THE OVERPASS: No Permit, No Exam

                Withstand sun’s penetrating rays, combat push and pull attacks of the people falling in line, skip meals, and witness the accent of tongue-lashing words.

                It was last August 2 when students huskily rushed to the luminous windows of The Finance Office like everyone’s in a race. They were waiting impatiently to be entertained. Some wee reprimanding for the priorities given to the parents while they tried their best to extend their palms to be given a priority number ranging from 1-1000. Their poses jumbled with huge drops of sweat constantly falling.

                Obviously  not all can pay exactly on a given due date, and hence should write a letter addressed to the Vice President of Finance in block form, no erasures if possible and reasonably stated. Of course, who among the college students have not written a promissory letter, ever since?

                I myself had experienced the tiring process of paying fees in partial. I had to get my assessment first, prepare my ID., observe keenly if somebody inserts in cuts through of the line, and if someone does how I am going to confront that person to fall in line properly. Worn out, the feeling of WOW would then be felt after receiving the four-sided sheets—the permit.

                Unfortunately   among thousands of students, many can’t still afford to pay their tuition or even half of it on time because of financial difficulties and so they will not be allowed to take the scheduled examination considering the NO PERMIT, NO EXAM policy. However according to the student handbook, these students, upon grant of their request take a special exam, provides that the garnered score is computed to 80% as the highest grade.

                Distinction among teachers is also taken account herewith. Few teachers disregard the presenting of permit in giving exams while others heed to the policy. Mr. Albert Musico said during the First General Assembly this school year that scores for special exams can still reach 100% provided valid reasons are given by a student, but what valid is varies by this matter. Hence, what is valid to one cannot be valid to another.

                September 10, 2009, Raymund Palatino of Kabataan Party list filed the House Bill 4791-Anti No Permit, No Exam in the Congress. This states that even in the absence of permit during Midterm and Final Exam in post- secondary level, examination must be given to the students, and a fine of Php 20-50,000 multiplied to the number of students will be charged to the teacher who violates it.

                Public’s reaction approved to it for sympathy and consideration. Palatino said that students with fees in arrears are usually disallowed from taking exam which may cause them to fail the subject and even experience humiliation.

                This column has nothing against the administration or the government. This is written not against an individual but an attitude. An attitude that causes students to experience downfall, gives students discouragement, and draws them to humiliation and shame.

                This is not a protest but a campaign. A campaign for the teachers to be more affectionate, helpful, and understanding to students with or without an examination permit, even before the existence of “ANTI-No Permit, No Exam.”

                I write this for the many unprivileged students. Educators want to mold productive students and by molding them, they give much attention to figures. Figures represented by grades, which are much affected by the 20 percent deduction due to special exams.

                Commission on Higher Education (CHED) already approved the aforementioned Bill but it still awaits certain deliberation and other legal process. Although I think the School Administration will not embrace abruptly to this, we are only asking understanding for the student’s sake. For the people in the Congress, I acknowledge your approval to the said Bill. I only hope that this will be totally implemented and recognized.