CHED Allows 100% Online Classes for Colleges Amid Fuel and Power Crisis

---

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has officially approved a policy granting higher education institutions (HEIs) the flexibility to transition to 100% online learning.

This move serves as a temporary crisis-response measure under the agency’s Academic Sustainability Plan, designed to help students and faculty cope with rising transportation costs and energy supply disruptions.

CHED Approves Full Flexibility for Online Classes

According to CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis, HEIs may now shift to fully digital instruction if they have the proven capability to do so.

This decision aligns with the national government’s energy conservation protocols under Office of the President Memorandum Circular No. 114, which directs agencies to reduce electricity and fuel consumption amid global supply challenges.

Not Automatic Accreditation for Online Distance Learning

CHED clarified that while schools can temporarily shift to virtual instruction, this does not grant them automatic status as official providers of Online Distance Education Learning (ODEL).

To receive permanent certification for pure distance learning, institutions must still comply with rigorous ODEL framework requirements, which include:

• Centers of Excellence/Development status or Level III accreditation
• Submission of specialized instructional materials at least one year prior to implementation
• Established student support and tracking systems

Also READ: Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship

From Pandemic Ratios to Full Flexibility

The new policy relaxes the previous blended learning ceilings established during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Institution Type	Pandemic-Era Requirement	New 2026 Policy
Private HEIs	50% Online / 50% Face-to-Face	Up to 100% Online
State Univ. & Colleges	25% Online / 75% Face-to-Face	Up to 100% Online

Conditions for Implementation

Institutions may only adopt a full online setup if they maintain academic standards and meet specific criteria:

• Infrastructure: Adequate IT systems to handle high-traffic digital learning
• Faculty Readiness: Staff must be trained in digital pedagogy
• Outcome Integrity: Programs must ensure quality learning outcomes are not compromised
• Lab Work: Courses requiring physical laboratory or hands-on training will continue to follow earlier CHED guidelines for in-person attendance

Important Reminder for Students

Students are advised to wait for official announcements from their specific college or university. Because the shift depends on an institution’s individual “perceived readiness,” not all schools will move online simultaneously.