CHEd to let universities, colleges decide about returning to in-person classes

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) is letting higher education institutions (HEIs) decide about returning to in-person classes.

CHEd Chairman Prosperao de Vera III on Wednesday cited the difference between basic education and higher education in terms of curriculum and program components which also calls for varying teaching requirements.

He likewise noted that CHEd cannot require all HEIs to conduct face-to-face classes as there are colleges and universities that have already introduced distance and flexible learning even before the pandemic.

“There is a difference between basic education and higher education, in basic education, there is just one curriculum, in higher ed, there are different programs with different components. Some degree programs really need a lot of face-to-face especially skills-based programs, while other programs can be delivered by flexible learning,” de Vera explained during a briefing.

“So we are leaving it to the universities to decide what is the appropriate mix,” he added.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) facade. NOY MORCOSO / INQUIRER.net

Nevertheless, the CHEd official said he is anticipating a “significant shift to face-to-face classes” in universities and colleges nationwide.

“That is what I have observed or have learned when I go around the country, but we cannot have face-to-face for all degree programs because the degree programs are constructed differently and also because many schools have gone ahead with online learning or distance learning even before the pandemic,” de Vera said.

In the same briefing, de Vera announced the lifting of the decade-long moratorium on nursing programs in HEIs.

De Vera said HEIs may submit their applications to CHEd starting Thursday, July 14, or once they have already complied with the requirements.

Earlier, the Department of Education (DepEd) said all public and private schools should transition to five days of face-to-face classes by November 2 as directed by Vice President Sara Duterte, who concurrently sits as Education Secretary.

RELATED STORIES

Over 300 universities conducting in-person classes – CHEd

CHEd: Colleges may decide on capacity limits

KGA