Miriam College’s statement versus CHED’s order

TheAH1N1 (also known as Swine Flu), has been a sound issue among schools. Since the breakout of the flu in schools, CHED asked the affected institutions to have a week suspension because of the increasing number of swine flu victims. Miriam College, who was reportedly claiming a “positive victim”, did not agree to CHED’s judgment. In one of the interviews broadcasted in GMA, Miriam College’s representative of Patricia Licuanan made a statement confirming their disagreement of the request. The representative firmly stated “Miriam students will surely not follow the advised quarantine; instead they will just be enjoying their ‘extra vacation’ going to malls and other public places where they would get the virus.” Miriam College also informed the media about their implementation of safety precautions against the flu pandemic, and does not need to quarantine all the students. The questions are: Is it right for the college not to follow the government’s orders? And, what kinds of safety precautions are being put into practice.

The Miriam College students have different opinions about the institution’s statement. Some students and even faculty members have been questioning these said “safety precautions.” They said that how could the use of a thermometer and several quarantines for selected students only, be a 100% protection for those who are not carrying the flu. This made students, faculty members and parents, into making blogs, writing petitions, and even rallying for the modification of the institution’s statement regarding the order of CHED. Still, Miriam College stands firm to their decision and made clear that the safety precautions will still be implemented and improved.