Limited face-to-face college classes allowed in MGCQ areas
Higher education institutions (HEIs) are allowed to conduct face-to-face classes but at a limited capacity in areas under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).
Based on the omnibus guidelines on the implementation of the community quarantines, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has allowed residential classes at the tertiary level.
However, they should still comply with minimum health standards to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
"Limited face-to-face or inperson classes may be conducted in HEIs provided there is strict compliance with minimum public health standards, consultation with local government units, and compliance with guidelines set by CHED (Commission on Higher Education)," the guidelines read.
"HEI activities that involve mass gathering of students
shall continue to be prohibited," it added.
The Palace had earlier announced that HEIs can open as early as August, 2020, as long as they utilize flexible learning arrangements.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque had earlier announced that the opening of classes in college will be based on the education delivery mode:
* HEIs using full online education can open anytime.
* HEIs using flexible learning can open anytime in August, 2020.
* HEIs using significant residential (face-to-face/in-person) mode can open not earlier than September 1, 2020, in areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ.
* No residential (face-to-face/ in-person) classes until August 31, 2020.
According to Roque, private HEIs are encouraged to change their academic calendar and open in August, 2020.
The IATF has adopted the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan of the Department of Education (DepEd) which entails the reopening of classes on August 24 and will end on April 31 for K-12 Basic Education.
President Duterte has strongly opposed allowing students to have face-to-face classes while there is no vaccine or cure yet for COVID-19. Positive employment prospects Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said job and employment prospects are positive even during the COVID-19 pandemic as some businesses remain resilient and relevant despite the global health crisis.
Nograles, who is also the cochairman of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, urged the public to remain persistent and creative amid the pandemic.
He urged students to do volunteer work while searching for regular employment as a means of developing individual skills and expanding their network which could help secure employment and other livelihood opportunities in the future.
According to Nograles, it could be challenging for the service sector, for instance, because physical distancing measures but sectors like logistics, medicine and health care, and even online retail, remain stable and in fact expect steady growth.
"Now is the best time for you, graduating students and new graduates, to prepare and to re-think your 'game plan' on how to adapt to the demands of the 'new normal' due to the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar urged the youth and community leaders to take the lead in demonstrating the ‘new normal’ as the country continues to face the threat of the COVID-19.
“We are in a state of reopening. We now enter a period of adjustments, which we have yet to accept. These premises compel us that there is really no other way than to move forward,” he said.
Andanar said that the “genuine leadership and services” of the youth and community leaders have the potential to forge the future of the country.
“It is the main character in the creative minds of our youth. Ultimately, it is the standard of service mirrored in the works of dedicated public servants,” he said.