Education stakeholders called on the government on Monday, Nov. 8, to provide students with assistance, and ensure the safe resumption of in-person classes amid the ongoing threat of the pandemic.

Ecumenical youth group Student Christian Movement of the Philippines joined various sectors and education stakeholders in front of the Senate to present the “terrible state” of the country’s education system.

“They are experiencing unprecedented mental, emotional, and physical woes because of the failed distance learning under the failed pandemic response of the Duterte administration,” said SCMP spokesperson Kej Andres in a statement.

According to the group, students find it difficult to continue their education under the current blended learning setup.

It noted that many are distressed over the lack of gadgets and access to the internet, as well as with the tuition fee increases in other private schools.

“Some students have taken their own lives because of the crisis this state of education has brought to them. Never again to these kinds of tragedies,” Andres said.

“If the government truly cares for the well-being of the Filipino youth, they must support the students’ call to push for student aid and heed the need towards safe resumption of classes.”

The youth group said that students across the country are calling for student assistance and safe resumption of classes.

“We call all education stakeholders to amplify the students’ calls for 10,000 student aid, academic ease, and safe resumption of classes," Andres said.