Davao Education Advocates Criticize CHED's 100% Online Learning Policy Amid Economic and Transport Crisis
An education advocate based in Davao has voiced significant concerns regarding the Commission on Higher Education's (CHED) Memorandum from the Office of the Chairperson No. 117, s. 2026. This policy permits higher education institutions (HEIs) to adopt 100% online learning amidst a worsening economic and transport crisis. In a press release, Rise for Education (R4E) Davao argued that while this setup might appear favorable initially, it blatantly disregards the harsh realities faced by millions of Filipino students struggling under deep socio-economic inequalities.
Concerns Over Quality and Mental Health
R4E-Davao Coordinator Ali Cabrera raised alarms about the potential impact on the quality of learning for students. "As an alliance, we deeply worry about this policy as we have seen the effects of 100% online learning during the pandemic which caused lower quality of education, as well as higher drop-out rates. We've also seen how less face-to-face interaction among peers negatively affected the mental health of students," Cabrera stated. The group emphasizes that the pandemic-era shift to online learning demonstrated clear drawbacks, including reduced academic performance and increased psychological stress among learners.
Inequality and Access Issues Highlighted
R4E Matina Coordinator Roziel Saguin stressed the critical issue of inequality and access, noting that flexible learning does not adequately address these challenges. A substantial proportion of Filipino households lack reliable internet or appropriate devices, making online education impractical for many. "As a working student struggling to finance my own personal expenses, flexible learning can actually create more barriers than benefits. Not all students are able to afford the internet or have access to devices. We bear the burden of data expenses which wouldn't be an issue if we are in school where learning resources are readily available," Saguin explained.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, only around 49 percent of households in the Philippines had internet access as of 2022. The Department of Information and Communications Technology further highlights persistent issues related to network reliability, uneven geographic distribution, and congestion, all of which undermine the stability required for continuous online learning.
Lessons from the Pandemic
Moreover, Saguin emphasized the lessons learned from the pandemic, which deeply affected the quality of education and learning among students. "As per experience during the Covid pandemic, 100% online learning is not good. Learning at home does not provide a conducive learning environment – distracting, stressful, and unable to focus on your academics. Face-to-face school-based learning provides a better learning experience with accessible resources – classrooms, study hubs, and learning materials that are readily available inside the campus," Saguin added. The group argues that home environments often lack the structure and resources necessary for effective academic engagement.
Call for Government Action
The group stated that this band-aid solution only further "legitimizes state negligence on education and youth", as the policy shifts the financial burden onto students and their families. They must shoulder the costs of connectivity, electricity, and equipment on top of high tuition fees in private universities, compounded by a lack of quality services in underfunded public education. Cabrera calls for comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of the crisis. "The solution necessitates the government to answer the roots of economic and transport crisis, and provide the needs and demands of students and the people – increased funding in the education sector, declaring tuition freeze in private institutions, regulating oil prices, removing VAT and excise tax, and providing financial relief to every Filipino," Cabrera concluded.
