Most colleges, universities under Alert Level 3 to open limited in-person classes by February — CHED

Most of the universities and colleges in areas under Alert Level 3 are set to open limited face-to-face classes by February, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said on Thursday.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, CHED chairperson Prospero De Vera III said that he had a meeting last week with over 200 higher education institutions under Alert Level 3 to discuss in-person classes.

“Marami sa kanila na nasa Alert Level 3 ay nag-decide na February sila magbubukas kung sakali ng limited face-to-face (Most of them decided to open face-to-face classes in case in February),” he said.

Other schools will just open online classes and then shift to limited face-to-face classes when the COVID-19 situation in their areas improves, he added.

On Tuesday, CHED said limited face-to-face classes in colleges and universities in areas under Alert Level 3 are set to begin on January 31.

However, De Vera said the initial date was just a “reference point” and HEIs will decide on their opening dates while considering the COVID-19 situation on the ground.

Meanwhile, some colleges and universities hit by Typhoon Odette in Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga have yet to resume their classes due to lack of power supply.

As of January 11, De Vera said 85% of faculty members and 60% of students have already been vaccinated against COVID-19. — RSJ, GMA News