Elections and related spending no longer provide the same economic boost as they once did. As a result, an economist at Ateneo de Manila University expects the Philippine economy to grow below goal this year, despite the upcoming midterm elections in May.

Date: 15 November 2020

Memo to: The Ateneo Professional Schools Community

From: John Paul C Vergara, PhD, Vice President

Subject: APS to Resume Operations on Monday, 16 November 2020

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As the nation recovers from the devastation brought about by the recent typhoons, we recognize that some of our students live in areas severely affected by the calamity and need more time to recover.  We reiterate the call for us to exercise compassion and leniency during these times, even as we resume operations in the Ateneo Professional Schools.

As regards initial protocols, online classes shall resume on Monday, 16 November 2020; we will also excuse students who are still affected by the calamity and have yet to fully recover.

1) Faculty of the different schools are directed to:

a. Consider postponing tests and deadlines scheduled during the week of 16-20 November 2020, in light of the uneven circumstances of our students during this period; and

b. Excuse students affected by the calamity from carrying out synchronous and asynchronous activities during the week.

2) Supervisors of the different schools are directed to:

a. Grant to staff affected by the typhoon the opportunity to recover before returning to work full time;

b. Report to Ateneo OHRMOD any staff members who would like to request for help during these very difficult times.

These protocols are to be implemented by each school based on their assessments and consultations with students and staff.

We pray for everyone’s safety as we carry out our mission.