THE OFFICE of the PLM President stood firm with its decision to open the upcoming school year on September 3 after its student councils called for a delay, citing that they are “not fully equipped”.

According to the PLM Supreme Student Council on Facebook, their call came after concluding their survey which showed 2,258 out of 4,771 students have unstable internet connection or no connection at all, while 791 out of 4,300 respondents have no access to devices.

“We are appealing to the administration: let us not start the academic year unprepared in delivering quality education and services for the entire PLM community. Until such time that we are ready to do so, let us take all the necessary actions to build and strengthen our educational system,” the council stated.

The council added  that the “PLM has no concrete parameters on the conduct of online classes”.

The administration has issued a reply regarding the matter and said that education cannot be delayed.

“Holdover student councils at PLM are calling for a stop to the planned opening of the university’s online classes for a later date. PLM administration believes that education cannot be deferred and must try its best to fulfill its mandate,” PLM said.

The PLM has already delayed the opening of classes which was scheduled in August after its Board of Regents approved the move due to the ban on face-to-face interactions.

The PLM will open classes using flexible learning activities with online sessions and printed materials for those without access to gadgets and internet.