SEVERAL student organizations in state and local universities and colleges and private associations led by the National Union of Students of the Philippines have united to demand sufficient government support for the education sector amid the distance learning brought by the pandemic.

“The Covid19 pandemic has gravely affected the education community. In these times of crisis, we urge the national government to seriously take on its role of providing support for the sectors that are adversely affected by the pandemic,” the coalition said in a statement.

The coalition called the attention of the government to heed to students’ and teachers’ demands such as providing subsidies to schools in assisting facilities for distance learning, internet connectivity for learners and continuous salaries and benefits for educators and school personnel.

The coalition also stressed the Department of Education to reevaluate its Order No. 13 s. of 2020 or the Readiness Assessment Checklist for Learning Delivery Modalities in the Learning Continuity Plan of Private Schools.

“The DepEd must review its Order No. 13 which imposes stringent requirements on physical facilities of schools and subsidize instead the schools to assist them to meet these requirements and to enable the reduction of tuition and other school fees,” the coalition added.

The coalition also asked the government to ensure the safety of learners and educators by providing health-based programs such as mass testing and minimum health protocols in schools and universities.

“We call on the education community to unite in forwarding these demands. It is the obligation of the state to make education accessible for all especially in these trying times,” the coalition stressed.

The coalition of student organizations includes: National Union of Students of the Philippines,

University of the Philippines Office of the Student Regent, Katipunan ng mga Sangguniang Mag-aaral sa UP,UP Cebu University Student Council, UP Manila University Student Council, UP Manila College of Public Health Student Council, UP Medicine Student Council, UP Dentistry Student Council, UP Pharmaceutical Association Student Council, Technological University of the Philippines Office of the Student Regent, Technological University of the Philippines Federation of Student Governments, Technological University of the Philippines University Student Government, Rizal Technological University Office of the Student Regent.

It also includes the Cavite State University Federation of Central Student Governments, University of Southeastern Philippines Supreme Student Government, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Supreme Student Council, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa University Student Council, City of Malabon University Supreme Student Council, Paranaque City College Supreme Student Government, Mabalacat City College Supreme Student Council, University of Makati College of Arts and Letters Student Council, University of Makati College of Governance and Public Policy Student Council, University of Makati Higher School Supreme Student Government, Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations, Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities, Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities and the Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities.