Baguio HEIs present face-to-face plans
Heads and administrators of the city’s colleges and universities met Wednesday morning (Jan. 12) and presented revised schedules in compliance to Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) pronouncement that all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in areas under Covid 19 Alert Level 3 begin limited face-to-face classes on Jan. 31.
Baguio was pronounced to be on alert level 3 up to Jan. 15; while as of Jan. 13, the Province of Benguet is on the same alert level up to Jan. 31.
Most affected in the scheme are students of medical and allied medical courses undergoing catch-up duties, and those with clinical, hospital or laboratory requirements in hospitals within the Baguio-Benguet area, and some in nearby areas of the Mountain Province.
Students who are still on clinical duties this month shall be given simulation cases, case presentation or activities online, while clerkship for fourth year medical students is ongoing, reports state. Otherwise, limited face-to-face classes for medical and allied courses begin on Jan. 31.
It was reported that graduating students are given priority in schedules of limited face-to-face classes or library work, while schools offering non-medical courses opt to open mid-February or March or even later this year, either in June or August. All activities within the campus are limited for all students, and that the HEIs assume responsibility over said conditions.
Most of the HEIs underwent retrofitting of the school campus to adhere to minimum public health standards (MPHS); or have applied for safety seal certification. The safety seal certificates are given to establishments, schools included, willing to undergo self-assessment, inspected and certified by a composite health and local government unit team to have complied with MPHS, including building standards as to air exchange flow or ventilation. The CHED office will have to be notified in writing and an affidavit is submitted before any learning activity takes place.
It was strongly urged that surgical or medical grade masks instead of ordinary cloth masks be used by teaching, non-teaching personnel and students while inside the campus. The practice of double-masking, the use of surgical masks, or an N95 has always been advocated by Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
Constant engagement with stakeholders including the academic community, parents and students was also encouraged by CHED Education Supervisor Jimmy Guisdan Catanes. He pointed out that when situations arise due to an increase or decrease of Covid cases, the school heads should refer to the CHED Crisis Management Committee with the Local Inter agency task Force (IATF).
Executive assistant Atty. Althea Alberto represents Mayor Benjamin during the virtual meeting with Dr. Guisdan and academic heads of Saint Louis University, University of Baguio, Baguio Central University, Pines City Colleges, Easter School, University of the Cordilleras, University of the Philippines Baguio Campus, Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, Data Center of the Philippines and other schools. Dr. Alice Torres and Engr. Charles Carame, both of the Health Services Office also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the vaccination coverage of teaching and non-teaching personnel and students was presented; with more or less excellent results, as nearly everybody is fully vaccinated and most already with booster shots.
Earlier, during an interview, Mayor Magalong recommended that face-to-face classes go on at a later date, and until a significant downtrend of Covid cases is observed.
The matter was also discussed during the Baguio City Education Coordinating Council meeting on Thursday, with Education and Culture committee chair Councilor Vladimir Cayabas, with the city’s academic heads present. – Julie G. Fianza
