Isabela university resumes in-person classes for medical courses

Medical technology students return to their laboratory at the University of La Salette, the first school in Isabela to be allowed by the Commission on Higher Education to resume in-person classes. (Photo by Villamor Visaya Jr.)

CITY OF SANTIAGO, Isabela—The University of La Salette (ULS) here on Tuesday (Nov. 16) began its limited in-person classes for medical degree programs after it was permitted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).

In an interview, Dr. Madeilyn Estacio, ULS vice president for academic affairs, said they implemented a 30-percent capacity as directed by CHEd, the Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Inter-Agency Task Force.

ULS is the first university in Isabela province to allow CHEd to resume in-person classes in a limited capacity.

The university has retrofitted their facilities “as protection from COVID-19, and to comply with minimum public health standards as ordered by the authorities,” Estacio said.

Although Isabela province is under Alert Level 2, the second-lowest alert classification that would have allowed a 50-percent indoor capacity, the university said enforcing 30-percent indoor capacity would help them monitor and evaluate the students.

“It is very challenging…Being the first [to resume in-person classes], we strictly monitor [the classes] to ensure the implementation of health protocols and assess how we can improve the system,” she added.

Students taking up medical technology and physical therapy courses were among those who attended their classes.

Dean Marissa Tan of the ULS College of Medicine and Allied Medical Programs said they only allowed six students in each laboratory room for medical technology students, with four rooms used for 24 students.