Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) has announced that onsite classes will gradually restart beginning January 2022.
"The January pilot run return to face-to-face classes will be made in phases, beginning with the Loyola Schools and the Professional Schools. Priority will be classes for graduating students," it said in an announcement.
In addition, other academic activities including research, teacher consultation, as well as counseling and psychological services will also gradually return.
Employees and guests entering Ateneo's campuses - Loyola Heights, Rockwell, Pasig, and Salcedo - should be fully vaccinated or will submit to COVID-19 testing, according to the university authorities.
"Strict safety and health protocols are in place to protect the Ateneo community," it also said.
The university previously restarted in January limited on-site classes in its Ortigas campus for Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health.
According to the university, the reopening plans are still subject to change depending on the pandemic situation and new directives from relevant authorities.
It said more details on the reopening will arrive in the coming days, but a separate announcement for reopening of Basic Education schools will arrive "in due time."
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced that it will also be deploying uniformed personnel amid the reopening of universities starting next year.
PNP chief Police General Dionardo Carlos said in a statement that the police will be there to maintain order and ensure observance of health protocols.
"The reopening of colleges and universities to physical classes means that we have to strategize our security plan, especially that students, teachers, and other non-teaching personnel are expected to go outdoors," Carlos said.
"This is still happening at the time of pandemic so the PNP would like to remind the schools to strictly adhere to the health protocol," he added.
