STUDENT groups in universities and colleges located within the vicinity of Taft Avenue in Manila bore 10 demands for the safe launch of opening of classes.

In their so-called  ‘Taft 10 Demands,’ the groups said that it is the youth’s constitutional right to have access to quality education and a safe back-to-school will ensure that no one will be left behind.

They called for free mass testing, strict implementation of minimum health standards and sanitation inside educational institutions, provision of physical, emotional, and mental health support for students, faculty members, and employees, tuition hike freeze, and the prioritization of learning and retaining information instead of the issuance of grades.

The groups also called on school administrations to ensure proper representation of the students, parents, faculty and employees in decisions regarding how education should continue amidst the pandemic.

They also expressed opposition to budget cuts in education and the layoff of faculty members and non-teaching staff.

They’re the ‘Taft Guys’ from various learning institutions who appeal for the government’s sustained financial assistance to the poor and also the junking of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

“While it is true that no one was prepared for the unprecedented health crisis that the world continues to face, it is the government’s primary responsibility to ensure that the Filipino people’s fundamental rights must be upheld above any political or profit-oriented agenda,” the groups said in the petition.

The groups who signed the petition include the Alyansang Tapat sa Lasalista, Anakbayan – Vito Cruz, Anakbayan Kalaw Avenue, AniMUN DLSU SHS, Ang Pahayagang Plaridel, Benilde Central Student Government, Benilde Culture and Arts Unit – Cultural Promotions Team, Benilde Debate Varsity, DIWA ng Kabataang Lasalyano, DLSU IS Humanities and Social Sciences Society, DLSU Political Science Society, DLSU SHS History Club, DLSU SHS Student Council, DLSU University Student Government, Gabriela Youth – PLM, Kabataan Partylist – College of Saint Benilde, Kabataan Partylist – Intramuros, La Salle Debate League, Lasallian Youth Corps, League of Filipino Students – CSB, Lyceum Debate Society, Manila Science High School Supreme Student Government, One La Salle for Human Rights and Democracy, Pana Verde, Panday Sining – CSB, PLM College of Education Student Council, PLM Propaganda, PNU Katalonan, Santugon sa Tawag ng Panahon, Tanghalang Batingaw, The Animo and The Lycean Pioneer.