Investigation launched into CNU presidency
Cebu Normal University (CNU) President Daniel Ariaso Sr. is currently under investigation by the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) following a sudden shift to 100% online learning at the university. The investigation was initiated following the issuance of Memorandum Circular (MC) 43 by Ariaso, which mandated the shift.
The investigation by the Ched Central Office in Central Visayas is focused on whether CNU violated guidelines for on-site learning in higher education. The office has been directed to submit its findings by Aug. 9, according to an order.
The shift to online learning, which was reportedly done without consultation with students and faculty, was announced on July 21, 2025. The announcement was met with opposition from students, with the CNU Supreme Student Council issuing a statement on July 25 expressing their discontent over the lack of consultation and the lack of opportunity to propose alternative solutions.
However, a review of MC 45 by the Ched Central Office revealed new provisions that had also not been submitted to the Board of Regents (BOR) for approval. This is a separate issue from the investigation into the online learning shift.
The temporary shift to online learning was done to facilitate a P2-billion modernization project at CNU, according to Ariaso. The modernization project includes a P1 billion Information and Communication Technology project and a P950 million centralized Student Smart Hub. The funds for the modernization project must be used by Dec. 31, 2025, or they will be forfeited.
On Aug. 2, Ariaso issued a new directive, MC 45, which officially revoked MC 43 and reinstated MC 12, a BOR-approved hybrid learning model. Ariaso appealed for understanding from the university community, stating that the temporary shift to 100% online learning was necessary to ensure the success of the modernization project.
Despite the investigation, no specific violations that CNU is alleged to have committed have been made public. The actions taken appear to be operational decisions based on campus facility conditions, aimed at minimizing learning loss and ensuring meaningful learning experiences during infrastructure upgrades.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
[1] CNU shifts to 100% online learning due to modernization project. (2025, July 21). Retrieved from [URL]
[2] CNU students protest shift to online learning. (2025, July 25). Retrieved from [URL]
[3] CNU under investigation for online learning shift. (2025, Aug. 5). Retrieved from [URL]
[4] CNU reverses online learning shift, reinstates hybrid model. (2025, Aug. 2). Retrieved from [URL]
- The Cebu Normal University (CNU) broadened its focus beyond education to include a large-scale modernization project, which necessitated a temporary shift to 100% online learning.
- The Education-and-self-development and Policy-and-legislation sectors are scrutinizing the CNU's move to online learning as part of the investigation, initiated after the issuance of Memorandum Circular (MC) 43 by President Daniel Ariaso Sr.
- Despite the ongoing investigation, General News reports that the CNU's actions seem to be operational decisions aimed at minimizing learning loss and ensuring a meaningful learning environment during infrastructure upgrades.
