by Joellie Belle Badon | November 10, 2021
Silliman University College of Business Administration (CBA) and College of Nursing (CoN) discussed their departments’ preparations for limited face-to-face classes in a virtual interview with the Weekly Sillimanian on Tuesday, November 9.
“CBA is flexible; CBA is ready,” stated CBA Dean Dr. Gloria Futalan when asked about preparations if ever limited face-to-face sessions push through for non-medical courses.
Dr. Futalan also elaborated on the preparations and readiness of CBA when this event would occur and said: “We have big classrooms big [sic] enough to make adjustments in terms of the number of students. We can transfer classes to the MBA presentation room, the biggest area on the ground floor. There are specific classes only those [sic] that, upon identification by the college leadership, must have face-to-face [sessions]. So, we do not see it as a big problem for us here at CBA because our facilities lend themselves to a [sic] well-managed face-to-face [sessions].”
The department will be implementing the guidelines set forth by the university’s crisis committee and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) requirements on this matter. “I am looking at full cooperation should that decision go limited face-to-face,” Dr. Futalan remarked.
On the other hand, regarding the department’s preparations before limited face-to-face classes were approved, Dr. Theresa Guino-o, Dean of CoN, stated: “We had to retrofit our facilities including markers, room arrangements, room lighting, ventilation, air purifiers, and electric fans so that the windows can be open because we have not used air conditioning units at this time.”
Dr. Guino-o also spoke about infection control equipment, hand sanitizers, isolation rooms, and instructions on disinfecting classrooms, which were among the physical requirements for the university.
“When all of these were in place, we were then approved by the local IATF and CHED personnel who came to do the inspection, and because all are worth all, these physical requirements were met. So, we had to stop temporarily and did not have limited face-to-face [classes] in the middle term because there was a restriction by the university,” Dr. Guino-o added.
When asked about the resumption of face-to-face classes for all year levels, Dr. Guino-o expressed: “This eventuality will happen because I know they will be anxious about it. Nonetheless, I think they will be excited to go face-to-face in the College of Nursing. I think that is what we are going to do. So, we will maintain our protocols—maybe modify them a little bit in the demands for the length of time.”
CBA is one of the courses which have yet to hold face-to-face classes. However, medical-related colleges, such as the CoN, have already begun theirs as per their request. This is pursuant to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – Department of Health (DOH) Joint Memorandum Circular 2021-001, which permits universities to hold face-to-face sessions after following the guidelines and requirements set by the governing bodies.
CHED has already approved several face-to-face classes in medical, allied health, and science courses. According to an article published by Manila Bulletin on October 13, CHED stated that limited face-to-face classes in all degree programs may be possible by the first quarter of 2022. “Our limited face-to-face [classes] will be categorized into two: by degree program and possibly, by geographic area. We’re studying this now,” said Chairman Popoy De Vera.
CHED is currently researching the possibility of expanding the delivery of limited face-to-face classes. Additionally, schools that want to offer in-person lessons should have a high vaccination rate among students and faculty, local government consent, and updated school infrastructure.
