By Mark Vincent A. Durano

Far Eastern University (FEU) revised its initial Undas schedule after students called for a longer break to recover and spend time with their families during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. 

The University and Malacañang first announced that classes will be suspended starting at noon on October 31.

However, FEU updated the schedule to conduct an independent study on that day as a result of the recent multiple class suspensions. They also reiterated that regular classes will still be observed on October 28 and 29. 

The Administration also advised students to consult with their faculty regarding the modality and instruction for classes on October 30.

This was in response to FEU Central Student Organization’s (FEUCSO) petition letter sent to the Administration, proposing to conduct online modality on October 28 to 31, suspend all academic activities on November 1 and 2, and be solely asynchronous on November 4.

“These recommendations, rooted in empathy and compassion, aim to support the well-being of the student body. We trust the administration will give them the thoughtful consideration they deserve and look forward to a positive response soon,” the statement read.

FEUCSO also released a survey that received 2,711 responses. The results showed that 87 percent of the respondents live outside Metro Manila with 43.34 percent taking at least five hours to travel back to their provinces.

Moreover, the survey’s result also stated that 72.48 percent of the respondents are concerned regarding the lengthy travel time and traffic it would take to return after the Undas break.

Institute Student Councils (SC) and FEUCSO also sent a joint petition letter with the same grievances.

Furthermore, FEUCSO and all SCs have also given their individual statements urging FEU for academic ease. 

Going back home

Students, especially those residing in provinces, have expressed their dismay amid family and travel concerns.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, second-year Tourism Management student Arwen Fiance Iglesia shared the initial dilemma she felt in picking between returning home to Polangui, Albay or staying for classes.

“Hindi ko pa alam if ano na dapat kong gawin (I still do not know what I should do) or what decision should I make. I’m stuck between ‘should I prioritize more my studies or my family?’” she said.

Iglesia first planned to take care of her hospitalized grandfather and visit the cemetery. She added that her friends’ schools gave them 10 days of school break, contrary to FEU’s four.

Nearby schools such as University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University have also suspended onsite classes from October 28 to 31.

Despite the short amount of time and initial worries, the Tourism student intends to dedicate her time in Bicol to honor her family’s deceased loved ones.

“Even though we have a limited time, I believe these days [will] allow us to cherish our memories and strengthen family bonds, which is what truly matters,” Iglesia expressed.

Aside from the Undas break, she wanted to go home as early as possible due to the onslaught of Typhoon Kristine which Iglesia’s family had calamitous experience with.

 “I was scared for my family since nasa tabing ilog ‘yung bahay namin (our house is by a river) and I lost contact with them. Kaya (That’s why) as much as possible, I want to go home early for me to spend time with my family and friends,” Iglesia said.

She urges the University to formally recognize the importance of the Undas break by allowing students flexibility in their schedules as well as supporting students’ mental and emotional wellness.

Iglesia also mentioned the high transportation demand going home to the province, having shorter breaks to make travel less feasible.

Moreover, second-year Psychology student Angel Laraene Regaspi shared her plan to go home before October 31 to avoid congested terminals on her way home to Nueva Ecija.

“Absent na lang siguro kasi mahirap naman makipagsiksikan if October 31 pa ako uuwi… Mahirap mag-commute, especially if three hours and up ang byahe pauwi ng province and not just pauwi lang, lalo pagbalik [sa Maynila]. Hindi biro [ang] makipag-unahan makasakay lang (I might just go absent because it would be hard to huddle if I go home by October 31… Commuting is hard, especially if it takes at least three hours to get home in the province and not just going home, but also going back to Manila. Rushing to get onboard is no joke),” she said.

With limited time to stay in the province, Regaspi expects to just make a quick visit to the cemetery and return to Manila amid its hassle.

The Psychology student was dismayed from having to spend a shorter amount of time with her family, given that she only goes home once a month. She last saw her family two months ago.

FEU Advocate also reached out to the University for further clarification and updates on the issuing of Undas break and is awaiting a response.

(Photo by Anjela Pablo/FEU Advocate)