By Dr. Rex Casiple
The year 2022 started with the implementation of limited face-to-face classes for all programs in higher education in time of COVID-19 pandemic. This was in accordance with the supplemental guidelines to CHED-DOH joint memorandum circular (JMC) No. 2021-004, for the operations of limited face-to-face classes of higher education institutions (HEIs) in areas under Alert Level 1.
In these supplemental guidelines all state colleges and universities (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs) and private HEIs may conduct limited face-to-face classes for all programs. However, some schools may continue to conduct flexible learning for those who cannot attend face-to-face classes for valid reasons. It was under the discretion of the school to choose which learning modalities they should apply as long as there was continuity of learning.
Schools implementing limited face-to-face classes were advised to admit students based on the teacher-student ratio capacity, regular class sizes and the holding or seating capacities of their facilities and venues. The allowable classroom seating capacity was at the 100% capacity.
However, HEI may decide on a reduced capacity. There was no restriction in the physical distances among students, teaching and non-teaching personnel, however, HEIs may provide appropriate social distancing protocol and clean air ventilation. They should ensure that students were registered with Philhealth or with equivalent medical insurance which covers medical expenses related to COVID-19 as either direct or indirect contributor.
In January 2022, the PRC Board of Architecture announced that a total of 1,370 out of 2,205 examinees nationwide, or 62.39%, passed the Architect Licensure Examinations. Two (2) schools in Western Visayas out of 6, or 33%, performed high or with a passing percentage higher than the national level.
The PRC likewise released the results of January 2022 Licensure Examinations for Teachers (LET) given in 29 testing centers all over the Philippines. Eight thousand seven hundred thirty seven (8,737) out of 15,356 or 56.9% passed the LET – Elementary.
Western Visayas Region performed high, or with passing percentage higher than that of the national average. High performing HEIs in the Region, with 50 and above examinees and at least 80% passing percentage were Aklan State University-Ibajay Campus (90%), Carlos Hilado Memorial State University – Main Campus (87.5%), Northern Iloilo State University – Main Campus (80%) and Cabarrus Catholic College (80%).
On the other hand, 12,074 out of 22,241 or 54.29% passed in the LET-Secondary.
In February 2022, the PRC Board of Mechanical Engineering announced that a total of 2,121 out of 3,780 examinees nationwide, or 56.11%, passed the Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination.
John Dominic Ape and Janry Custodio of Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas ranked number 5 and number 7 respectively in the said examination for Registered Mechanical Engineers.
Six schools in Western Visayas out of 13, or 46%, performed high or with a passing percentage higher than that of the national level. Also in February 2022 the PRC Board of Social Workers announced that a total of 533 out of 1,211 examinees nationwide, or 44.01%, passed in the Social Worker Licensure Examination given in 11 testing centers nationwide. Lenery Buenafe Ponsaran of Capiz State University-Pilar Campus ranked number 9 in the said examination for Social Workers. On the other hand in February 2022 the PRC Board of Psychology announced that a total of 226 out of 303 examinees nationwide passed in the Psychologist Licensure Examination.
Two schools in Western Visayas out of 4 performed high or with a passing percentage higher than that of the national level. The Region produced 7 passers out of 10 takers, or 70% passing percentage.
(To be continued)
