by Mary Claire Leal and Kristella Marie Pel
A survey by the Commission on Higher Education says that there are over 10,000 students stranded in schools and dormitories due to the quarantine and lockdown. This pushed the Department of Transportation to create the “Hatid Estudyante” program. A program that seeks to bring students who are stranded, transported back to their homes. Students may register for the Hatid Estudyante program online, where they will be asked to give relevant personal details. Students under the age of 18 will be asked to provide consent from their parents or guardians including their signature. Once the DOTr receives confirmation from local governments of the students’ destinations, they will be picked up from their dormitories and sent home. However, Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Santiago says that they will have to filter out the registrations due to the numbers increasing to 10,300 from the expected 10,000 number for the first batch of students who are to be transported back to their provinces.
Santiago says that arrangements have made with 2 LGU’s who are bringing the first batch home. "We managed to interview students from different schools/universities that are stranded from their dormitories, apartments, and what did they feel when the place was a total lockdown and they couldn’t go back to their homes. These are the responses of the students we interviewed through Facebook messenger."
“At first, I feel comfortable being stranded here inside AUP because I know that it is safe plus I can finish all my requirements on time because of unlimited eastern. But now, though I feel safe and secured, I still miss my family from home and I still worry about how to survive given that my cafeteria load is reducing. Well, it is okay with me because the things that I need are sold at the University Store. It's just that I cannot help to crave fish dishes and any other dishes not offered inside the cafeteria,” says Erika Joy Zoleta from Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP).
Adam Oribiana, also a student from AUP shares, “For me, it’s okay to be stranded inside AUP when the gym is open, and also if the curfew is not early. Even in the morning, the curfew is also limited and I can barely enjoy practicing my instruments to the Music Department. It’s so annoying of course, but I do understand the situation that we’re having right now and everyone here inside the campus is experiencing this situation. Fortunately, we are safe here inside the campus. It’s frustrating and sad because of course at this time we would rather be with our family and our loved one[s]. I’m always worried about their situation right now [and know] if are they okay. And it’s okay for me to be here at AUP so that I won’t be a burden to my parents because currently my parents are unemployed and I don’t want my parents to be loaded with more problems. Even though I missed them so much I must endure and understand the situation because there is no use to complain[ing] right now.”
“I really thought that this crisis was short term, but I was wrong. I was stranded in my apartment alone with a little bit of food. I really wanted to go back home, but it is not allowed. My mother was sending me money from online banking and there are stores nearby so food will never be a problem for me. I have internet, water and electricity to survive. At least I am safe here in my apartment. I am just waiting for this pandemic to be over. It’s very scary and this lockdown is not good for my mental health. [I] can’t wait to see my family and be with them, “ confides Leah Joyce Vicente from Xavier School.
A student from Far Eastern University (FEU) - Manila says “I am staying in my friend’s condo alone. It was very hard for me. It was sudden and I am not ready for it. I am happy that my friend is letting me stay here at her house with everything that I need. I was a little sick at first and thought I got the virus, I became very paranoid, but I am good now. Playing mobile games and watching Netflix is my past time to avoid feeling lonely. I ate from Cavite is always calling to check up on me and to make sure I am safe and got what I need. I am thankful because I am safe and not starving. I really miss my family. I am hoping that everything will go back to its normal state.”
LGUs have put strict border controls into effect as a measure against the spread of the new coronavirus disease.
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