COMMISSION on Higher Education Chairman Prospero De Vera on Monday lashed out at his critics, saying that they do not know the meaning of flexible learning.

“What is difficult for me to understand or what is alarming is that we have been doing flexible learning for one year now and it seems that many still don’t understand the definition,” he said.

“I don’t know why they still don’t understand the meaning of flexible learning, or maybe they refuse to understand the meaning of flexible learning because they want to criticize the government,” he added.

He issued the statement after his declaration that there will be no going back to traditional learning was met with a barrage of opposition.

De Vera explained that flexible learning does not necessarily require internet connectivity because it involves a combination of digital and non-digital technology.

“Flexible learning is not equal to distance or online education. You can combine online and offline, synchronous and asynchronous, you can do it offline by giving modules to students to do at home and submit it in areas where there is absolutely no connectivity,” he said.

“When you say flexible learning, you mix and match the available options depending on the situation of students, teachers, connectivity, health situation on the ground,” he added.

The CHED chief maintained that face-to-face classes may resume once the situation improves and if the facilities are ready.

“Ibabalik ang face-to-face classes sa kolehiyo kapag natiyak nang ligtas ang classroom setup para sa mga estudyante. Ang ibig sabihin ko lang ay ipagpapatuloy natin itong policy na flexible learning sa susunod na school year. Hindi tayo puwedeng magbukas ng full face-to-face classes pagdating ng Agosto kasi matindi pa ang pandemya,” De Vera said.

He added that the commission also cannot open schools as most faculty, students, and employees have not yet gotten vaccinated.

“Kaya hindi pa ligtas na payagan ang classroom na 40 to 50 students. We cannot do that when the semester opens,” he said.