Ifugao State University (IFSU) has been exhausting all means and will continue to do so in order to help minimize the impacts of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic on its on-the-job trainees locally and abroad.

At the onset of the Enhance Community Quarantine (ECQ), the institution sent PhP51,435 on March 24 to six (6) OJTs deployed in Puerto Princesa, Palawan to cover their necessities. The amount was augmented based on the computation of an individual daily needs until April 14, the earlier announced end of the Luzon-wide ECQ.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-CAR coordinated with CHED-MIMAROPA for the close monitoring of these students.

Estrelia Mae D. Dumulag, one of the stranded students in Palawan, shared in a facebook comment that the financial assistance from the University is more than enough to sustain their basic needs during the ECQ period.

She also quipped that they receive food rations from the Puerto Princesa City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD); hence, the cash assistance was allotted for other needs such as rent, water, electricity bills, and personal needs.

An IFSU student stranded in Baguio was also sent PhP3,360. 

The University is also working on an amount of PhP131,600 to be sent to nine (9) students who are conducting their practice teaching in Vietnam.

Moreover,  22 clients, including the OJT students, are being given online counselling through the Linggop: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services of the University.

In addition to all of these, it can be recalled that IFSU ferried 59 students who were unable to go home due to policy restrictions of the ECQ to their hometowns.

Another 58 students who opted to stay in their boarding houses were given food packs that will last them until April 14. Six (6) from this number of students who are taking up Bachelor of Science in Agriculture  received feed assistance for their hog production practicum.

"In view of the extended ECQ, IFSU administration will continue to ensure the well-being of our stranded OJT students," remarked University President Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon.