HIGHER education institutions (HEIs) may now conduct local off-campus activities without securing approval from the local government unit (LGU), the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) announced on Feb. 16.
In CHEd Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 1, series of 2023, the commission allowed HEIs to resume the conduct of activities “including but not limited to educational tours, degree program-relevant events, field study, mission-based activities, seminars/conferences, community outreach programs, performances, & competitions.”
According to the CHEd memorandum, HEIs that would hold such activities must comply with the policies and guidelines for local off-campus activities in CMO No. 63, series of 2017.
The HEIs were also encouraged by the CHEd to communicate with partner institutions regarding the participation of unvaccinated students in off-campus activities.
CMO No. 1 amended the commission’s in-person class guidelines stated in CMO No. 9, series of 2022, which allowed off-campus activities “subject to the approval of the LGU, where off-campus activities will be held.”
Face-to-face implementation of internship, practicum and on-the-job training was also allowed in CMO No. 1 but “subject to HEIs compliance with separate and existing CHEd guidelines.”
The Varsitarian has written the Office of the Secretary General about what off-campus activities UST would allow, but it has yet to receive a response as of posting time.
