines, the country’s descent into economic and political chaos has become increasingly
evident. The lack of sufficient health care services, the dwindling manifestation of equity and
inclusion, and inadequate relief distribution paved way for a more chaotic and dangerous outcome
for both the Philippines and its citizens. However, above all the incompetence and inefficiency – is
the unity and oneness of the people amidst the crisis. Charity and kindness became the hope of the
people as they help each other, - donating food, PPE’s, and providing relief goods to those who are
in need. Although the government is lacking in various aspects, the Filipinos will not remain silent
in the face of blatant repression and corruption, bravely voicing out their rights and true privileges
as a citizen.

In the world: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected numerous countries – neither
discriminating nor prejudiced when it comes to gender, age, status, or nationality. We are all equal
in the eyes of this life-threatening disease, thus everyone is vulnerable to this invincible virus. All
over the world, thousands are dying daily as they fight against the disease with desperate measures.
However, with the cooperation and unity of various countries, knowledge and appropriate
mitigation frameworks are being implemented to employ a safe and secured community not only
locally, but also internationally. With shared knowledge and relevant guidance pertaining to the
disease, the path towards recovery doesn’t seem so farfetched. This is a fight we must win as ONE
(where nationality is irrelevant), which is why we must exert concerted effort in order to eradicate
our common enemy, the COVID-19.

3. How did you respond to the situation?

With change and resilience itself serving as the game changer in all these chaos, I truly
believe that an adaptive behavior will be beneficial in successfully navigating through these
circumstances and therefore give room for stability and positive transformation.

With that in mind, it’s best if I just focus on my personal growth and cultivate my skills
during the ECQ/GCQ in order to productively overcome the negativity that is currently
plaguing the world. As of the moment, I am aiming to develop my resilience; this entails
practicing proper self-management, increasing my self-awareness, and adopting realistic
optimism which will ultimately create a growth mindset that will definitely aid in broadening
my perspective in life.

To attain my objectives, I have to be fully committed in embodying resilience and directly

engrave and/or integrate its unique characteristics into my daily lifestyle. To consistently
manifest a good and positive mindset will surely create an acceptable and feasible pace for me
to gradually thrive in this time of uncertainty.
4. Write a short prayer to God.

` Dear Lord Jesus, our Heavenly Father, thank you for constantly pouring grace and numerous
blessings into my life and others. I come to you today asking for guidance, wisdom, and support as
we face a life-threatening disease that is prevalent not only in my country, but others too. Please
grant us the serenity and strength to fight against this seemingly bleak situation; the courage to
stand for what is right, and the wisdom to completely eradicate this dangerous disease, which is the
COVID-19. I wholeheartedly believe that we will be able to persevere and come out stronger than
ever with your ever-loving guidance and blessing amidst these trying times.

`I ask all these through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

5. Images as supporting details.

COVID-19 Coronavirus antigens, derived from the emerging Wuhan Coronavirus strain
The number of deaths and new cases from China's Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak continues to rise
globally as countries fight against its deadly and disastrous impacts

Poverty in the Philippines has never been greater and more apparent as people suffer from the
pandemic – lacking sufficient support and preparation in facing this hazardous disease.