MANILA, Philippines -- The University of the Philippines in Diliman has postponed the opening of its classes by a week following an advisory from the Commission on Higher Education to delay the opening of classes to June 15.

In a phone interview, Cristina Hidalgo, vice president for public affairs, confirmed that the opening of classes in the Diliman campus has been moved to June 16 from its original June 9 date.

“We are following the CHED directive postponing classes by a week and all chancellors have been informed,” she said.

Hidalgo said Diliman chancellor Sergio Cao made the announcement on Saturday.

“UPD start of classes moved to June 16 in view of extension of registration, and the Department of Health Advisory on A(H1N1). Adjustment in academic calendar to follow,” said a text message on the U.P. Diliman website.

The freshman assembly, Hidalgo added, has been postponed indefinitely.