Gabriela Youth slammed the Commision on Higher Education’s (CHED) “lack of concrete plans” and safety guidelines for the "long-desired" and eventual shift to face-to-face classes in the upcoming academic year (AY) 2022-2023.
“More than two years have passed since students occupied their respective universities and colleges due to the longest lockdown in the world. However, students remain out of their schools due to CHED’s lack of concrete plans regarding safety guidelines and health protocols for our shift to face-to-face setup,” said Gabriela Youth Spokesperson Shaye Ganal on Friday, July 15.
The statement was released after CHED Chairperson Popoy de Vera, on Wednesday, July 13, said that the commission will not issue a “blanket policy” for face-to-face classes, leaving the decision to colleges and universities to decide on their respective return to in-person classes.
De Vera then stressed that unlike in basic education, programs in higher education institutions (HEIs) are constructed differently, hence it will be difficult to command them as one.
“Merely passing the burden to students, parents, and teachers exhibits nothing but gross negligence and incompetence on CHED’s behalf,” Ganal furthered.
Ganal likewise called on the youth to amplify their calls for the safe return of in-person classes, urging them to express their right to quality education.