IATF-EID Resolution No. 148-G, S. 2021

November 16, 2021

IATF-EID RESOLUTION NO. 148-G, S. 2021

WHEREAS, Section 15, Article II of the 1987 Constitution states that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them;

WHEREAS, Section 2 (b) of Executive Order No. 168 (s.2014) mandates the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to prevent and/or minimize the entry of suspected or confirmed patients with emerging infectious diseases into the country;

WHEREAS, on September 10, 2021, the President issued Proclamation No. 1218 (s.2021) further extending the period of the State of Calamity throughout the Philippines until September 12, 2022, unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant;

WHEREAS, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Health (DOH) issued Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-001 or the Guidelines on the Gradual Reopening of Campuses of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for Limited Face-to-Face Classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic which serves as a guide for HEIs intending to hold limited face-to-face classes and are willing to assume the responsibilities for the reopening of their campuses based on their capability to comply with health and safety protocols, to retrofit their facilities, and to get the support of their stakeholders;

WHEREAS, the continued implementation of proactive measures and restrictions must be put in place to slow down the surge in COVID-19 cases, stop further spread of variants, buy time for the health system to cope, and to protect more lives;

WHEREAS, based under the Guidelines on the Nationwide Implementation of Alert Levels System for COVID-19 Response, limited face to face classes are now allowed under Alert Levels 1, 2 and 3, subject to certain conditions (e.g., fifty percent (50%) indoor venue capacity, no opposition from the local government unit concerned, participation of fully vaccinated teaching and non-teaching personnel and students only.)

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved, the proposed Phased Implementation of Limited Face-to-Face Classes for All Programs under the Alert Levels System for COVID-19 Response of CHED is hereby adopted. For this purpose, CHED may implement said program under the following phases to ensure the safe reopening of campuses:

1. Phase 1 implementation period will be December 2021 onwards: All HEIs in areas under Alert Level 2 may apply; and

2. Phase 2 implementation period will be January 2022 onwards: All HEIs in areas under Alert Level 3 may apply.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Chairperson and the Co-Chairperson shall be duly authorized to sign this Resolution for and on behalf of the Inter-Agency Task Force.

APPROVED this November 16, 2021, via ad referendum.

(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE IIISecretary, Department of Health

(SGD.) KARLO ALEXEI B. NOGRALESSecretary, Office of the Cabinet Secretariat

ATTACHMENT

Certification

This is to certify that:

1. I am presently an Undersecretary of the Department of Health;

2. I am the Head of the Secretariat of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases created under Executive Order No. 168 (s.2014) and chaired by the Department of Health (DOH);

3. The IATF Secretariat holds office in the DOH Main Office, San Lazaro Compound, Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila;

4. I am the custodian of the records of the IATF, including the Minutes of Meetings and Resolutions;

5. IATF Resolution No. 148-G was unanimously approved and adopted via ad referendum;

6. The foregoing resolution has been signed by Secretary Francisco T. Duque III and/or Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles upon the authority of the IATF Members;

7. The aforesaid resolution has not been altered, modified nor revoked and the same is now in full force and effect;

8. I am executing this Certification for whatever legitimate purpose this may serve.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this 16th day of November 2021, Manila.

(SGD.) ATTY. CHARADE B. MERCADO-GRANDEUndersecretary of Health