STUDENTS of the University of San Carlos in Cebu City created a stir online when they went out in public wearing their school uniform as they joined calls for safe and gradual resumption of face-to-face classes.

Mariel Dumaraos of USC Supreme Student Council wore her uniform in a coffee shop and posted photos on Facebook.

“Wore my school uni at the cafe today to campaign for #LigtasNaBalikEskwela. If malls, tourist spots, and bars have reopened, we should push for the safe and gradual reopening of schools too! Not all students have the resources or the proper learning environment at home for distant learning,” Dumaraos said.

Her post garnered 18,000 likes, 14,000 shares and 186 comments.

Stressing various problems encountered by learners during online classes, Dumaraos said that the welfare of students should be prioritized.

“No student should be left behind. I challenge you to wear your school uniform at home or in public to campaign for #LigtasNaBalikEskwela,” she said.

In another viral post on Twitter, Celine Lagundi, Gabriella Youth USC chairperson, also shared photos of her wearing her uniform inside a coffee shop.

“Why must students remain suffering the challenges of the online learning setup when the government allows bars and clubs to open? Surely there’s a way to address this, and that’s #LigtasNaBalikEskwela! Masks and Uniforms ON, mga ka-estudyante,” Lagundi said.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte said this was not the right time to allow physical classes and added that he would not gamble the children’s health.

He added that he will allow the resumption of physical classes once the country achieves herd immunity against Covid19.