THE PRESIDENT of the UST Faculty Union (USTFU) has clarified that the suggestion to shift most classes online amid rising fuel prices was his own idea and did not represent the union’s official position.
USTFU President Emerito Gonzales said his March 11 letter was meant to initiate discussions on measures the University could consider to ease the burden on students and faculty.
He said University administrators would likely consult all stakeholders before making any decision.
“I believe the UST will exercise prudence and consult all the major stakeholders, students, parents, employees at saka kami. So, as to the question bakit ako nagsulat ng ganoon, well I think it’s better to initiate a way [to discuss it],” he said.
The USTFU board and officers distanced themselves from Gonzales’ proposal, which also drew some criticism on social media.
“Please be advised that the request for a shift to online classes was a proposal contained in a letter sent by the USTFU President,” they said in a Facebook post on March 12.
“To date, this matter has not been formally discussed or deliberated upon by the USTFU Board of Officers and Directors. As such, the proposal does not yet represent the official collective position of the Union,” the post added.
In his March 11 letter to Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Cheryl Peralta, Gonzales recommended conducting most courses online while holding onsite sessions for high-stakes assessments for the finals period.
“Siguro, sa pagdidiyalogo namin, makikita rin namin na the administration is willing to be flexible on these terms or baka hopefully meron silang subsidiya, transport allowance sa aming mga empleyado, teachers diba. Why not, hopefully,” he added.
Gonzales said a survey would be conducted to collect views and suggestions of the faculty regarding the proposal.
The suggestion to shift classes online was prompted by the economic strain due to the conflict in the Middle East, which has resulted in an increase in fuel prices of at least 50% in some areas in the Philippines.
Some government offices have implemented a temporary four-day work week setup to help conserve energy amid constraints in oil supply.
Educational institutions like University of the Philippines Manila have implemented a “four-day compressed workweek,” while De La Salle University will shift to online classes this March. With reports from Louisse Raye Shara C. Santos
