By Ishia Eleanor F. Marquez

Far Eastern University (FEU) student activists voiced their frustrations over the University’s modified hybrid learning setup and new enrollment system for the second semester of school year (S.Y.) 2025-2026 during the ‘First Day Fight’ rally in front of Gate 4 last January 12.

With the implementation of the new hybrid setup, League of Filipino Students (LFS) - FEU Chairperson Jham Evangelista criticized the administration’s response to the Tamaraws’ concerns and demands over the previous semester’s learning setup.

“Nagpa-survey nga ang FEU, na nagsasabi na pinakikinggan daw nila ang hinanaing namin [mga estudyante], pero hindi naman ito katotohanan… Lumalabas sa survey nila ay more face-to-face classes ang ilalagay [sa ikalawang semestre] at [ang] pagbabasura ng naturang [hybrid] setup na ito… Ang gusto namin ay full face-to-face hanggang sa pagtatapos ng taong panuruan na ito (FEU conducted a survey, that says they are actually listening to the concerns [of the students], but that is not true… The survey shows that students want more face-to-face classes [for the second semester] and scrapping the [hybrid] setup… What we want is full face-to-face classes until the end of the academic year),” they expressed.

To recall, the administration presented the blended learning survey results with 16,909 respondents during the ‘TamHall II: Beyond the Survey – Blended Learning in Focus (Follow-Through)’ last December 4. The results showed that 40 percent of students wanted more onsite classes, 23 percent preferred the old modality, and the remaining 22 percent opted for independent study weeks instead. 

Additionally, 53 percent of learners said that the previous setup does not work for them, while 47 percent said otherwise. Given the slim gap between the respondents, the administration deemed the modified structure as a compromise, claiming it was based on survey results, faculty feedback, and operational conditions of the University. 

LFS-FEU PADEPA Officer Danica Ross Asa also criticized the hybrid modality, stating that the ‘evolution’ the University seeks with this setup contradicts the experiences of students under it. 

“Para kanino ba talaga ang hybrid modality na ito? Sinasabi ng administrasyon na ito [hybrid setup] raw ay ‘evolution’ at paghahanda sa bagong environment… Pero ang nararanasan ng mga estudyante ay overload, kalituhan, at bagong adjustments (For whom is this modality really for? The administration says that this [hybrid setup] is an evolution and preparation for the new environment… But what students experience is overload, confusion, and new adjustments),” she said.

The LFS members also questioned the cost of tuition fee, with Asa raising doubts where the fees are allocated given the limited onsite classes, stating the administration’s claims that it goes to ‘learning materials’ do not reflect the support and resources received by students. 

Despite the administration’s announcement of no tuition fee hike for S.Y. 2025-2026 in an effort to ease the financial burden of students, Tamaraws still noticed an increase in tuition this year.

Additionally, several concerns were raised last semester over the lack of shared hybrid learning spaces, with many expressing dismay at their inaccessibility and inconvenience.

Protesters also called out the implementation of the new student portal, Student Central NEO, citing the difficulties Tamaraws experienced during the ongoing enrollment period.

“Marami ang nalito sa Student Central NEO dahil sa paghataw ng implementasyon… Nariyan daw kasi ang kulang ‘yung mga schedule na binibigay; kung hindi man kulang, wala o hindi naman daw kagustuhan [ang iskedyul] o kinakailangan ng mga estudyante [ang na kurso lumalabas] (Many are still confused with the Student Central NEO because of the sudden implementation… There are instances where the schedules given are lacking; if not insufficient, they are unavailable or the students dislike [the schedule given] or [the course] students need do not show up),” Evangelista stressed.

Further, Asa also highlighted the experiences of students who failed to enroll despite having complete requirements, taking a toll on the emotional and mental well-being of Tamaraws, further pressing the administration for their grounds on implementing the new enrollment system.

Moreover, One U-Belt Representative Jey-Em Bacani pointed out the red-tagging students experience when they speak out against the injustices they face.

“‘Pag kami ay nanindigan, ano ang aming nararanasan? Red-tagging, pananakot, [at] pangha-harass… Malinaw ang aming panawagan… Itigil ang red-tagging at lahat ng anyo ng pananakot laban sa student activists (When we speak up, what do we experience? Red-tagging, intimidation, harassment… Our call is clear… Stop the red-tagging and any kind of intimidation against student activists),” he emphasized. 

The rally also condemned ongoing national issues such as the flood control anomalies, increasing price of goods, and concerns regarding wage.

Classes for the second semester of S.Y. 2025-2026 officially began on January 12, with enrollment still ongoing until January 24. 

(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)