“Oh! miserable souls, no one is forcing you to study. You do not want to, fine. We will be happy not to have you. Look for a freezer big enough and hibernate there till COVID too hibernates.”

Coming from the vice president of a state university, those words have reportedly stirred up the emotion of the already agitated students gunning for an academic freeze this 2020-2021 school year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cagayan State University VP for administration and finance Ranhilio Aquino has wittingly or  unwittingly found himself in a bind for such remarks which were reportedly considered harsher than harsh by the progressive-minded scholars inside and outside of the CSU campus.

His other Facebook posts have reportedly added ‘fire’ to the controversy: “Some students are mouthing phrases they just pick up from Manila gangsters and hooligans masquerading as activists. Academic freeze is one of them.”

CSU President Urdujah Tejada has a shorter phrase to contribute to the ‘academic freeze furor’ as reported by the school newspaper, The CSU Communicator: “Academic freeze for those who have no plans to live a good life.”

“What are your thoughts on this, ka-Komyu?” asked the editors of The CSU Communicator, as they seek the fair minds of the studentry on the reported remarks of the university president and her vice president who are trying to ward off organized calls for an academic freeze.

In response, students’ reactions vary from post to post on the social media platforms: “Shame how a learned and high folk gave the students an ultimatum that they “don’t have a plan to live a good life” just because they want Academic Freeze. Selfish,” lamented one Christy Aragon.

Another post from one Celine Salvador Allam was trying to put sense into Aquino and Tejada: “At least think of where you are currently working. Remind you it is a STATE UNIVERSITY.”

“Sana maisip niyo na walang silbi ang degree kung ilalagay niyo sa risk yung buhay niyo,” said another reaction from a certain Marlon Rosete. For his part, one Van Carlo Rodriguez also posted: “Nakakatakot yan. Mga high ranking officials pala ng schools. Akala ko mere outsider’s perspective lang ung post. Kasama pala sa officials. Yikes.”

Aquino’s reported parting shot has appeared conciliatory: “So you want a freeze? Be our guests but leave those who wish to proceed to their earnestness. Thank God there are still a few sane students remaining.”

The POST tried to get the side of Mr. Aquino through his Facebook page, but he has not responded as of posting time. In the interest of fair reporting, The editorial office of The POST is open 24/7 for the reaction of Mr. Aquino and Ms. Tejada.