Colleges and universities will no longer be allowed to conduct fully-online classes starting the second semester of the academic year 2022 to 2023 unless given approval by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
This is the latest policy contained under CHED Memorandum Order No. 16 signed by Chairman Prospero de Vera and dated November 11 but was only released on November 16.
“Unless there is an approval from the CHED, an HEI cannot offer its recognized degree programs in full distance learning delivery including fully online modality,” reads part of the memorandum.
Under the same memorandum, CHED mandated all higher education institutions (HEIs) to shift to full in-person classes or hybrid learning by next semester.
“For HEI’s that will opt to deliver their degree programs in hybrid learning modality, at least 50% of the total contact time should be spent on onsite learning experiences,” it added.
The CHED also ordered HEIs to hold activities primarily onsite for laboratory courses, on-the-job training (OJT), and National Service Training Program.
Face-to-face classes in elementary and secondary schools resumed in August for the first time in more than two years since the COVID-19 pandemic caused an abrupt shift to distance learning.
READ: Filipino students back in school after 2 years of distance learning
The Philippines was one of the last few countries to transition back to face-to-face learning instruction after having enforced one of the world’s longest lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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