CHEd clears in-person training of student-athletes

MANILA, Philippines — Student-athletes in the tertiary level are now allowed to resume their in-person training after the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) signed the joint memorandum circular with the Department of Health on Monday.

The athletic training and competitions of the varsity teams from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and National Collegiate Athletic Association were stopped in March 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.

Prospero de Vera III, chair of the CHEd, said individuals who would participate in the training must be fully vaccinated.

Student-athletes below 18 years old can take part in the virtual training only. The collegiate training, which is permitted to “start immediately,” is isolated from the public and will follow a semi bubble setup with facilitated mobility.

The universities and colleges will also have to shoulder the swab test expenses of their athletes, coaches and personnel.