The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued a memoradum order disallowing higher education institutions (HEIs) from holding full online classes starting the second semester of the school year 2022-2023.

Colleges and universities were instructed to implement full in-person classes or hybrid learning.

“Upon a comprehensive assessment of institutional capabilities, analysis of learner needs and preferences, and conduct of stakeholder consultations, HEIs may choose to design and deliver their degree programs through onsite learning or hybrid learning modality starting the second semester of school year 2022 to 2023,” Memorandum Order No. 16 stated.

“Unless there is an approval from the CHED, an HEI cannot offer its recognized degree programs in full distance learning delivery including fully online modality,” it further stated.

Signed by CHED Chairperson Prospero de Vera III, the memorandum order was issued on November 11.

In order to implement hybrid learning, HEIs should spend “at least 50% of total contact time on onsite learning experiences,” with the remainder spent through printed or online modules, synchronous or asynchronous classes, and remote-guided learning approaches, among others.

The National Service Training Program should be conducted onsite but it can also be supplemented by other flexible learning strategies.

Laboratories should also be held onsite along with on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs. However, in case partner training establishments have remote work modalities, equivalent hours shall be included in total training hours.IMT