AHIS Bikers: Cycling Away the Pandemic
by Cristine G. Deris, AHIS
CYCLING AWAY THE PANDEMIC. Despite the sudden changes caused by COVID-19 pandemic, things have been extraordinary for the education department. The educators, as always being one of the most creative people, established a biking community that adapted to this new set-up, as a way to cope with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
One of the cycling groups in the Division of Mandaluyong was founded by Riza A. Sagales, a pre-school teacher of Addition Hills Integrated School. She formed the AHIS bikers, consisting of her colleagues to help them release their stress and boost their immune system against the virus.
BUILDING FRIENDSHIP. They say that sharing a common interest helps create friendship. To those teachers, biking is one of them.
As an active member, Carla Paragas said “Forming the AHIS bikers was not planned at all. They just noticed that more teachers use bikes and eventually that led them to form a group. “Gala” or going to different places makes us want to go farther than we’ve ever been.”
In addition, another member, Jefferson Gelito quipped, “Through biking, I am able to somehow escape from all of my worries. It makes us realize the importance of prioritizing one’s well-being and cultivating positive thoughts.”
In every situation, teachers are known for being receptive and innovative. This little get away was also used as an instrument to help a parent find her missing child. They looked for him in the nearby cities and asked help from the authorities.
Now, they are planning to initiate a “Bike for a Cause.” The objectives of the said project are to promote camaraderie among fellow teachers and establish good partnership with the parents. However, due to the heightened restrictions, they have decided not to push through with it for the meantime, but be rest assured that the plans will not go to waste.
The AHIS bikers remind us that “It’s Okay not to be Okay.” They are the embodiment of this line in the movie, “If you want to make other people happy, you must start with yourself.” Thinking of oneself is not always a bad thing. So they are not just cycling away this pandemic, but they are moving farther to unlock something overwhelming.