AS THE UNIVERSITY’S EDUCATION SYSTEM shifts to distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, over 500 students from Pangasinan State University Lingayen Campus (PSU-LC) received free SIM cards with load to address the necessity on internet data for instruction.
This is in response to the University’s survey conducted regarding the students problems encountered on the virtual classes implementation using MicroSoft Teams.
“As we all know, our students are having a hard time in attending their synchronous classes given the limitations on the internet connection,” said by Mr. Francis Gerald Amansec, Coordinator for Student Services and Alumni Affairs.
Most of the students’ concerns from the survey conducted and queries received by the teachers are on the capacity of the internet or data connection spended daily for their virtual classes.
“With this project, it will surely help those financially-challenged students to continue their classes even in these trying times,” Mr. Amansec added.
In Lingayen Campus, two batches (Batch 1: from February 18-19; and Batch 2 from March 4-5) were scheduled to accommodate all qualified recipients following the safety protocols set by the CoVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force.
The distribution of SIM Cards was led by Mr. Amansec; Dr. Lorna Urbiztondo, Campus Executive Director; and Ms. Je-Ann De Vera, Student Regent.
“This move from the Federated Student Government (FSG) is just an indication that even in this pandemic, we are always hearing the voices of the students on the quandaries that they experience,” the President of Supreme Student Council, Ms. De Vera, said.
She added that all of these will not be implemented without the support of the University President, Dr. Dexter R. Buted and the members of the Board of Regents.
Moreover, the recipients were very happy that the administration is doing measures to address all of concerns,.
“I felt satisfied because it will surely help to decrease my expenses on prepaid load during my online classes since we don’t have a modem here in our home and we use mobile data,” said by Mr. Christian Izel Cacal, a student from College of Education.
He added that with the free SIM card, he will be able to adapt to the distance learning– to study and finish their requirements.
Students who were chosen for this project were based on the following eligibility criteria: (1) A bonafide student of the Pangasinan State University; (2) Open to all students in all year-levels for AY 2020-2021; (3) Have a record of good academic performance. (No dropped course and no failing grades); (4) Demonstrate financial need. Priority is given to applicants from low income households, generally those with a monthly income of P10,000 and below or only one parent is working for a family of four; and (5) Number of recipients per campus will be prorated based on the number of enrollees.
Aside from this, it can be recalled that the University spearheaded by the FSG already distributed 65 tablets last January 14 to support students who do not have electronic gadgets for their virtual classes. /mmpd