By Alec Go
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said that higher education institutions (HEIs) can use their discretion in setting the capacity of face-to-face classes despite the expansion of maximum capacity to 100% under Alert Level 1.
In the Saturday (March 12) Laging Handa briefing, CHED Chairperson J. Prospero De Vera III said the flexible learning policy covering the combination of online and physical classes remains effective.
“Ang desisyon sa capacity ay nandoon pa rin sa pamantasan… Kahit 100% ang allowed na capacity kung sa palagay ng pamantasan ay mas maganda ang sistema na mas kaunti ang papapasukin at gagawing salit-salit ang klase,” he said.
“Pinapaubaya natin ‘yan sa mga pamantasan na sila ang gagawa nito dahil sila ang nakakaalam sa kalagayan sa kanilang mga lugar,” he added.
With the expanded permitted full capacity of establishments that shortens the distancing of school furniture, De Vera said students and faculty members must be COVID-19 vaccinated, have PhilHealth or health coverage, and are compliant with health protocols.
There are currently no age restrictions on face-to-face classes participation, according to the official. However, unvaccinated students will continue their education online.
To date, a total of 313 HEIs have been conducting limited in-person classes covering at least 1,000 degree programs. The official said they expect more tertiary schools to open their doors to physical classes in the next academic year.
“Hindi na kailangan ng authorization o inspection galing sa CHED. Puwede na pong magbukas [o] self opening, basta tingnan ‘yung guidelines, listahan, pag-comply doon, at magkonsulta rin sa kanilang local government,” he said.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has already allowed in its latest resolution the full capacity of classrooms in areas placed under Alert Level 1. – bny
Watch the interview here:
