Cebu Normal University (CNU) has moved all classes online from July 22 to October 15 as the school begins long-delayed renovations to transform its classrooms and facilities, university officials said.
The transition affects around 1,350 students across several buildings, including 35 classrooms in the ASAB building, which will be retrofitted into smart classrooms.
Other affected facilities include the College of Teacher Education, ACAS, the Science Building, and the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences.
CNU President Dr. Daniel Ariaso, Sr. said in a press briefing that the shift to remote learning was a temporary but necessary step to ensure safety during the implementation of the infrastructure upgrade.
The decision was backed by the university’s academic and administrative councils.
“This is not forever. It’s a short-term inconvenience for long-term safety and comfort… And allow us to implement this project seamlessly and unimpeded,” Ariaso said.
The project had originally been scheduled for rollout last year but faced delays.
The contractor issued a formal notice on July 19 to begin pre-construction activities, prompting the university to vacate key areas immediately to avoid further disruptions and prevent cost overruns.
Ariaso said faculty are prepared for the shift, citing previous online learning successes, including recent top-performing students in the university’s nursing and education programs.
He apologized to students who were not consulted in advance and said the school would resume in-person classes earlier than October 15 if possible.
“Sa mga students na affected and not consulted because this is abrupt, as the president I apologize,” he said.
The renovation is part of a P1.9-billion government-funded initiative, the largest in the university’s 122-year history.
Two major components of the program are the P998-million ICT modernization effort and the P947-million centralized student smart hub.
Over P30 million has been allocated for upgraded broadcast facilities.
The infrastructure overhaul at CNU marks a significant step in the digital transformation of Philippine state universities, many of which continue to operate in outdated physical environments.
The school’s reliance on online classes during the transition reflects a broader trend among public institutions embracing digital platforms not only as emergency solutions but as integrated components of academic delivery.
The scale of the renovation, backed by P1.9 billion in national funding, signals increased government prioritization of technology-driven education.
With more than half of the allocation earmarked for ICT upgrades and a centralized smart hub, the university is positioning itself as a model for future-ready learning in the region.
However, the abrupt shift has revealed gaps in stakeholder communication.
While the administration cites urgency and safety, the lack of consultation with students ahead of the announcement suggests a top-down approach that may strain institutional trust in the short term.
Ariaso’s public apology and assurance of flexibility in the October 15 timeline appear aimed at softening that impact.
The investment also raises expectations for outcomes.
Once completed, the upgraded facilities are expected to not only improve the learning environment but also enhance CNU’s competitiveness and appeal to both local and international students, especially in teacher education and allied health programs.
Whether the university can meet these expectations without further delay will be closely watched by students, faculty, and policymakers.
CebuBusinessNews.ph
