YOUTH groups called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to declare academic ease in areas under a state of calamity due to the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

“The point of an ‘Academic Ease’ is to lighten the academic load and push back all deadlines and scheduled exams by not burdening teachers, parents, and students as they recover their lives and livelihoods affected by the record-breaking rainfall,” Stewards and Volunteers for the Earth, Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan and Teachers’ Dignity Coalition – Youth said in a joint statement.

“We cannot expect students to continue attending classes and perform well as long as roads remain unpassable and the distressed with no water supply, power outages and no internet access.”

The groups also urged all concerned government agencies to fast-track relief and recovery operations.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that 158 cities and municipalities nationwide are in a state of calamity including entire provinces in Bicol and Calabarzon.

“For full recovery, the President must extend his compassion to the youth and student sector,” the groups said.