KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 28 May) – Thirteen higher education institutions (HEIs) in Region 12 offering health-related programs have been given the authority by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to conduct limited face-to-face classes for the academic year 2021–2022.
Region 12 or Soccsksargen. Map courtesy of Google
CHED-12 identified these institutions as Cotabato Medical School Foundation Inc., Notre Dame of Midsayap College, North Valley College Foundation Inc.
, Sultan Kudarat State University, Sultan Kudarat Educational Institution, Southern Mindanao Institute of Technology, Southern Baptist College, VMC Asian College Foundation Inc.
, St. Alexius College, Southern Christian College, University of Southern Mindanao – Kabacan Campus, Brokenshire College of
SOCCSKSARGEN, and General Santos Doctors’ Medical Foundation Inc.
CHED-12 Director Nelia Alibin said Thursday the programs being offered by these schools are regarded as vital to the fight against COVID-19.
The schools are offering medicine, nursing, medical technology, medical laboratory science, physical therapy, midwifery, and public health.
But Alibin emphasized that the authority granted to them “carries a responsibility to ensure that the institution adheres to the health and safety protocols” as required by CHED-Department of Health Joint Memorandum Circular 2021-001.
She said CHED, DOH and the local government units will monitor their compliance with the protocols.
The joint memorandum circular provides that the authority to hold face-to-face classes shall be valid for two semesters.
Since March this year, at least 18 HEIs in the region including state universities have signified their intention to hold limited face-to-face classes. But only 13 of them have submitted formal applications and documentary requirements. (Warren Elijah E. Valdez/MindaNews)
