A progressive student group has urged the government to protect learners from the effects of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, warning that rising commodity prices are already affecting students.
In a statement, the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) said the impact of the war is being felt by learners through higher costs of basic goods.
While the group said it is not opposed to online learning, it raised concerns about persistent access gaps.
“Many learners still rely on shared devices within their households, unstable internet connectivity, or prepaid mobile data that must be carefully budgeted,” SCAP said.
The group noted that some students still have to look for alternative places conducive to studying. It called on the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to provide adequate support for blended learning.
“Any move toward regular blended learning must be accompanied by concrete investments in accessible internet connectivity, expanded access to learning devices, appropriate learning materials, and adequate preparation for teachers delivering digital instruction,” SCAP said.
It added that proposals to shift to once-a-week online classes should be studied carefully to avoid unintended consequences.
“These realities mean that policies relying on online learning cannot assume that all students have the same capacity to participate,” the group said.
Policymakers should revisit lessons from pandemic-era remote learning when evaluating such proposals, it added.
SCAP is the largest, broadest, and most comprehensive alliance of student councils, organizations, and student leaders in the country, established in 1996.
Representing over 30 chapters and 150 campuses, it advocates for education reform, student rights, social justice, and democratic principles through campaigns, policy lobbying, and collective action.
