It’s been a tough year, especially for students and teachers. After multiple calls for a more compassionate and inclusive treatment of students, the University of the Philippines (UP) is implementing a no-fail policy this semester.

The UP Office of the Student Regent announced on Facebook that students will not be given a grade of “4” or “5”—failing marks in other circumstances—this semester.

The post read, “This is an initial victory for the UP student body as we continuously fight for the most inclusive and compassionate solutions for our education!” The official guidelines on this new policy have yet to be announced, but not all students are happy with the news.

The new policy comes at the heels of the University’s decision to push forward with the semester, despite major pushback from students and other stakeholders.

According to another post on the university’s Office of the Student Regent Facebook page, “The representation of the Student Regent and Faculty Regent echoed our pleas and grievances to the Board. It is highly notable that in only a number of limited days, student-led strikes and petitions were able to gather momentous support and solidarity from the UP community.”

“More than 15,000 individuals signed our petitions from across the UP System and #EndTheSemUP trended at the top spot nationwide last night, showing legitimate clamor from our constituents,” the post continued.

Recent calamities have contributed to an already difficult learning situation for students and teachers alike. Prior to the pandemic, the Philippines was ranked one of the lowest when it comes to internet speed in the Asia-Pacific region.

Header photo courtesy of University of the Philippines Facebook

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