CHED orders schools: Stop operations for now

CEBU, Philippines - Chairperson Patricia Licuanan of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued an order “declaring the temporary cessation of operations of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Region 8, in severely affected areas of Regions 6 and 7, and other similarly situated regions, for the moment.”

The order, a copy of which was furnished The Freeman by CHED-Region 7 director Amelia Biglete, was issued last Nov. 13 and will take effect immediately, citing the “large-scale devastation and tremendous human suffering wrought by typhoon Yolanda.”

The CHED order further states: “The HEIs in the affected areas are directed to resume operations by January 15, 2014,” or soon after their capacity to operate has stabilized and when authorities assure public safety and security.

It also instructs regional directors of CHED in affected areas to “undertake measures, in collaboration with each other, to track the whereabouts and safety of their respective staffs.

The HEIs, in the affected regions, who can however “manage to operate normally and whose students are able to continue with routine activities may opt to follow the regular schedule for the 2nd semester,” it says.

Licuanan also urged HEIs to “assist CHED in undertaking appropriate measures to mitigate the impact of typhoon Yolanda on the people living in the severely affected areas—particularly the students, faculty, staff and other members of the academic community.”

CHED order adds that when the situation warrants, the affected HEIs must ensure, in coordination with the regional director in their respective area, that “no student, faculty or staff of affected HEIs shall be unduly prejudiced in their academic standing, employment benefits or other compensation packages due them.”

CHED then asked HEIs, when it is convenient for them to do so, “shall provide updated information on the status of their institution and the estimate of the damage they incurred.”  (FREEMAN)