Senator Pia Cayetano has criticized the Cebu Normal University (CNU) for its decision to abruptly shift all classes at the school’s main campus to an online learning mode.
In a press release on Monday, August 4, 2025, Cayetano said that the university’s policy only shows a failure of leadership, and only harms students.
The Senator added that the type of complete shift to online learning just a few moments before the official start of classes is “unacceptable” in the university’s stands.
Where, the suddenly imposed policy, she described as to abandoning students.
“Tantamount to abandoning your students,” Cayetano said.
In line with the aforementioned, Cayetano admitted that she recognized the use of online tools in the education phase, but she also believed that the policy had gone too far.
The Senator further stated that if the order was only for a few hours, in accordance with CHED guidelines, it would be considered reasonable and just, but to announce that all classes will be online, it would be a disservice to the students.
“A few hours of online instruction, in accordance with Ched guidelines, may be reasonable. But to announce that all classes will be online? That is a disservice to the students,” she said.
Cayetano also mentioned the Cebu Technological University which showed the difficult and challenging state of its students due to the relentless problems they face due to poor internet access and lack of digital skills.
Meanwhile, the Senator also cited UNESCO, the International Commission on the Futures of Education, which emphasizes that schools should be safe, inclusive spaces where students and teachers can have sustainability, which she clearly stated, cannot be doubled through virtual learning.
Accordingly, the Senator expressed concern regarding the aforementioned policy without the approval of the board or input from students, parents, and other stakeholders.
Therefore, she questioned the judgment and accountability of the head of the state university, Daniel Ariaso Sr., and called on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to initiate a formal investigation into the matter.
Cayetano also said that she will file a resolution in the Senate to ensure that the issue is investigated and that academic institutions adhere to proper and appropriate governance standards.
