BRIDGE-ing Gaps, Building Futures: Discovering Purpose and Transforming Education through Volunteerism

The UPOU Ugnayan ng Pahinungód recently concluded its 2025 Online Bridge Program, a massive open online course (MOOC) designed to help senior high school students—particularly those from underserved areas—overcome learning gaps and prepare for college entrance exams such as the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT).

Running from January to March, the program offered free online courses in English, Math, and Physics, reaching over 2,000 students across Region X. With the help of 73 volunteer course coordinators (CCs) and 54 dedicated teacher focal persons, students engaged in weekly synchronous classes, self-paced modules, and interactive online learning. Despite the usual challenges of access and motivation, the program achieved an average of 52% across all subjects — a testament to the dedication of both learners and volunteers. This result will not be possible without the help of UPOU Pahinungód volunteers who worked closely with the students, guiding them in task completion and ensuring they had the support they needed to successfully finish the course.

With weekly synchronous sessions and interactive activities facilitated by the volunteer CCs, students not only improved academically but also gained the confidence to pursue their dreams of higher education — some expressing motivation to pursue college in UP.

As shared by one of the students: “I would like to thank you all (course coordinators) for being so kind during our online meetings. You guys really motivated me to pursue going to UP. I’ve always wanted to go to UP, but I lacked the courage, but now that this opportunity came, it really opened my eyes and lit a fire inside my heart. Words cannot describe how thankful I am…”

Many students are expressing their gratitude towards the CCs “for being so patient and supportive throughout the course.” One student shared that “Math isn’t always easy—lalo na for someone like me na nag-struggle talaga—but [they] made it more understandable and less intimidating. [Their] way of teaching, with all the interactive activities and clear explanations, really helped me gain more confidence in solving problems. Kahit minsan mahirap, [they] never made us feel pressured, and instead, [they] encouraged us to keep trying. I really appreciate the effort and dedication [they] put into guiding us. Because of this course, I feel more prepared to take on more challenging math topics. Thank you for making learning math a better experience po ma’am sir!”

These words encapsulate how UPOU Pahinungod volunteers greatly contribute to the success of the delivery of the programs and how their time and dedication translate words into actions and vision into reality.

Volunteerism as a Way to Close Learning Gaps

The Bridge Program is more than just a learning initiative; it is a powerful example of how volunteerism can help bridge systemic gaps in our education system. Volunteers came from diverse backgrounds (students, faculty members, overseas workers, government employees, etc.) and brought with them not just expertise, but even more so heart. These individuals are the true achievement of Pahinungód. The program’s mission has always been to nurture volunteers who work not just for communities, but with them, creating lasting impact both in learning and lives.

And true enough, the stories shared by Bridge volunteers reveal that some lessons can only be learned through real-world experience and genuine human connection.

One Bridge English volunteer reflects how his perception shifted after engaging with the students, “I came in thinking the students needed help hence the Bridge program, but many of them are actually doing well with English and are highly articulate.”

Some volunteers recalled the rewarding nature of interacting with the students. They were able to enjoy the volunteer experience as students actively participated in the discussion. “It was indeed fun, especially engaging with students who were keen to learn English.” One volunteer also emphasized the value of human connection in the learning process. “I got to know amazing people in my group. The teaching experience was very wonderful because the students were participative and responsive.”

For many volunteers, through this experience, they discovered a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of what it means to serve. Through the Online Bridge Program, they didn’t just help students review the basics of English, Math, and Physics, but they were also able to gain valuable skills and experiences that will surely contribute “not just in their professional development but also in their personal growth.”

As one of the course coordinators shared, “While the students were learning, I was also absorbing knowledge and enlightenment, helping me understand the path I am trying to explore.”

These reflections underscore the deeper objective of the Bridge program — learning became a two-way street, where both students and volunteers grew in understanding and purpose.

The 2025 Online Bridge Program stands as a compelling model for how volunteer-driven initiatives can effectively address educational inequities. It proves that with the right support and spirit, meaningful learning doesn’t just happen in traditional classroom set-up or physical spaces—it happens in conversations, connections, and communities.

And in those moments, education becomes something greater than instruction. It becomes transformation.

Written by Iara Mae de Silva ♦ Edited by Naomi Jean Unlayao & Larry Cruz ♦ Crossposted from Ugnayan ng Pahinungod UPOU Website

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