New PLM student leaders take on challenges of ‘new normal’ in education

The new set of leaders of the college and university-level student councils took their oath of office before Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila President Emmanuel Leyco on Friday, February 19, 2021.

 

Elected officers of the respective College Student Councils and the Supreme Student Council vowed to uphold the rights and welfare of students amid the “new normal” in education, which has posed unprecedented challenges on top of the day-to-day battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

President Leyco commended the outgoing student leaders for shepherding fellow students through the first-ever academic year under the online learning set-up. He also thanked the new set of officers for responding to the tough yet fulfilling call to serve the student body.

 

“We will hold a student management conference. We will make sure to include student representatives in all decision-making bodies within the University on matters that will affect the student body,” the PLM president vowed.

 

Last year, PLM convened the Online Education Committee to discuss the many issues and concerns raised by students, faculty, and administrative staff about the conduct of distance learning classes. Similar arrangements can be expected for other committees that seek to improve the well-being of students.

 

In response, new SSC President Edwin Karl Basa vowed to work as the University’s partner in defending academic freedom and in ensuring a smooth return to face-to-face learning, which may happen once mass COVID-19 vaccinations are in place.

 

“Hindi kami titigil hangga’t hindi nasisiguro ang maayos na kapakanan ng mga mag-aaral at ng buong Pamantasan,” Basa said during his brief speech.

 

“Makakaasa kayo na ang PLM –– kasama ng mga mag-aaral, ng mga guro, at pamunuan –– ay magtataguyod ng ating kalayaang akademiko,” President Leyco responded.

 

PLM has been producing graduates able to contribute to nation-building since 1965.