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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Students' group airs concern over planned return of limited physical classes

Students' group airs concern over planned return of limited physical classes

Published Jan 28, 2021 08:56 pm

A students’ group on Thursday has expressed concern over the planned return of limited face-to-face classes for students of medicine and allied health sciences in select schools amid the ongoing pandemic.

In a statement, the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) has aired its concern for the safety of the medical students returning to schools despite the lingering threat of COVID-19.

“We have been clamoring for the safe resumption of classes, this is only feasible if the government presents a comprehensive medical solution to flatten the curve and to reduce the viral transmission,” said NUSP National President Jandeil Roperos.

“They must strictly implement minimum health standards in school, increase the budget for education to fund new school infrastructures such as spacious classrooms and health facilities,” Roperos added.

Early this week, the CHED has approved the return to limited face-to-face classes for students of medicine and allied health sciences in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

President Duterte, according to CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III, has approved the recommendation for the return of limited face-to-face classes for medical programs and allied health sciences in low-risk areas.

Among the schools with medical programs which have been allowed to hold limited physical classes are the University of the Philippines-Manila, Ateneo De Manila University in Quezon City, and Our Lady of Fatima University in Valenzuela.

If the proposed resumption of classes would push through, the NUSP has urged CHED to formulate proactive plans to ensure the welfare of students to prevent them from getting infected.

“Education and health are two basic rights that every student must have without having to compromise one for the other,” Roperos said.

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