PRIVATE schools across the country have tremendously felt the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, not only on their cash flows but also on the decreased enrolment for this academic year.
In consideration to these hardships, the National Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa) is waiving the collection of Prisaa fee for this school year, in compliance with the standard requirements under the new normal by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, Mark Molina, president of the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports, Cultural and Educational Association (Nopsscea), disclosed.
“From the recent meeting of the Nopsscea Board, anchoring on this pronouncement from the National Prisaa and understanding the impact of the pandemic to our school and our dear parents, we would like to advise you that we are waiving the collection of fees for both Nopsscea and Prisaa,” Molina said.
Moreover, looking after the safety of their students, all sports and cultural activities are placed on hold this school year. “Faculty development and outreach projects are on the pipeline, and we hope for your continued support to our association,” he said.
When asked how they will deal with their student-athletes scholars, Molina, who is also STI-West Negros University executive vice president, explained that different schools have different approaches for their scholars.
“We leave it to them based on their resources. Everyone is affected and for sure parents and athletes would understand. We need to balance between the help we extend to the athletes, at the same time the impact on the school,” he clarified.
Molina further stressed that as they placed this year’s activities on hold, it would also allow schools to focus on the changes and challenges the new normal in education brought.
“I believe sports program would still be there but more of planning, educational development through seminars and conferences. Nopsscea's spirit is still present this year through faculty development programs and outreach programs that we'll be able to finalize in the first part of the school year,” he added.
As for the STI-West Negros University, Molina said their approach for this year is survival.
“While we see students coming in the next two months, we can't be sure of the final number until they all come in and be counted,” he said.
Molina also uplifts the morale of Nopsscea-member schools that are also struggling during these times and the student-athletes who missed this year's competitions.
“As mentioned in my letter to them, it's resilience and prayer that will help us get through these challenging times. While we look into the holistic development of our athletes, this trying time is also a good time for us to revisit our sports and cultural programs. We may be relaxing this year, for sure once this is over, it will be another fun and exciting Nopsscea Season," he said.