Manila City Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso on Wednesday, February 3 approved the plan of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to conduct limited face-to-face classes for medical and allied health programs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was approved after UST officials met with Domagoso to discuss how the educational institution will observe health and safety protocols, manage occupancy capacity, and implement contingency plans should students, faculty or staffers develop COVID-19 symptoms, among others.

A joint memorandum circular by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Health (DOH) requires higher education institutions vying to conduct limited face-to-face classes to consult with their respective local government units their plans on how they will comply with government protocols. “Consider it approved. We will just follow the memoranda of CHED,” Domagoso told UST officials.

However, Domagoso reminded UST officials that students who refuse to participate in limited face-to-face classes should not be forced to do so.

“Huwag niyong pilitin ang ayaw, kasi baka may masabi sa inyo,” the Mayor said.

Present during the meeting were Vice Mayor Ma. Sheilah ‘Honey’ Lacuna-Pangan, UST Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Dr. Cheryl Peralta, UST Faculty of Medicine Dean Dr. Odette Maglinao, UST College of Rehabilitation Sciences Dean Dr. Anne Aseron, as well as Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital Director Dr. Merle Sacdalan.

“Teachers will be included in the first batch for the vaccine. Whether you’re a Manilan or a non-Manilan, as long as you’re working here in Manila, you will be included in the list for vaccine,” Domagoso said.

“Sa bagong semestre eh (hopefully) by that time, nabakunahan ko na ‘yung nanay at tatay, at ‘yung magtuturo, mas maliit ang tsansa na mag-blowout ang infection sa school. It will infect some, but it will deflect dahil matibay na ang katawan,” the Mayor said.

(SOURCE MANILA PIO)