MANILA Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso has approved the plan of the University of Santo Tomas to conduct limited face-to-face classes in its medical and allied health programs.

University officials met with Domagoso to discuss health and safety protocols, manage occupancy capacity, and implement contingency plans for students, faculty or staff who will show Covid19 symptoms.

“Consider it approved. We will just follow the memoranda of CHED,” Domagoso told UST officials.

The meeting was attended by Vice Mayor Ma. Sheilah Lacuna-Pangan, UST Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Dr. Cheryl Peralta, UST Faculty of Medicine Dean Dr. Odette Maglinao, UST College of Rehabilitation Sciences Dean Dr. Anne Aseron, as well as Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital Director Dr. Merle Sacdalan.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier approved the holding of limited face-to-face classes for medicine and allied health sciences courses in universities and colleges in areas under modified general community quarantine.

Among the schools allowed to hold limited face-to-face classes are the University of the Philippines-Manila, Ateneo de Manila University and the Our Lady of Fatima University in Valenzuela City.

Domagoso reminded UST officials not to force students to participate in limited face-to-face classes.

“Huwag ninyong pilitin ang ayaw, kasi baka may masabi sa inyo,” the mayor said.

Domagoso said that teachers would be among those prioritized for vaccination once the local government has secured Covid19 vaccines.

“Teachers will be included in the first batch for the vaccine. Whether you’re a Manilan or a non-Manilan, as long as you’re working here in Manila, you will be included,” he said.

“Sa bagong semestre, eh hopefully by that time, nabakunahan ko na ‘yung nanay at tatay, at ‘yung magtuturo, mas maliit ang tsansa na mag-blowout ang infection sa school. It will infect some, but it will deflect dahil matibay na ang katawan,” he added.