Rise of the HEIs: How Philippine Universities Respond to the COVID-19 Crisis

by Marielle Bordado

Almost two months after the declaration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) on March 16, the Philippines has felt the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on various sectors. 

The Education sector has been immensely affected by the crisis with the disruption of classes due to the implementation of the ECQ. To mitigate the spread of the virus, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) resorted to alternative modes of instruction through online classes. Eventually, HEIs completely suspended academic activities indefinitely. 

With the challenging times we are facing and with the uncertainty on when we can resume our normal activities, HEIs have taken this opportunity to innovate and create local solutions that contribute to the fight against COVID-19 and the effects of the quarantine to the lives of Filipino people. 

We feature some of the HEIs leading their own initiatives. They are partner universities engaged by the Innovation for Social Impact Partnership (ISIP) project in various activities in the past 2 years. 

Check out their current initiatives and how you can help contribute to their efforts in fighting this crisis.