By Cyrus A. Natividad

CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio.

As the opening of school year 2022-2023 is near, there is widespread expectation to return to the traditional mode of learning. While there is not yet a mandate for face-to-face classes, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) itself had said, that “it will not require all schools to shift to in-person class mode of learning. Colleges and universities may decide on the mode of learning applicable to them.”

CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio expressed his observation and explained why adopting a flexible learning system is imperative. CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera II in March 2021 also said that they had already adopted a policy that “flexible learning system will continue in school year 2021 and thereafter.”

Dr. Rio commented that, “depending on the discretion of the CHED, and therefore the University, our approach must be based on data. We may not allow all our courses to meet face-to-face because our programs are designed differently from one another.” However, he underlined the “essential need to balance our finance and manpower equation.” He added that, “Our programs that should be returned to the traditional mode of learning, are those laboratory based courses that requires technical details and skills.”

Generally, Dr. Rio is pleased with the comparative results in CPU’s graduates and enrollees from the previous to the current year.