IATF approves phased resumption of in-person classes proposed by CHEd

Medical technology students work in a laboratory as limited face-to-face classes resume at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila on October 20, 2021, ahead of a government plan to pilot face-to-face primary and secondary classes on November 15 in COVID-19 low risk areas. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases approved the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) proposed phased implementation of physical classes for all programs.

According to acting presidential spokesperson Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Wednesday, CHED is mandated to carry out the phased implementation program for the safe reopening of campuses.

“The IATF yesterday approved IATF RESOLUTION NO. 148-G, which adopts the Commission on Higher Education’s proposed Phased Implementation of Limited Face-to-Face Classes for All Programs under the Alert Levels System for COVID-19 Response of CHED,” Nograles said in a statement.

The Phase 1 of the implementation will be from December 2021 onwards while the Phase 2 will commence in January 2022 onwards.

Under Phase 1, all higher education institutions (HEIs) in areas under Alert Level 2 may apply for limited in-person classes.

Under Phase 2, all HEIs in areas under Alert Level 3 may apply for limited face-to-face classes.

Nograles said that the phased implementation must be consistent with Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-001 which serves as a guide for HEIs that plan to conduct face-to-face classes.

HEIs must also be willing to shoulder responsibilities for the resumption of physical classes based on their capability to comply with health and safety protocols, to retrofit their facilities, and to get the support of their stakeholders.

The IATF reminded that the in-person classes should be implemented while continuing the observance of proactive measures and restrictions to prevent COVID-19 transmission such as vaccination of all qualified individuals, wearing of face masks, physical distancing, and hand sanitation.

“As we slowly and cautiously open our college classrooms, we urge all stakeholders involved to work together to ensure the safety of our students so that they may be able to return to their schools secure in the knowledge that every effort has been made to safeguard their health,” Nograles stressed.

The move is in line with the guidelines on the nationwide implementation of alert level system which stated that face-to-face classes are allowed under Alert Levels 1 to 3.

The in-person classes implementation shall maintain a 50-percent indoor venue capacity, no opposition from the local government unit concerned, and participation of fully immunized teaching and non-teaching personnel and students.

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