With the IATF allowing the implementation of limited in-person classes in areas under Alert Levels 1, 2, and 3, Benilde’s administration confirmed that the College will be resuming limited face-to-face classes for certain degree programs, as soon as they secure CHED’s approval.

In an open dialogue session titled “Conversations with Benilde Leadership Team” yesterday, Nov. 19, via Zoom, the Benilde administration invited leaders and representatives from the College’s accredited student organizations to engage in a discussion regarding the College’s plans for the resumption of face-to-face classes, noting there will be changes in operations and regulations currently underway.

Among those in attendance were Benilde President Br. Edmundo “Dodo” Fernandez, FSC, Chancellor Mr. Benhur Ong, Vice President for Administration Mr. Terence Tiu, Vice Chancellor for Academics Mr. Angelo Lacson, Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life Ms. Maria Veronica Templo-Perez, Vice President for Finance Ms. Marilyn Cimatu, Vice President for Innovation Mr. Jose Albert Llamas, Provost of DLS-CSB Antipolo Dr. Pedro Simon Ledesma, and Center for Student Life Dean Ms. Norie Ador Dionisio.

Benilde’s plans for physical classes

On the matter of the physical setup, Mr. Lacson stated that degree programs with hands-on activities and laboratory courses will be prioritized, while other programs will remain in the online modality until further notice. He also added that the College will be allowing approximately 50% of the student population to resume in-person classes, hence, the maximum capacity and layout of each classroom will be recalculated and redesigned to abide by health protocols.

Furthermore, Mr. Lacson also stated that students who wish to return to campus for in-person classes must be fully vaccinated and have health insurance, such as PhilHealth insurance. However, the College will still be providing students the option to continue their education online. “We understand that not all students are ready to go back to campus. [...] So at the end of the day, we will have an offering for the limited face-to-face [classes], and a parallel offering of the same course in the online modality.”

The heads and faculty of each degree program are still in the process of creating their own cyclical model to be submitted to CHED for approval, Mr. Lacson also shared. Mr. Ong also disclosed that the administration is leaning towards adapting a psychic model, where students will be attending face-to-face classes for one week, then the two weeks after that will be dedicated to online classes.

When asked about how the College will ensure the safety of all students and faculty members, Mr. Tiu expressed that safety will be the College’s main priority. Alcohol dispensers and a limited supply of masks will be provided by the College, however, he stressed that it’s also the students’ responsibility to keep one another safe. 

“If you're part of the limited face-to-face class, you're [going to] be responsible for [your] safety [and others' safety.] [...] You’re not doing this for yourself, but for the safety of everyone,” he said, urging students to stay at home if they ever experience any symptoms. Personal hygiene should also be practiced by all those who will be entering the campus. 

In addition, supplies in school will be a shared resource, so it’s everyone’s responsibility to bring their own supplies. “You guys should not go out without your own alcohol or mask,” Mr. Ong affirmed. “We do have some supplies at school, [...] alcohol dispensers will be everywhere. But nobody should go out without these [personal protective equipment].”

Aside from face masks, shields, and alcohol, Mr. Tiu also shared that the College's medical director advises students to practice "B.Y.O.B.," or "bring your own baon," as the cafeteria might not be open until further notice. 

Mr. Ong also shared that the administration’s topmost priority is providing a safe learning environment for students and faculty alike, however, the students must also do their part to ensure everyone’s security.

Regarding RT-PCR tests, Mr. Ong revealed that the matter is still on the table, such as talks of implementing an on-site antigen testing site in Benilde, as well as a designated isolation facility. However, he again stressed that only those who have been fully vaccinated will be allowed to enter the campus. 

Lastly, when asked about the possibility of an increase in tuition, Br. Dodo explained that while students will be charged for utility fees such as for power and water, the administration has not arrived at a final decision regarding an increase in tuition yet. Br. Dodo assured that should there be any, it will undergo the same consultation process for both students and parents. 

Student events and activities to be put on hold

On the topic of student events and activities, Mr. Ong stated that the government advised that schools should avoid holding big activities unless completely necessary. Those organizations who wish to host any events need the permission of the administration before proceeding, ensuring that participants will be abiding by the proper social distancing measures. 

To add, areas and floors that will not be used for learning will be closed and blocked off. “We’d rather you [students] go to school to learn, [...] all organizational activities are limited to work-from-home [settings] for meetings,” Mr. Ong said, reiterating that students will not be permitted to enter campus without a schedule. 

When asked about the possibility of implementing a school service for Benildean students, faculty, and associates, Mr. Ong said that it is "on the table," with the administration coming up with ways of getting students to and from school safely. However, their top priority is to ensure that the campus is safe above anything else.

Mr. Ong also spoke about the possibility of a face-to-face graduation ceremony for upcoming Benildean graduates. According to him, the registrar is also in the process of making special arrangements for interested students.

Election season in the community

Moving forward, the topic of the upcoming national elections was also brought up during the dialogue. Br. Dodo advised that the community should “first, ensure a clean election, second, we should use our right to vote, and third, we should think, not just of your children, but of your children’s children when you vote.” He also explained that it is the administration’s responsibility to promote fact-checking and awareness about the election season within the community.

Ms. Templo-Perez also added to this, announcing that Benilde will be part of the GMA Elections 2022 campaign. With this, students and faculty members will be asked to volunteer to be part of the campaign. Furthermore, ABS-CBN has also reached out to Benilde’s School of Deaf and Applied Studies (SDEAS) for interpreters during interviews and talk shows.

To wrap up the dialogue, Br. Dodo urged students to continue to be open for dialogue and conversation. “For our part (as administrators), we will continue to be receptive and we will continue to want to dialogue with you. [...] Let’s continue to work together.”

To better assist the College in its endeavor to resume face-to-face classes, all Benildean students are encouraged to answer this survey.