Netizens debate mass promotion of students amid coronavirus pandemic

Gaby Baizas

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Netizens debate mass promotion of students amid coronavirus pandemic
The issue elicits mixed responses after the Commission on Higher Education says it is up to universities and colleges to promote all students given the outbreak

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos were divided when the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said it would be up to universities and colleges to decide whether to implement mass promotion of students during the coronavirus pandemic.

CHED also said on Tuesday, April 14 that colleges and universities were free to adjust their respective academic calendars.

Since the Luzon lockdown was extended until the end of April, universities have responded differently in adjusting their schedules for academic year 2019-2020. (READ: Students urge suspension of online classes during coronavirus lockdown)

The University of the Philippines (UP) president’s advisory council recommended to the school’s Board of Regents (BOR) to end the second semester of the academic year on April 30.

The proposed policy submitted to UP’s BOR said students would be given a deferred grade, and that no student would fail a course provided they complete their requirements. Students would be given until the end of May 2020 to complete their respective requirements.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University announced on Tuesday, April 7, it would shorten the second semester for school year 2019-2020.

Many netizens urged universities to implement mass promotion in a move to prioritize the safety and welfare of students. Others said universities could always make the necessary adjustments after the lockdown, and that the current situation was not conducive for learning.

However, other Filipinos were on the fence about the issue, arguing that mass promotion would unjustly pass undeserving students, and would leave students unequipped.

The Philippines recorded 5,223 coronavirus cases, with 335 deaths and 295 recoveries as of Tuesday, April 14.

Here’s what other Filipinos had to say:

What are your thoughts on this issue? – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!
Sleeve, Clothing, Apparel

author

Gaby Baizas

Gaby Baizas is a digital forensics researcher at Rappler. She first joined Rappler straight out of college as a digital communications specialist. She hopes people learn to read past headlines the same way she hopes punk never dies.