By Ana Rufa Padua and Regina Vendivil

University President, Fr. Bobby Yap stated that the university is currently discussing possible face-to-face scenarios for on-campus classes during the second session of the Ateneo Town Hall Meeting with the newly appointed leaders on May 7, 2021.

The gradual return to the campus and a blended learning system are among the options to be considered once the situation allows it.

Fr. Bobby also mentioned that they [the university] are considering “real shifting” of classes for the Basic Education where there will be morning and afternoon sessions to avoid overcrowding in classrooms. 

Although the incoming school year is supposedly fully online, he assured that the school administration is already talking about all the possibilities they might have for both the employees and students. 

“Although we know that online (learning) is second best, but we know also that there are certain advantages to the digital technology… we can certainly use some of that,” the university president said.

During the same session, Fr. Bobby asked the incoming leaders of the Ateneo community regarding the areas of improvement for the next school year. 

Sir Noel P. Miranda, the incoming ASHS principal, responded by emphasizing the importance of connection and mentioning the desires of students to connect with their teachers and classmates. 

“I think we have to reflect on how our system or structures, the way we do things can help build connections,” Miranda added.

The incoming principal also expressed importance in the area of social involvement, stating that we [the community] were not able to do our regular Tulong Dunong (TD) tutoring due to the pandemic. 

Miranda concluded his statement saying, “In terms of areas for improvement, areas for growth, I think that we should be looking for ways to make a contribution further in the community.”