Since the unexpected release of AVP Memorandum 2020-18 rescheduling final summative assessments earlier to December 2020, Ateneans’ initial reaction was frustration and betrayal. Not only did the university, a month before, announce the months of November and December as dedicated to non-academic formation, it also reassured students that all online academic activities will commence in January of 2021. 

The inconsistencies of the university administration’s statements and obviously unfair amendment prompted the #AdDUStrike, which went trending nationwide on Twitter and landed articles on two local news media sites earlier in the week.

But did it even work?

#AdDUStrike seemed to dwindle down as students grew weary of the leaderless strike and unhearing administration. Though SAMAHAN continuously reassured its stand with the students on platforms of dialogue representing the student body, they settled for compromises merely handed to them by the domineering admin.

The representatives of the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) and the Accountancy cluster even formally handed in proposals for an appeal to the memo but were right out denied.

Students pointed out the unwarranted circumstance of the most recent memo that deemed the decision to reschedule exams irrevocable. It made them wonder, “what made the said memo  so different from all the other previous memos–shouldn’t those be irrevocable as well?” Ateneans expressed their grievances and opposition online towards this memo in hopes that the admins reconsider their decision.

Even six months into the academic year, students still struggle with the same hindrances they’ve constantly been encountering. Apparently insufficient internet connection no longer merits a struggle when taking exams online, among other things. Despite the legitimacy of the students’ concerns on the abrupt scheduling of exams, this time it was clear that it was going to be pushed through whether a formal appeal was presented or not.

The strike shouldn’t stop there. If it did, collectively, we would just be seen as children throwing a temper tantrum. Ignore us for a few days and we would calm down and would go on with what we have as if nothing happened. 

But we shouldn’t calm down. 

Ateneans have openly spoken out about the unfair treatment the new memo posed and it is vital that the students be more assertive in what they think is just and what it is that they deserve. This movement was promising and even encouraged the students that their say matters the most, but it should also be  coupled with the full support of a student council that knows and takes the side of what its constituents are fighting for. 

We need to remember #AdDUStrike is more than a hashtag. More than a one-night trend. 

It doesn’t just reflect how students in AdDU stand up for themselves but mirrors how much Ateneans will go to uphold the principles taught to them by the very university they are calling out to.

This practice needs to be enriched the same way we engage in social issues that do not only impact the students in the Ateneo but also local and national communities. If we can’t affirm our stand at this level then how do we fare against issues larger than exam schedules?