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WALANG IWANAN: A Unified Call on the Semester amid the Pandemic

We are under an extraordinary situation. The COVID-19 national and global crisis has thoroughly hampered our daily and normal routines, inside and outside the university, as manifested in the changes in our academic life this semester brought by the threat of the pandemic. Alongside the thought of juggling academics, we are inevitably faced with the bigger challenge of securing food, maintaining financial stability, and ensuring health measures for ourselves and our families. This level of uncertainty has caused widespread anxiety and exhaustion in physical, mental, and economic aspects for others especially since the end remains unpredictable. This is the reality most of the students are enduring and we highly believe that these should serve as basis on how we will move forward as one community.

Necessary and significant adjustments shall be put into place in our collective desire for academic continuity while prioritizing the health and safety of our stakeholders. This is why we urge the University of the Philippines, through its administration, to consider our sentiments and prove once more that we are university that puts the welfare of our constituents first.

WE CANNOT ALLOW ONLINE CLASSES TO CONTINUE AMID THIS PANDEMIC SINCE IT LEADS TO INACCESSIBILITY OF EDUCATION

It is not feasible for all to comply with online classes, even with other modes of remote learning, during this pandemic. Based on the initial run of online classes in the earlier part of March, it is alarmingly evident that students and professors alike experienced difficulties that later prompted the suspension of all classes including online across UP campuses. Accessibility remains a big issue here since we still lack enough online infrastructures and there are no resources available to others such as internet connection and gadgets. If we continue online classes, this may lead to further exclusion of our fellow students due to the digital divide. Some households are also not conducive enough for our students while they struggle to attend to their needs. This kind of set-up compromises the quality of education we are getting.

As much as we try to understand that remote learning can be an effective alternative if done properly in an ideal environment, we simply cannot pretend that this is doable while a health crisis is ongoing. Our commitment to academic continuity should also recognize the fact that so much has already changed.

END THE SEMESTER, PROMOTE ALL STUDENTS, AND MAKE NECESSARY CHANGES

This is the most humane, inclusive, and realistic approach in light of a pandemic. According to the scientific data released by experts from our own university, the estimate peak of COVID-19 in the country is by the end of April to June or even at a later date depending on the intervention. Of course, it is also problematic to assume that everyone can immediately resume business-as-usual practices once the situation subsides. In the first month of the enhanced community quarantine alone, it is justified to say that this has left families crippled economically which includes many of our Iskolar ng Bayan and we cannot imagine what the next weeks or months would bring. Indeed, exceptional circumstances warrant exceptional yet necessary solutions.

This is why we call for the ending of the semester alongside the mass promotion of students and integral adjustments regarding various concerns. Ending the semester will thoroughly help the students in focusing on combating the disease while struggling to survive with financial challenges. More than thinking of saving the semester, it is imperative we think about saving ourselves first.

All students should be marked with a Pass (P) standing due to the pandemic with no student receiving a failing mark this semester. Vital adjustments in the syllabi and course curriculums in the next academic year shall be adapted in accordance to the need to catch up on missed yet important lessons from this semester including prerequisite classes. A transition period at the start of the next academic year shall effectively take place to ensure that the students will be well-equipped before proceeding to a normal condition of classes. All registration issues (i.e. MRR, Readmission, Late Registration) should be addressed before ending this semester. Students currently processing their registration concerns should be approved. This semester should not be counted for the residency duration under the MRR and students with lapsing conditional grade should be allowed to take necessary removals and completion next semester.

Meanwhile, graduating students should be given ample time and consideration in completing remaining requirements, including thesis and terminal ones, for their programs. These should be re-designed to adapt in the current health emergency, adjusting compliance and output standards. As much as possible, all eligible students should be cleared to graduate and to march in respective commencement ceremonies in the latter part of the year if the situation allows. With this, we also call for UP to join in pushing concerned national offices to postpone upcoming board exams and other similar tests.

We firmly stand that there should be a moratorium on fees during the crisis. There should be no collection of unpaid tuition (including loans) and other school fees (eg. dormitory fees). Students who paid tuition and are not covered under the free tuition law should get a refund from this semester. Scholars should also be continued to be given financial aid and benefits based on their programs. These will definitely ease the financial burden on the students especially with the amount of expected expenses in the coming months. The university shall seek ways on how it will realign its budget to cater to these needs.

REAFFIRM OUR MANDATE AS THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PEOPLE

There is no question in the determination of our university in serving the public through our skills, talents, and expertise. It has been solidly clear in the different efforts of our campuses these past weeks, from scientific advancements up to humanitarian efforts. Our country needs us more than ever so it is only fitting that we totally redirect our knowledge and practices in continuing to be in service of the Filipino. Truly recognizing that our students are no different from our fellow kakabayans who are facing legitimate and urgent hardships is an indication that we are willing to take part in the nation’s collective struggle for survival.

Let this be a time for the UP community to unite and heed to the call of serving the people. Alongside our ongoing donation and information drives, our constituent units can lead community service programs in our respective nearby barangays, communities, and regions while ensuring safety precautions. These can be sustained as we help everyone we can in bouncing back from the pitfalls of this pandemic. In full confidence, we can amp up our existing initiatives as we fight injustices during this trying time. While we simply cannot go back to the normal, we can do something about how to shape our future together.

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SIGNATORIES:
UP Office of the Student Regent
UP Baguio University Student Council
UP Cebu University Student Council
UP Diliman University Student Council
UP Los Baños University Student Council
UP Manila University Student Council
UP Mindanao University Student Council
UP Tacloban Student Council
UP Visayas University Student Council

This appeal has been submitted to UP President Concepcion, VP for Academic Affairs Bautista, and all Chancellors of the UP System. They will be discussing the possible adjustments of the semester this Monday, April 13. The final approval will come from the UP Board of Regents, the university’s highest decision-making body.

Education, like health, is a right.

#OneUP
#EndTheSemester
#MassPromotionNow
#NoStudentLeftBehind