The Commission on Higher Education (ChEd) is considering offering limited face-to-face classes in all degree programs if colleges and universities are located in locations with low COVID-19 risk and high immunization rates.

Prospero de Vera, commissioner of education, said on Monday that the government is actively looking at the possibility, given that the current restricted face-to-face classes are doing well.

"Ang susunod naming pinag-aaralan na ay, in addition to limited face-to-face classes by degree program, pinag-aaralan na namin kung pwedeng payagan ang mga eskwelahan na mag-limited face-to-face in all degree programs in areas that have very low COVID-19 prevalence and also very high vaccination rate,"

(We are studying that in addition to limited face-to-face classes by degree program, we are studying if whether we could allow schools to hold in-person classes in all degree programs that have very low COVID-19 prevalence and also a very high vaccination rate.)

De Vera said in a Palace briefing.

Currently, face-to-face classes are only permitted in a few degree areas, including;

  • medicine and health-allied
  • engineering
  • hospitality/ hotel and restaurant management
  • tourism/ travel management
  • marine engineering
  • marine transportation

Before it can be implemented, the plan must be discussed with the government's coronavirus task committee and approved by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Furthermore, the holding of in-person classes requires the approval of local government authorities (LGUs). Universities and colleges must also follow criteria and will be inspected.

De Vera stated that the expansion might take place in the "next few of months."

"Maging dalawa 'yung face-to-face, by degree program, and possibly by geographical area," he added.

The pilot test run of limited face-to-face sessions in 120 schools judged low risk for COVID-19 will begin on November 15 at the basic education level.