endIndex: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 19) — A group of private schools on Saturday expressed hope that limited face-to-face classes in higher education institutions could be allowed by January next year. “We're looking at the second semester na magsisimula sa (that would start by) January,” Joseph Estrada, managing director of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations, told Newsroom Weekend. Estrada said there is an urgent need to permit face-to-face learning for college and university students, especially for those enrolled in health-related courses, where some subjects are difficult to teach online. “May konting urgency dahil may graduating students na kailangang mag-practicum, mag-OJT, mag-internship, lalo na sa iyong mga health and medicine and allied health programs,” he said.