“Yung mga students na may comorbidity then they (Students with comorbidity) can opt for the implementation of flexible learning. That’s why we are appealing sa mga schools na wag i-require mag F2F classes ang students (That’s why we are appealing to the schools to refrain from requiring students to attend F2F classes). It must be the decision of the student, lalo na yung mga may (especially those with) comorbidities. The same goes for the teachers and staff,” Christopher Pulido, supervising education program specialist of Ched-Davao, said in an interview with SunStar Davao.
Under the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte through Executive Order No. 166 Series of 2022, the national government shall strengthen its efforts towards the resumption of F2F classes. Although this is the case, Pulido said it will be part of Ched’s learning strategy to implement a combination of the F2F and flexible learning arrangement.
“Combination of both modes – both flexible and F2F kasi na-observe ng (because as observed by) Ched, although we are really preparing for F2F, we cannot do away with flexible learning. It must be there,” Pulido said.
At the same time, higher education programs requiring practical or laboratory courses may be prioritized for F2F classes over programs needing little to non-practical application.
Such programs are health-related programs like nursing or medicine, engineering, hotel and restaurant management, and maritime programs, among others.
Meanwhile, Pulido shared that higher education institutions (HEI) that are allowed to conduct on-site learning may also conduct face-to-face graduation rites at full capacity under Alert Level 1 and limited capacity under Alert Level 2 or 3.
“Ang important factor diyan is the capacity. Pwede ka mag (You are allowed to have) graduation rites even if Alert Level 3 pero may (but with) certain percentage allowed. Pero kung Alert Level 1 ka, 100 percent yon (Under Alert Level 1, that’s 100 percent),” Pulido said.
As per the latest data from Ched-Davao, 50 HEI are allowed to resume F2F classes including the University of Southeastern Philippines, Southern Philippines Agri-Business and marine and Aquatic School of Technology, Davao Oriental State University, and state colleges of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao de Oro.
