UPB CAC drops month-long activities due to COVID-19

Source: UPB College of Arts and Communication Facebook page

The College of Arts and Communication (CAC) of the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB) cancelled its activities for the whole month of March on Wednesday, March 11 due to the threat of COVID-19.

Different events prepared for the whole month were immediately cancelled by means of Chancellor Raymundo Rovillos’ order last Monday in response to the escalating number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines.

Among the events that were cancelled include the CAC Week prepared by the CAC Committee, as well as the workshops and forums from different academic organizations.

CAC Representative Chloe Caloracan stated that no matter how unfortunate it was to drop the events, they cannot ignore the fact that there is a national health risk to respond to.

“Of course it was devastating that many events were cancelled, not only in CAC month but other student activities as well. But, there is a national health risk that we cannot ignore,” Caloracan said. She added that proactive preparations on a nationwide scale are significant given the public health situation at hand.

“In short, if the health department had been prepared, this could have been prevented, then we wouldn't be in this situation right now,” Caloracan reasoned.

Vince Busano, another CAC Representative, affirmed that the cancellation was necessary as they cannot risk the safety of the participants.

“As much as we would like to celebrate the college weeks, our top priority at that moment is the safety of the students since para sa kanila ‘din naman ang mga events na ito,” he pointed out.

(As much as we would like to celebrate the college weeks, our top priority at that moment is the safety of the students as these events are for them.)

Aside from the CAC week, other activities in the university such as the month-long celebration of Women’s Month and the Intramurals Athletic Competition were postponed until further notice.

Innabuyog-Gabriela Youth UP Baguio Chairperson Shannen Dela Cruz acknowledged that health and safety remain the top priorities.

"It is frustrating because we have been preparing for months. But we also recognize that the health and safety of the people are more important. For now, we can explore propaganda forms online to continue advocating for women's rights and welfare," Dela Cruz emphasized.

Students share the same sentiments regarding the need to cancel events. Zoe Villanueva, a second-year BA Communication student, insisted that the current health situation requires urgent action.

“Sang-ayon ako na nag-cancel ng events kasi kahit na nakakalungkot at nasayang yung efforts ng nag-organize ng events, mas lamang pa din naman yung safety ng students,” Villanueva explained.

(I agree with the cancellation of the events. Although it was sad that the efforts of the organizers were wasted, the safety of the students is a priority.)

Classes in the university were also affected. Faculty members started distributing survey forms as early as March 12 in preparation for the academic contingency plan in accordance with the Memorandum No. 2021-31.

The Memo No. 2021-31 issued by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) states that the University is compelled to require the faculty to shift to blended learning while providing detailed instructions on learning materials and activities if neither electricity nor internet is available.  Besides this, the university encouraged precautionary measures such as maintaining social distance and observing proper hygiene.

As of March 14, the first confirmed case in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) was reported in Abra.

By: Corrine Evangelista