The recently alarming number of more than 15,000 new COVID-19 cases in the Philippines makes it imperative for the government to address the pandemic at an exponential rate; but this premise appears to be far from what the common Filipino is experiencing under the incompetent, inefficient, and inutile regime of Duterte. Despite the different levels of community quarantine and strict health protocols, it can be frustrating how the country’s state has become worse. More than a year has passed since the nationwide lockdown was decreed and imposed, and yet mass testing and efficient contact tracing are nowhere to be found.

Consequently, the government has extended the Enhanced Community Quarantine by one additional week, due to end on April 11, without any assurance of aid to the affected residents within the bubble. And even though the students are placed under the remote learning scheme, there are students whose health are at risk because they have to attend to their individual responsibilities in order to sustain their basic needs; which academics cannot hamper. Not to mention the uncertain and anxiety-inducing events that plague our society. 

The unstoppable increase of cases, as well as Duterte’s incompetence, inefficiency, and inutility already are compelling evidence to the call for a safe, free, accessible, and quality education now amid the pandemic. With our current state and the lack of adequate action from the national government, we appeal for leniency with due consideration to the rise in COVID-19 cases, and the extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine with stricter protocols.

Given this, we, the UP Community, demand that the UP Administration heed the following demands for Academic Ease: 

1. No to Stringent Deadlines
   • No penalties during late submission
2. Lessen Academic Requirements
3. No Required Attendance for Synchronous Classes
   • No graded activities during synchronous classes
   • Recordings of the synchronous classes should be made available for the students for the whole semester
4. Genuine Reading Break
   • No requirements or submissions given during the reading break
   • No holding of synchronous/asynchronous classes
5. No Fail Policy or Force Drop
   • No student shall receive a grade of 4 or 5 

These are undeniably difficult times; and in such bleak situations, upholding only the precepts of honor and excellence in our actions simply won’t do anymore. As Iskolars ng Bayan, we must always strive for honor and excellence in everything we do. But under the current circumstances where every student is struggling to survive the semester, we are demanding the needed compassion from the administration. Instead of fixating on learning for the sake of just continuing education, we must first ensure that all of the constituents have the capacity to do so.

#DoBetterUP

#AcadEaseNow

#LigtasNaBalikEskwela

#DutertePalpak