The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has allowed colleges and universities nationwide to shift to 100% online classes due to the ongoing fuel and power crisis linked to the war in the Middle East.
CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said the move forms part of the agency’s “Academic Sustainability Plan,” which is anchored on flexible learning methods first widely implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Agrupis said the policy aims to help higher education institutions maintain academic operations despite disruptions caused by rising fuel costs and electricity shortages.
CHED clarified that institutions choosing to adopt a full online setup will not automatically be accredited under the CHED Online Distance Education Learning (ODEL) program.
Schools must still comply with existing requirements before offering full online classes. These include having sufficient information technology infrastructure and ensuring that faculty members possess the capability to deliver lessons effectively in a digital environment.
The commission emphasized that the guidelines apply to any academic year, giving institutions flexibility in adjusting their learning delivery systems depending on operational conditions.
CHED said the measure is intended to maintain the quality of education while allowing schools to adapt to ongoing challenges brought about by the energy crisis.
Officials also noted that flexible learning remains a key strategy to ensure continuity in education during emergencies, while maintaining compliance with national standards.
The agency reiterated that adherence to established requirements is necessary to ensure that students continue receiving quality instruction even under a fully digital learning setup.
