THE NATIONAL Union of Students of the Philippines on Sunday stressed the government has yet to address important issues on education before classes start this week.

In a statement, the group said “government still has yet to fill in the gaping hole in the educational sector caused by its wanton negligence.”

It added that along with various groups and sectors, the NUSP stands united in reiterating the ‘woes of the people’ during a press briefing held over the weekend.

NUSP Deputy Secretary-General Jandeil Roperos slammed the government’s negligence on key issues despite the opening of classes had already been postponed twice.

“Hindi pa rin natin natatamasa ‘yung panawagan natin na i-subsidize talaga ‘yung pangangailangan sa pagpapatuloy ng pag-aaral sa gitna ng pandemya. Kaya ngayon ang isinusulong ng kabataan ay ligtas, dekalidad, at abot-kaya na edukasyon sa gitna ng pandemya.” Roperos said.

The group noted CHED has not practiced compassion to students as it approved 89 tuition and other fee increase applications even if there are record-high unemployment rates and a current economic crisis.

The action led students to seek other sources of income, like selling goods on the streets or offering explicit photos of themselves online to support their education.

Roperos said the government must ensure the welfare of students and teachers in the form of both psychosocial and physical health intervention are provided, give the necessary materials of distance learning, ensure economic assistance and subsidies are being distributed and take on a pro-student mode of learning with the upholding of students’ democratic rights as a priority.