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By: Aldohn Domingo
The Student Solidarity Network to Survive COVID – 19 submits a petition demanding for mass promotion, compensation, suspension and compassion for students and school personnel amidst the global pandemic and its consequences.
The petition dated April 16, 2020, submitted to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) aims to push forth six demands to address the different aspects of stress brought upon by COVID – 19.
The six demands call for (1) the suspension of online submissions and classes, (2) general passing marks for all students, (3) moratorium on tuition fees and scholarship retention, (4) refund of unused tuition fees, (5) school personnel compensation and, (6) financial assistance for employees and students who contracted COVID – 19.
All of the stated demands are claimed to be supported with survey findings and consultations conducted by the affiliated student governments, organizations and councils. The petitioners aim to put students’ needs first as it urges “the Commission and Department to issue respective memoranda” as the document states it appeals for “the most loving and most humane option” for the current situation.
The Commission has yet to release any memorandum addressing the demands of the petition but has authorized universities and colleges to conduct “flexible learning options” and adjustments and to extend the semester for a month, post - lockdown.
Amidst the petition, Ateneo de Manila University and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila has both decided to pass all of its students along with several teachers from the University of the Philippines.
The Student Solidarity Network to Survive COVID – 19 is a student formed coalition comprising of 15 various student organizations, governments and councils from different parts of the country.
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