By Gio Carlo Castro

Manila Mayor Francisco 'Isko' Moreno Domagoso said on Friday in a live broadcast that “physical” or face-to-face classes among colleges and universities will not be allowed in the nation’s capital amid general community quarantine (GCQ).

As per Manila Public Information Office (PIO), the decision is in line with the guidelines of Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Disease and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) against the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“I don’t think that Commission on Higher Education will allow it. I don’t think so, and I, for one, would not allow it also… kasi nga ayaw ko nga kayo malagay sa panganib… (I don’t want you to be put in danger),” he said.

He added, “Una, tayo po ay nasa under GCQ. Paano mangyayari na ang estudyante ay makalalabas ng bahay niya e’ under GCQ, 21 years old pababa ay hindi pa pwede lumabas (First, we are under GCQ. If 21 years old below are not allowed to go outside, how will it happen that a student will be able to go out of its house under GCQ).”

Domagoso further read the Section 4 of IATF protocols being implemented for higher education institutions (HEIs) in areas placed under GCQ wherein it prohibits in-person classes until August 31.

The city mayor also cited the CHED COVID Advisory No. 7 issued last May 24 as a response to the increasing concerns of students for academic year (AY) 2020-2021.

As of posting, the Manila Health Department has reported a total of 1,747 confirmed COVID-19 cases. While District of Sampaloc, where major universities are located, has a total of 131 active cases.