Why CHED cannot move opening of classes similar to DepEd

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 14) — The Commission on Higher Education trended online due to calls for it to move the opening of classes just like what the Education department announced Friday, but the agency said it cannot do so.

CHED chairman Prospero de Vera III said higher education is not covered by the law that allows the academic calendar for elementary and high school, or Republic Act 11480. The new law allows the President to adjust the school calendar in times of national emergency upon recommendation of the Department of Education.

De Vera said under the Higher Education Act, or Republic Act 7722, CHED issues guidelines for universities in deciding on their academic calendar.

“Universities open their school year as approved by their board depending on the way they structure their semesters,” De Vera told CNN Philippines’ News.PH.

De Vera said board of universities factor in preparedness and health conditions on the ground that is why some choose to open as late as October, while others have begun as early as June.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones announced on Friday that President Rodrigo Duterte approved her recommendation to move opening of classes to October 5 from August 24 due to logistical limitations caused by the modified enhanced community quarantine in parts of Luzon like Metro Manila.