A GROUP of veterinary and medical students slammed the Cebu Technological College’s decision to conduct face-to-face classes despite the rising Covid19 cases in the country.

The National Congress of Veterinary Medicine Students said that the CTU-College of Veterinary Medicine has been conducting in-person classes since March 23. It also conducted F2F classes in September 2020.

“I am reaching out as the National Director of NCVMS because health, safety and well-being of my constituents were put to risk as the face-to-face classes were conducted without implementing safety protocols,” John Louis Gonzales, NCVMS National director, said.

Gonzales stressed that he supports the holding of physical classes but the health and safety of students should be the priority.

“We agree that the program of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine requires practical skills that may only be holistically acquired through physical means. However, honing competent veterinarians also includes prioritizing their welfare and undergoing the right process,” he said.

On March 26, the Commission on Higher Education allowed limited face-to-face classes in 24 colleges and universities offering allied health degree programs beginning the second semester of the current school year.

CTU-CVM was not included in the list.

Gonzales said that some students reported that the school did not follow government guidelines and did not provide personal protective equipment.

Students were also compelled to attend face-to-face classes.

Gonzales urged the CTU-CVM to conduct free Covid19 testing for students, professors, and staff.

He also asked the university to provide transportation for the students.

He called on CHED and the Department of Health to hold the university accountable for conducting face-to-face classes without their approval.

The POST tried to get a statement from the CTU administration but received no response.