IATF-EID allows limited gatherings in HEIs in MGCQ areas

FILE: Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. during a press conference at the Presidential Guest House in Panacan, Davao City on January 4, 2018. JOEY DALUMPINES/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA – Colleges and universities in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) can now hold mass gatherings at a limited capacity, Malacañang announced on Saturday.

During the Laging Handa program aired on state-run PTV-4, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID) revisions to the guidelines on nationwide community quarantine allowed the mass gatherings in higher education institutions.

“Pinayagan na rin ang mass gathering sa higher educational institutions ngunit kailangan silang sumunod sa existing guidelines sa ilalim ng MGCQ (Mass gatherings in higher educational institutions are now allowed. However, strict compliance with the existing guidelines for areas under MGCQ must be observed),” Roque said.

Originally, the IATF-EID only authorized mass gatherings for religious purposes or work conferences in places where MGCQ is implemented, provided that participants are limited to “50 percent of the seating or venue capacity.”

Under the government’s guidelines, strict compliance with minimum health standards must be observed in areas placed under MGCQ.

Roque confirmed that the IATF-EID also gave its nod to the resumption of the technical-vocational education and training (TVET) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).

“Pinayagan na po ang technical-vocational education training ng TESDA sa GCQ (The technical-vocational education training of TESDA is now allowed in GCQ zones),” he said.

The IATF-EID, in its Resolution 47 approved Friday, allowed the full online training; training programs related to agriculture or fishery qualifications for food production and processing; distance learning for TVET programs; electronic learning component of blended learning for TVET programs; and dual training system, enterprise-based training, and in-plant training.

The IATF-EID also authorized the virtual assessment and portfolio assessment through electronic means for certain TVET qualifications.

Roque said face-to-face TVET training and competency assessment may also be done at up to 50-percent capacity as long as there is strict compliance with minimum public health standards and TESDA guidelines and there is a consultation with local government units.