25/06/2020
Although there is still a threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Philippines, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is already figuring out how to launch face-to-face in colleges and universities next month.
That's what CHED chairperson Prospero de Vera revealed on Tuesday, in a CNN Philippines interview. He said they plan to roll out a "test-run" in mid-July in modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) areas - the least vulnerable and low-risk areas of the virus.
They are expected to submit a copy of the draft guidelines to the Inter-agency Task Force on Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) next week.
"May kombinasyon ka ng limited face-to-face at saka mayroon kang online or limited face-to-face at saka mayroon kang offline doon sa mga lugar na walang connectivity," De Vera said.
"Yan ang pinaghahandaaan natin kasama ng ating mga eksperto."
Some of the rules they recommend are the distancing of classroom chairs, and proposing "health measures" in the dining area. Universities and colleges should also comply with the commission's protocol and the Department of Health, which will also be consulted by the local government.
De Vera made the statements even when President Rodrigo Duterte has decided in preventing face-to-face classes - especially children - while there was no vaccine against COVID-19.
Classes will continue for elementary and high school in August, but according to Education Secretary Leonor Briones, blended or distance learning will be used so that there is still no physical activity. Only internet, radio and television will be used for teaching students.
It was only a few days ago when the President said the government would raise money to fund additional radios for students to use in remote areas of the country.
De Vera added that once the IATF approves, they plan to implement a face-to-face arrangement by August or September.
The government has recently announced that it can resume assemblies at colleges and universities in areas under MGCQ.
via PhilStar
