PROGRESSIVE groups within the Polytechnic University of the Philippines launched a campaign named ‘10 PUP Demands’ which advocates safe face-to-face classes this coming school year.

Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan- PUP and Kabataan Partylist PUP – College of Communication spearheaded the drive which presents a comprehensive approach on how PUP can effectively adapt to the face-to-face mode of learning.

The groups criticized the ‘inconsiderate’ decision of the government, stressing the flexible learning schemes will “compromise” students’ education.

While some students call for an ‘academic freeze’, the organizations noted that it will negatively affect the livelihood of the PUP community and that the government won’t be accountable for the education and health of the students if it would be implemented.

The first objective of the campaign calls for free mass testing of all students, teachers, workers, vendors, and university staff to ensure safe face-to-face interactions when classes open.

Second is the strict implementation of minimum health and sanitation standards inside the university.

Third urges free, fast, and accessible internet for students, professors, and staffers and the addition of alternative means of education.

Fourth is to ensure that the Student Information Services won’t have system malfunctions.

Fifth is the call to fight additional school fees and budget cuts for the education sector.

Sixth is a safe back-to-work scheme and livable wages for PUP staffers.

Seventh calls for continued financial assistance by the government to families.

Eighth is the proposal to launch continuous relief operations as wel as information and cleanup drives.

Ninth seeks the empowerment of PUP’s research capacity to help the country recover from the pandemic.

The tenth urges the continues fight for press freedom and the junking of the highly controversial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

The PUP administration earlier pronounced that starting September 14, the university will resort to its Flexible Technology-Enhanced Learning scheme which utilizes online and offline modes of learning.