COLLEGES and other higher education institutions (HEIs) may now open online courses, offer flexible learning options in August and hold face-to-face classes by September 1 in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday, May 14, said the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases adopted the recommendation of the Commission on Higher Education to allow schools to open based on education delivery mode.
Under Resolution No. 36, which the task force approved during its meeting on Wednesday, May 13, private HEIs are also encouraged to change their academic calendars and open in August 2020.
The same resolution contains the guidelines on the implementation of modified ECQ in Metro Manila, Cebu City and Laguna.
It also directs the National Task Force for Covid-19, National Incident Command and IATF secretaries to finalize the amendments to the omnibus guidelines on community quarantine.
Classes in all levels have been suspended since March, when cases of coronavirus infections started increasing in the country.
The Department of Education (DepEd) also postponed indefinitely all graduation, moving up and recognition ceremonies.
The entire country will be under general community quarantine until May 31, except Metro Manila, Cebu City and Laguna which will be under modified enhanced community quarantine beginning May 16. (MVI/SunStar Philippines)