THE NATIONAL Union of Students of the Philippines welcomed the plan of the Commission on Higher Education to conduct  limited face-to-face classes in all degree programs.

However, it called on the government to provide funds to help schools improve their facilities and establish hand washing stations and clinics.

“In response, the Union continues to clamor and campaign for more efficient vaccination programs, thorough observance of health guidelines for limited face-to-face classes, and the rechanneling of funds from unnecessary state agencies like NTF-ELCAC towards educational institutions that desperately need the funding in preparation for a safe opening of limited face-to-face classes,” NUSP National President Jandeil Roperos said.

The group also sought free vaccination programs, more aggressive contact tracing and comprehensive mass testing.

“The continuous call for the national and local government to respond accordingly and work in full cooperation with academic institutions in ensuring the safety and health of the students is a prerequisite that we must not overlook before such plans happen,” it said.

CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III earlier disclosed that the commission is considering allowing in-person classes in all degree programs or in all courses in areas with low Covid19 cases and high vaccination rate.