More schools suspend classes in Metro Manila due to COVID surge, students in other schools call for academic relief
More schools have decided to suspend classes due to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases in the country following the entry of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
The De La Salle University (DLSU) and the Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA) announced suspension of classes, and more schools have followed suit. Below are Metro Manila schools that have so far suspended their classes.
De La Salle University
DLSU said it will suspend classes from Jan. 10 to 15 after a health survey revealed that 60% of the school’s community members are sick.
“With such prevalence of illness, COVID and non-COVID, classes at all levels (nursery to grade 12, undergraduate, graduate school including the College of Law) are hereby suspended,” DLSU announced in its official Facebook page.
DLSU said that work, including work from home, is suspended on all campuses.
DLSU added that another health survey will be conducted on Jan. 13 “to inform our decision on the resumption of classes.”
Immaculate Conception Academy
ICA has also announced an academic freeze from Jan. 10 to 11.
“In light of the recent increase in the number of students, teachers, and staff reported to have symptoms of COVID-19, the High School Department will be on academic freeze,” the school announced.
Philippine Women’s University
The Philippine Women’s University (PWU) president Marco Alfredo M. Benitez declared a “University Health Break” from Jan. 10 to 12.
The announcement came following an “alarming number” of PWU community members—faculty, non-teaching personnel, and students or their family members—who have tested positive or displaying symptoms.
All synchronous and asynchronous classes, submission of requirements, and office work in all PWU and PWU-JASMS Campuses will also be suspended “to allow our community to rest and recover.”
Xavier School
Xavier School president Fr. Aristotle Dy announced work and class suspension for its San Juan City and Nuvali in Calamba, Laguna campuses on Jan. 10 and 11 “to allow all in our community to equilibrate and achieve a sense of calm and balance” despite the current health challenges.
According to Dy, “The principals and office heads will announce adjustments in their units in due course, including the possibility of adjusting our end-of-school year milestones in March.”
Miriam College
In light of the current health status of its employees and students, Miriam College announced it will observe academic ease from Jan. 10 to 15 for its different academic units—Grade School, High School, Skills Development and Technical Education Center, and Miriam College Nuvali in Calamba, Laguna.
During the said dates, there will be no synchronous sessions, graded activities, or submissions for the community to “enable all to focus on their physical health and recovery.”
However, optional learning will be available for those who are able to engage.
Marist School Marikina
Marist School Marikina president, Br. Allan J. De Castro, declared Jan. 10 to 14 a “health break week” for the school, citing an “alarmingly high number” of COVID-19 infections among students and personnel as the primary reason for the break.
During this time, all synchronous and asynchronous activities are suspended to provide the “much-needed period for all stakeholders to rest and attend to their physical well-being.”
Colegio San Agustin Makati
Colegio San Agustin Makati announced it will have a “Health Break” from January 10 to 12 due to health concerns of both students and employees. All onsite and online classes and work during this period.
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila announced it is putting on hold the limited face-to-face classes offered by its College of Nursing and College of Medicine “to allow everyone to take proper measures to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.”
All students will revert to online classes, including its College of Medicine, until further notice.
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines is suspending synchronous and asynchronous activities in all year levels from Jan. 10 to 16, taking into consideration the increasing number of its students and faculty members suffering from COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms.
Suspension of activities are for students from all year levels, including Graduate School, Open University System and College of Law, in the Main Campus, and in all branches and satellite campuses.
The administration will assess the situation by Jan. 14 to decide whether or not to extend the period of suspension.
Members of the faculty were also instructed to move deadlines of submission of all academic requirements.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines Diliman University Student Council said that it has also requested an academic reprieve through a letter sent to the university’s chancellor due to the COVID situation.
“The UP Diliman University Student Council requests to end the semester and to implement genuine academic easing in extension of requirements and deadlines of students, especially during the continuously rising cases of COVID-19 and recovery of affected students from the devastation of Typhoon Odette,” the council said.
The University of the East-Manila Student Council said it has also sent a letter to the university president to extend the enrollment period, and provide clear and specific measures for those infected with COVID-19 among other concerns.