OSWF Dir reminds Honorian community on preventive measures as ILI cases climb
NEWS
Amid increasing cases of Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI), Office of Student Welfare and Formation (OSWF) Director Plato B. Mercado urged the Honorian community to “let health be our priority” as Pampanga State University reinstated its face mask policy on October 16.
During an interview with The Industrialist, Mercado acknowledged the discomfort of wearing masks in the heat but stressed that health and safety must come first.
“We’ve gone through the COVID season, and we should’ve learned how easily infections spread, konting tiis lang. Let’s protect ourselves and others so we can all enjoy a safe and healthy semester,” he said.
He added that the university’s main concern is the well-being of its students and reminded everyone to follow the guidelines not only set by the university but also by the Department of Health and the World Health Organization.
Meanwhile, several students from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) expressed support for the measure, noting that it is a small inconvenience compared to its preventive benefit.
“Okay lang naman since it’s for our protection, pero medyo hassle siya for me dahil mainit sa campus,” said one student who requested anonymity.
Another student added that although they voiced out their agreement, they feel bothered with the lack of compliance among other students, adding that alternative measures such as online classes could also help.
“For me acceptable naman… pero im bothered din kasi sa mga students na dadaan lang sa gate tapos nag tatanggal ng mask though ‘di naman natin maiiwasan ‘yon kasi yung iba is hirap huminga or need kumain,” she expressed.
To ensure compliance, the Civil Security Unit has been tasked to conduct mask checks at all university entry points.