SENATOR Pia Cayetano has urged the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to exercise caution in allowing higher education institutions (HEIs) to shift to fully online classes amid the ongoing global fuel and power crisis.

Cayetano acknowledged that CHED’s directive seeks to ensure learning continuity while supporting energy conservation efforts during a difficult period for many Filipino families.

However, she stressed that a transition to 100% online learning should remain strictly temporary, warning that persistent learning gaps across the education system continue to pose serious challenges.

“While we understand the need to adapt quickly, we must ensure that our students are truly learning and not being left behind,” Cayetano said.

Drawing from her experience as a former education budget sponsor and as a commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, the senator emphasized that prolonged reliance on online learning could deepen inequalities—particularly among students who lack reliable internet access, adequate technology, and conducive learning environments at home.

She also cautioned against normalizing emergency measures, noting how remote learning introduced during the pandemic extended longer than initially intended.

Cayetano underscored the importance of face-to-face instruction, highlighting its role not only in academic performance but also in fostering discipline, engagement, and overall student development.

She called on CHED and HEIs to set clear benchmarks, including measurable learning outcomes and a defined review timeline, to ensure that the policy remains temporary and responsive to current conditions.

“We must strike a balance between addressing immediate challenges and safeguarding the quality of education for our students,” she added.