Senator slams CNU shift to online classes

According to the memorandum, the abrupt transition was due to retrofitting work tied to the ongoing Centralized Student Smart Hub project, which has rendered classrooms and buildings temporarily unusable.

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Cayetano, a longtime advocate of education reform and supporter of state universities and colleges (SUCs), said she understands the utility of online instruction but stressed the importance of physical learning spaces.

"A few hours of online instruction, in accordance with CHED guidelines, may be reasonable. But to announce that all classes will be online? That is a disservice to the students," she said, citing concerns over accessibility, quality, and equity.

The senator referenced research from Cebu Technological University showing that many students still grapple with poor internet connectivity, digital illiteracy, and the physical and mental toll of extended screen-based learning.

She also cited UNESCO's International Commission on the Futures of Education report, which underscored the irreplaceable role of schools as inclusive, interactive spaces for learning.