The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) called on the education sector to heed students' calls for a "genuine" health break as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases continue to rise.
Citing the record-high resurgence of COVID-19 infections and the devastation brought about by Typhoon Odette in some parts of the country, NUSP pressed for the implementation of academic ease and the provision of student aid.
"The students are fed up with suffering from all the failures the government has brought upon them, therefore, the call for a two-week academic health break is a bare minimum of what the government has to do at least show its concern for the general welfare of the education sector in the country," NUSP National President Jandeil Roperos lamented.
"We will continue to call for compensation in giving out gadget subsidies, internet allowances, student aid, efficient distribution of modules, and accessible psychosocial services," Roperos added.
NUSP maintained its call for the safe resumption of face-to-face classes and accessible mass testing for the public.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Higher Education on Monday, Jan. 17, reported that at least 260 higher education institutions have declared and will declare academic break.
READ MORE: NYC joins call for national academic break