BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY, LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET -The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region spearheaded a coordination meeting with the Department of Health – CAR, Local Government Unit of the Municipality of La Trinidad, IATF, and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in La Trinidad, Benguet to discuss the CHED-DOH Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01 Series 2021 on March 9, 2021, at AdCOR, Benguet State University. 

Dr. Felipe S. Comila, President of the Benguet State University, opened the coordination meeting with his welcome remarks. Dr. Danilo B. Bose, OIC Director of CHED-CAR, gave his briefer on the JMC No. 1 S. 2021. He also expressed his gratitude to BSU for hosting the said meeting even on short notice. 

Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes, Education Supervisor II, presented and discussed the contents of the said JMC. He emphasized the importance of strictly adhering to the checklist provided in the JMC to ensure the safety of the returning students on their campus. 

Inquiries and clarifications were settled during the open forum. 

Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, Assistant Regional Director of DOH-CAR and Ms. Myanne Salda of the LGU-La Trinidad also attended the meeting and assured the Commission that they will be in full support for the success of the implementation of the guidelines for the reopening of classes. 

For the Municipality of La Trinidad, three schools, namely, Benguet State University, Cordillera Career Development College, and BVS Colleges  expressed their intention in applying for the gradual opening of classes for their health-related programs as stated in the JMC.