Graduate scholarships eyed for private faculty members who will lose their jobs

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) looking into students’ and faculty members’ welfare

MANILA – Colleges and universities should consider the welfare of their students should different institutions have approached the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on what would possibly happen should their opt to close or suspend operations.

Speaking at the Malacanang Palace briefing hosted by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Chairperson J. Prospero De Vera III said they are continuously dealing with higher education institutions that students’ credentials need to be released soonest to allow them to transfer to other colleges or universities.

‘This is their responsibility, to give the students’ credentials to allow them to transfer to state-run or private institutions,” Chairperson De Vera said.

He also explained they are looking into the length of time colleges and universities would remain closed because should they retrench their faculty members, they may have difficulty in getting new professors. They may be subjected to evaluation by the Commission on Higher Education should they offer degree programs again.

“We will be asking for their faculty members’ credentials,” he explained.

Chairperson De Vera said they will release a new memorandum circular next week and according to their consultation, should colleges and universities opt to suspend operations for a year and would retain at least 50% of their faculty, they would no longer be subjected to authorization measures.

“We are looking for a common ground where the quality of education is assured and at the same time assist institution affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he further said.

Asked if the Commission on Higher Education would have the resources to assist private colleges and universities in dire straits, Chairperson De Vera said it is not within their mandate or power to assist colleges and universities in their operations.

“What can CHED extend to private institutions is to provide scholarship for students,” he said. In addition to this, Chairperson De Vera said they will prioritize faculty members from private institutions who will lose their job in their scholarship program so they will have better chances of being rehired in the near future. (Melo M. Acuña)

Chairperson J. Prospero De Vera III. (File Photo/Melo M. Acuña)