With the 68th Foundation Day and preparation for face to face classes at its plate, University of Antique of Antique(UA) held a press conference with the government and private media organizations in the province in line with the upcoming in-person classes and the Sipal eskUelA on Wednesday, January 19 at the HRM Function Hall.
University President Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr. discussed with the press the systems and policies of the institution in implementing the face to face classes in the whole UA system that will start on February 14 following its presentation to the Local Inter-Agency Task Force(IATF) Tuesday, January 18 of its readiness plan.
According to Dr. Crespo, the university put up an isolation area in case faculty and staff showed symptoms of COVID-19 within the premises.
It was also planned to reduce the number of students in the class from the regular 40-50 students per classroom to only 15 -20 students in a teaching space with dividers and except in some laboratories that will allow only five students inside because of the nature of the courses and had the classrooms re-arranged like the removal of window curtains to allow airflow in the spaces.
He also stated that in the case of UA-Main Campus with eight colleges and department, four colleges will have their students report to the school once or twice a week while the other four engage with synchronous classes, a scheme that will be executed alternately.
“The bamboo craft and furniture facility is open to assist the community most importantly to the MSMEs so we can help many Antiqueños to have their livelihood because bamboos are abundant in Antique and as part of undertaking the mission of the university which is to support the socio-economic development of Antique,” Dr. Nelly E. Mistio, UA Main Campus director highlighted on the reading of the project rationale.
Meanwhile, Antique solon Loren Legarda commended the university faculty and staff as well as the students for its Foundation Day celebration, expressed her words of appreciation for being part of the said launching activity under the DTI shared service facility, and underscored the advantages of the production center.
“I congratulate the faculty, staff and students of the University of Antique for as you celebrate your 68th Founding Day and it is my pleasure to be part of the launching of this Bamboo Crafts and Furniture under the Department of Trade and Industry. My project was funded, envisioned, and supported to provide opportunity and explore Antique’s capacity to grow and develop its own local bamboo facility. This will capacitate our Micro-Small and Medium Enterprise and I’ve also acknowledge how rich Antique is in terms of our natural resources and the hidden talents of our kasimanwas,” she said in her video message.
Furthermore, DTI Provincial Director Ma. Dinda R. Tamayo affirmed their support to the operation of the bamboo production center situated in the university for its optimal internalization.
“We will continue to be a partner in increasing competitiveness both for the product itself and to the bamboo industry. UA as our operator of the SSF, we are with you for the advancement and fulfillment of the school’s mission for the bamboo industry,” she emphasized during her speech.