Thread by @sarahelago

UNITY STATEMENT (Let me know if you're in!!!) CALLING FOR HIGHER SUBSIDY FOR QUALITY AND INCLUSIVE DISTANCE EDUCATION IN STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (SUCS) AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC [From Rep. Elago's manifestation at the CHED budget briefing earlier today] #AcademicEaseNow

We, school officials, students, teachers, and members of different sectors firmly believe that education is a right. It is the obligation of the State to prioritize education in budget allocation to fulfill, promote, and protect the right to continue learning amid the pandemic.

Higher state funding is needed for our public univs and colleges to provide support for student, faculty and non-teaching personnel, and to develop the capacity of state higher education institutions for flexible learning modalities in the midst of a public health emergency.

We thus express our strong appeal to the House Committee on Appropriations and the Honorable Members of both chambers of Congress to:
a) Restore huge cuts on the budget of our nation’s 111 SUCs and student financial assistance programs; #AcademicEaseNow

b) Immediately release, prevent delays on budget for Free Tuition and Other School Fees and Tertiary Education Subsidy as mandated in Republic Act 10931;
#AcademicEaseNow #WalangIwanan

c) Extend the eligibility of scholars for the academic year 2021-2022 and adjust application requirements of student financial assistance programs;
d) Provide communication and connectivity allowances for faculty and students; #AcademicEaseNow #WalangIwanan

e) Prioritize funding for appropriate digital platforms and library subscriptions;
f) Expedient rollout of Free Public Wi-Fi and other information and communications technology (ICT) support programs;
g) Prepare for the safe reopening of campuses.

Study options, exhaust all means to help displaced students, faculty, and personnel of schools that have closed due to the worsening economic crisis! Together, let us protect the right to education during these difficult times and beyond!
SIGNED,

BE A SIGNATORY! #AcademicEaseNow

COMMENT or DM the name of your organization and official org e-mail address. You may also signify your intent to support this statement by e-mail: [e-mail] Maraming salamat po!