Students call for 10K subsidy, introduce Student Aid Network

By Jovelyn Cullado

Right after Makabayan Bloc filed House Bill No. 9494 or the Emergency Student Aid and Relief Bill, students launched Student Aid Network to support the bill and initiate a petition for a P10,000 cash subsidy, June 5.

A group consisting of student councils and youth organizations across the country introduced the Student Aid Network, an organization moving for financial subsidy for students amid the pandemic. These student leaders came from the University of Caloocan City and Iloilo State College of Fisheries-Main Tiwi Campus and involved campus publications Ang Pahayagang Plaridel, Philippine Collegian and TomasinoWeb.

According to the Student Aid Network Head Convenor Rey Niall Santos, education is a right and necessary actions should be taken to make it accessible during this pandemic.

"We call for urgent action to ensure that students have access to learning opportunities and modes that safely provide quality education," Santos said.

The organization aims to unite youth, parents, teachers and stakeholders to push for the subsidy necessary for students during this pandemic.

"The subsidy shall assist them in their expenses related to distance learning, tuition, other school fees, gadgets, and internet connectivity," a Student Aid Network press release said, June 5.

The group also initiated a petition with the same cause, urging Filipinos to support the demand of senior high school and college students for financial aid amounting to P10, 000.

In a unity statement, the group said their call “is for the government to provide Php 2, 000 aid per month for five months as additional support and funding for all students to continue their education amid the pandemic."

The group asserts that students struggle in flexible learning because education remains expensive, intensified by the costs of internet connection, gadgets and modules.

"The huge cost of education adds up to the economic burden due to widespread unemployment and skyrocketing commodity prices," the group added.

As of June 8, more than 2,000 have signed the petition and shared it on social media platforms.