College in Subic Freeport resumes in-person classes

In-person classes resumed at The Manila Times College Subic, the only tertiary-level school in Central Luzon allowed by the Commission on Higher Education for limited in-person classes. (Photo courtesy of SBMA)

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has allowed a tertiary-level school inside this freeport to resume in-person classes, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said Thursday, Dec. 9.

SBMA Chair and Administrator Wilma Eisma said the Manila Times College (TMTC) located at the former George Dewey High School campus has complied with all the requirements set by CHEd and began its in-person classes on Dec. 6.

So far, the TMTC, which offers mostly medicine-related programs, is the only tertiary-level school in Central Luzon to be granted a permit.

Eisma, along with Dr. Maria Teresita Semana, CHEd regional director, first inspected the TMTC campus facilities before the school was allowed to bring students back to the classrooms.

“We want to ensure that the educational facility is safe and free from COVID-19. We all want to go back to our normal lives after this pandemic, and it is certainly difficult for students to study remotely without any hands-on learning,” Eisma said in a statement.

In November, the Department of Education allowed limited in-person classes in 118 schools with about 7,000 learners in the country. These included seven schools in remote communities in Zambales.

At least 174 more schools started in-person classes as part of the second batch of the pilot program.

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