731 colleges, universities to start online, blended learning this August

Commission on Higher Education chairperson Prospero de Vera on Thursday said that at least 731 higher education institutions are opening this August through online and blended learning in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a Palace briefing, CHED's De Vera said that only 20 private universities have opened classes from June to July.

“Ngayong Agosto, ito ang pinakamaraming bilang ng universities na magbubukas. Meron ding magbubukas ng Setyembre hanggang Oktubre,” De Vera said.

“So, depende sa kakayanan ng mga pamantasan na magbukas,” he added.

In September and October, De Vera said 186 more universities and colleges will start their classes.

Around 2,400 higher education institutions are currently operating in the country, according to CHED.

Earlier, the Department of Education moved the class opening from August 24 to October 5 in public schools to have more time to prepare for blended learning.

"May decision na ilipat 'yung opening sa mga K to 12. Hindi ito applicable sa higher education," De Vera said.

He noted that schools have different schedules of opening because they offer programs in different academic terms such as semesters, trimesters, and quarters.

According to him, these academic institutions considered their preparedness amid the COVID-19 pandemic in choosing the date for their class opening. —LBG, GMA News