A COALITION composed of 124 student councils and youth organizations nationwide led by the National Union of Students of the Philippines united to demand safe and gradual resumption of face-to-face classes.

In its “Building Bridges: Ligtas na Balik-Eskwela” unity statement, the coalition stressed that the education sector is “immensely suffering” amid the Covid19 pandemic.

“We, the Filipino youth and students, stand firm in our belief that the right to quality education and ensuring our health and safety amid the pandemic must be simultaneously exercised,” the coalition said in a statement.

“Access to education must not be compromised while implementing health protocols to effectively mitigate the spread of the virus,” it added.

The coalition called on the government to prioritize the mass vaccination of teachers, students, and non-teaching staff; hold regular and free mass testing; and ensure that minimum health protocols are observed in schools and universities.

It also called for prior risk assessment in areas where there is limited physical classes; employment of health and sanitation personnel; and more funds for additional school facilities.

“Our agony as students due to the ineffective distance learning must end now, we have suffered enough. Let us demand accountability from the state’s criminal negligence in the education sector. Moreover, let us continue the fight for our democratic rights and academic freedom!” the coalition said.

It also asked the government to implement free education in public schools; stop the collection of unused school fees in remote learning; widen the efforts for financial support to education stakeholders; and provide continuous salaries and benefits of educators.