MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued new guidelines allowing all higher education institutions (HEIs) to shift to 100 percent online classes as the country grapples with a debilitating oil crisis and a state of national energy emergency.
The directive, outlined in Memorandum No. 117, s. 2026, serves as a temporary arrangement to alleviate the transport and financial burdens on students and faculty caused by skyrocketing fuel prices.
While the memo grants significant flexibility, it includes specific conditions for implementation:
- Subject to Readiness: HEIs may adopt online delivery based on their institutional capacity and the readiness of their student population.
- Onsite Exceptions: Laboratory and skill-based classes are required to remain onsite or utilize appropriate alternative physical modalities.
- Not Permanent e-Learning: CHED clarified that this temporary measure does not grant HEIs the authority to permanently transition programs into Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) modes.
- Duration: The advisory is effective immediately and remains in force until the end of Academic Year 2025–2026, including summer classes.
The shift to remote learning is part of a broader government push to reduce nationwide power consumption and transport demand. The Philippines is currently navigating extreme economic pressure following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, which has seen domestic fuel prices surge to historic highs.
In addition to the shift in learning modes, CHED has ordered HEIs to:
- Conserve Energy: Implement strict protocols for energy conservation within school facilities.
- Psychological Support: Ensure students have adequate access to guidance and mental health services during this period of disruption.
The national energy emergency was declared in response to the volatility triggered by the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February 2026. With diesel prices reaching as high as ₱172 per liter in some regions, the cost of daily commuting has become unsustainable for many Filipino families. The CHED memorandum follows other mitigation measures, such as the adoption of a four-day workweek for civil servants.