AID FOR STRANDED STUDENTS. A student of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa, Manila undergoes a medical check-up on Tuesday (April 7, 2020). A total of 12 stranded PUP students were able to return to their homes in the provinces of Rizal, Cavite and Pampanga through the transportation assistance provided by the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of CRSAFP)
MANILA – The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)-Sta. Mesa in Manila expressed its gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for its assistance in transporting some of its students who were stranded in their dormitories and unable to go home to their provinces due to the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.
"The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), home to thousands of state scholars, 2,000 faculty members, and 1,000 plus employees from 22 branches and campuses, conveys our heartfelt gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines through the Civil Relations Service for open-handedly extending time, security and transportation services to the stranded PUP students. Through your help, the safety of our dear students were placed a premium in this time of public emergency," PUP President Manuel M. Muhi said in a letter dated April 13 to AFP Civil Relations Service chief, Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres, Jr.
Muhi was referring to the transportation assistance extended by the AFP's 7th Civil Relations Group led by its commander, Major Frank Sayson, to 12 PUP students who were able to return to their homes in Rizal, Cavite, Pampanga and nearby NCR provinces on April 7.
These students were stranded in their dormitories near the PUP Sta. Mesa campus for about three weeks before being aided by the military.
"Corresponding your advocacies in protecting the Filipinos and in service as a key player of nation-building, PUP is also devoted to create a life-changing community through realizing social development impact that generates benefit for society," he added.
Established in 1904 and with an estimated 70,000 enrolled students, PUP is considered the largest state university in the Philippines in terms of student population.
"Parallel to your principles, it is our honor, therefore, that we are given this opportunity to express our sincerest desire to be your partner in translating your assistance into other forms of extension programs. We guarantee that you have our wholehearted support to AFP and we look forward to much of your continuous support to the Filipino community," Muhi said. (PNA)
