Cebu univ OKs appeal to end 1st sem after Typhoon Tino devastation

In light of the widespread disruption caused by earthquakes and Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) in Cebu, the Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) Academic and Administrative Councils granted the CNU-Federation of Supreme Student Councils’ (FSSC) appeal to conclude the first semester of Academic Year  2025-2026 in a joint meeting held last Nov.12.

Measures for academic leniency were issued in the recent memorandum from the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), which included the waiving of final examinations, provisions for alternative assessments, and a no-fail policy.

The memorandum took effect on Nov. 12, immediately replacing a previous directive that had scheduled the last day of classes on Nov. 20 for the final examinations.

On November 7, following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, the CNU-FSSC forwarded an urgent appeal to the University Administration to end the first semester on behalf of the student community across its three campuses, CNU-Main, CNU-Balamban, and CNU-Medellin, who reported having experienced “extensive losses and are currently living in dire conditions.”

In a post-typhoon survey conducted by the council, the typhoon left a heavy impact on an estimated 600 to 700 students from CNU-Balamban and 130 students from CNU-Main. 

Moreover, students at CNU-Medellin stated they currently lack access to basic utilities like electricity and water.  

“The main purpose, really, of the appeal is to focus on the best interest and safeguarding the welfare of the students,” said FSSC President Jomar Sunpayco in an interview with Ang Suga, the university’s official student publication.

Calls for ‘academic leniency’ 

Other university councils in Cebu have also filed an appeal for leniency measures after the typhoon resulted in power interruptions and loss of resources that hindered the students in their academic delivery. 

On Nov. 14, the University of San Jose-Recoletos released a memorandum cancelling midterm examinations for the College Level in response to the comprehensive report and 7-point Policy Proposal submitted by the USJ-R Supreme Student Council (SSC) regarding the situation of its students. 

“Updates regarding the proposed No-Fail Policy and leniency on grade cutoffs are still being awaited, as these matters continue to be deliberated by the Administration,” read a statement from the USJR SSC on their Facebook page. 

Despite calls for leniency and social media backlash, the Southwestern University PHINMA (SWU-PHINMA) has announced on Nov. 14 that its Comprehensive Final Exams from Nov. 17 to 21 will proceed as scheduled.

The University of Philippines Cebu (UPC), on the other hand, had set guidelines for its return to onsite classes and work on Nov. 17, reiterating its compliance with the CHED Memorandum Order No. 15, s. 2012, which provides due academic consideration to students affected by weather disturbances. 

Following a series of appeals from student representatives, the University of Cebu (UC) has cancelled its return to face-to-face classes initially set on Nov. 10 and moved it to Nov. 17.

Meanwhile, the University of San Carlos resumed its regular work and face-to-face classes on Nov. 12, and approved a temporary uniform exemption appeal for its students, put into effect from Nov. 13 until Dec. 12. 

Cebu province was the hardest-hit by Typhoon Tino, with its aftermath leading to overflowing rivers and low-lying areas being overwhelmed by floodwaters.