The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has allowed higher education institutions (HEIs) to temporarily shift to full online learning amid the declaration of national energy emergency.

In a memorandum issued April 7 and signed by Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, CHED said the directive was released “pursuant to Executive Order No. 110, s. 2026 declaring a state of national energy emergency,” citing its impact on higher education operations.

CHED said the policy is intended to ensure continuity of academic operations while allowing institutions to adjust based on their capacity and student readiness.

It added that the directive does not introduce new rules but clarifies existing flexibility under current policies.

Under the guidelines, HEIs may adopt up to 100 percent online delivery on a temporary basis depending on institutional capacity and student readiness, subject to notification of the CHED Regional Office concerned.

The commission said the arrangement is strictly temporary and does not cover full open and distance learning programs governed by separate regulations.

“Such temporary arrangements shall not be construed as authority to operate undergraduate and graduate programs through Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL), which remains governed by CMO No. 12, s. 2025 (Policies and Guidelines on Open Distance and e-Learning),” it explained.

CHED also directed institutions to maintain academic standards for laboratory and skills-based subjects.

“Laboratory and skills-based components shall be conducted onsite or through appropriate alternative modalities without compromising learning outcomes,” it said.

It further required schools to implement energy conservation measures in line with government directives and ensure continued student support services during the transition.

“HEIs are expected to balance operational adjustments with student welfare, especially in ensuring access to learning resources and support services during this period,” CHED said.

Institutions were also instructed to consider their local context, including infrastructure capacity and learner readiness, in determining appropriate learning setups.

The advisory will remain in effect until the end of Academic Year (AY) 2025–2026, including summer term, with a new issuance expected before AY 2026–2027.