ACADEMIC PROGRAMS in UST have been given the flexibility to hold online classes for up to half of their course hours for the remainder of the term as part of the University’s energy-saving measures in light of the Middle East conflict.
In a memorandum from the Office of the Secretary-General dated March 26, UST allowed its units to increase online modalities beyond 30% but not more than 50% of class hours for the rest of the second term of academic year 2025-2026.
“Academic units are given the flexibility to manage their teaching and learning modalities for the rest of the term… academic units may consider the following: Increasing online modalities beyond 30% but not exceeding 50% of course hours,” the memorandum read.
It cited a 2023 memorandum from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) that requires at least 50% onsite learning hours for private higher education institutions.
Skill-based courses may retain a higher proportion of on-site modality to avoid disruptions to intended learning outcomes, while summative assessments and validation of online assessments must still be conducted onsite.
The Faculty of Arts and Letters currently follows a 70:30 ratio for its on-site and online classes.
Conservation measures
The Facilities Management Office (FMO) will also heighten campus-wide energy-efficiency efforts and increase the University’s use of renewable energy sources.
These measures include standardizing air-conditioning to 24°C, limiting their operating hours in open or common areas and implementing mandatory shutdown of unused equipment across the campus.
High-energy facilities and large venues, such as the Quadricentennial Pavilion (QPAV), will also be regulated through scheduling adjustments.
UST will also speed up its transition to LED lighting, the installation of motion sensors and other energy-efficient infrastructures.
These are in accordance with the recommendations of the University Crisis Management Committee – Subcommittee on Natural and Environmental Crisis.
Hybrid meetings, reduced elevator use, support for campus mobility initiatives, and enforcement of no-idling policies will be implemented to support sustainable practices.
Health and safety measures include the designation of resting cool areas and the provision of hydration stations, particularly during extreme heat.
Campus events and concessionaire activities will also be regulated to control energy use, waste, and operational demands.
The University is also conducting additional consultations and in-depth assessments with the appropriate units and offices to ensure “calibrated, responsive and sustainable” actions.
Students whose family members are affected by the Middle East conflict are encouraged to seek assistance from the Counseling and Career Center, which will continue to provide psychological support services through both in-person and online modalities.
The Miguel de Benavides Library will remain open six days a week.
On Tuesday, March 24, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency through Executive Order No. 110, a move that gives him more options to ensure enough oil supply and prevent hoarding and other illegal activities that will raise prices.
The order cited the imminent threat to global energy markets and the volatility of oil prices brought by the escalating geopolitical tensions among the United States, Israel and Iran. F
