24/11/2024
๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ
On November 16, 2024, Catanduanes was devastated by the onslaught of Super Typhoon (STY) Pepito with winds reaching up to 325 kph and the Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TWCS) reaching Signal No. 5. Despite having zero casualties, numerous homes were totally and partially damaged. The entire province lost electric power and many municipalities had their water supply cut off.
The Catanduanes State University, as the melting pot of students from all municipalities, has a significant population of students from the worst-hit towns of the province.
On November 21, 2024, Catanduanes State University released a memorandum signed by OIC Atty. Septon A. De la Cruz, CESO III regarding class resumption scheduled on November 25, 2024.
The CatSU Diplomatic Society is concerned regarding the early resumption of classes as STY Pepito caused massive loss to the people of the Catanduanes. Many Catandunganons - particularly CatSUans - lost access to basic necessities such as shelter, clothing, and livelihood, not to mention electricity, water, and even daily sustenance.
The destruction caused by STY Pepito not only affected the means of daily survival of Catandunganons, but also their emotional and mental state. While the province is slowly recovering from the damage, it is abundantly clear that a vast percentage of CatSUans are far from ready to resume classes.
In this context, the Catanduanes State University Diplomatic Society:
Acknowledges the mission of Catanduanes State University to foster excellent, holistic, and inclusive education;
Emphasizes that the institution's most vital assets are its students โ the CatSUans;
Acknowledges that a justifiable period is needed before our fellow CatSUans are ready for the resumption of classes given the aftermath of Super Typhoon Pepito;
Expresses concern that the "readiness" mentioned in the first paragraph of the memorandum dated November 21, 2024, referred solely on the safety and functionality of institutional facilities;
Appeals that the memorandum from OIC Atty. Septon A. De la Cruz, CESO Il posted on November 21, 2024 at the Catanduanes State University's page regarding the resumption of classes be reconsidered;
Recommends that the resumption of classes be moved at least a week further or at the start of December in order to properly assess and decide accordingly with the status quo of the institution's constituents; and
Further recommend that the institution administers Psychological First Aid (PFA) to CatSUans heavily affected by the Super Typhoon.