The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced that universities, colleges, and higher education institutions (HEIs) must provide either full face-to-face classes or hybrid learning effective the second semester of Academic Year 2022-2023.

According to Memorandum Order No. 16, signed by Chairman Prospero de Vera III on Nov. 11, full-distance learning classes will be prohibited, while hybrid classes will only be permitted if 50% of the total contact time is delivered in person. 

The remaining contact hours can be offered through "self-paced printed or online learning modules, synchronous or asynchronous learning sessions, and remote supervised peer learning approaches." Moreover, face-to-face instruction must be conducted for laboratory courses, on-the-job training, and National Service Training Program (NSTP) activities.

CHED also noted that HEIs wanting to offer graduate and undergraduate programs through distance education must "obtain prior approval" from the Commission, as required by Republic Act 10650 or the Open Distance Learning Act, as well as other related rules previously published.

Benilde on CHED announcement

In an interview with The Benildean, Ms. Nicky Templo-Perez, Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life, remarked, “Our schools have already submitted their course offerings, and although we are not at 100% full face-to-face, we are offering more in-campus classes next term as compared to this term.”

“The College will let the students know if there will be any changes in course offerings and modalities once a final announcement is made by CHED,” she added.

Benilde will start its second trimester in January and proceed with its current offerings until further notice.