The University of the Philippines (UP) is pushing through with the opening of classes on Thursday, September 10 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Citing the health and safety of the University’s stakeholders, UP will implement a remote learning setup starting Thursday.
UP reassured its constituents that it will do its “best to leave no one behind” as classes resume this week while the public health crisis continues. “Wala po táyong pababayaan, walang maiiwanan,” UP President Danilo Concepcion said.
“Your University administration will do its best to generate the material resources we will need to do our work and to forge ahead,” Concepcion added.
According to an estimate from the University, more than 5,600 UP students will find it difficult to study in a distance learning mode.
Several steps have been taken by the UP administration to ensure the successful class opening in September such as the improvement of its academic infrastructure, connectivity, and support to its stakeholders. The University also launched a fundraising campaign for the benefit of its financially challenged students.
Despite strong calls for the postponement of the opening of classes on Thursday, the UP Board of Regents rejected an appeal from Student Regent Isaac Punzalan last week.
For Concepcion, UP must lead the way. “We have a special obligation to lead the nation by example. Let us lead with courage, conviction, and generosity of spirit, in the service of the Filipino people,” the University President explained.