The suggestion to suspend classes nationwide until yearend due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was considered by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as irresponsible.

CHED chairman J. Prospero de Vera III explained that any decision must be taken into consideration the difference of situation knowing that there are areas in the country that no confirmed COVID-19 cases.

“Any decision on suspension of classes must be based on available and reliable health and economic data on the ground,” De Vera told reporter yesterday.

De Vera explained the need to consider the economic impact affecting policies of public and private universities and other entities supporting educational activities.

According to the report published by the Philstar.com, the Philippine Resilience Institute executive director Mahar Lagmay suggested the suspension of classes all over the country until December this year 2020 for the reason of possible transmission of the deadly coronavirus disease.

Lagmay who also one spearheaded the UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team narrated the outcome of their models showing 56 percent tendency of virus transmission to the students if they’re in school.

But De Vera question the suggestion of suspending classes nationwide whic also affect provinces that no confirmed COVID cases noting that private universities continue paying salaries to their employees and incurred expenses to maintain their facilities during the time of no classes.

“Government must consider the economic impact of this proposal on the 1,600+ private universities that will not operate for half a year while continuing to pay the salaries of their faculty, employees and maintain their facilities,” De Vera added.

However, the Department of Education (DepEd) urged experts in the UP to make consultative opinion with them regarding their suggestion.

According to Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan, he said that deliberation and consultation with the DepEd and other participating partners is to be considered. He also hopes that UP experts will not preempt the decision.

“This is under deliberation and consultation within DepEd and with partners. We are looking at facts and evidence, including theirs,” he said.

“We hope the UP experts would not preempt this decision without even checking with the department,” he added.