11 schools in CV get nod to increase tuition

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education - 7 has given the go signal for 11 schools in Central Visayas, two of which are in Cebu, to increase their tuition fee this coming school year 2014-2015.

Marcial Degamo, chief of DepEd -7's Quality Assurance and Accountability Division, confirmed that the department approved the petition of the 11 schools last February 27.

In Cebu, Sacred Heart School for Girls petitioned for a 10 percent increase in the tuition fees for pre-school, elementary and secondary levels. Meanwhile, the Lahug Christian School petitioned for a 10 percent increase in tuition for pre-school and 15 percent increase in the elementary level.

Lahug Christian School also asked for an 18.50 percent increase in miscellaneous fees for pre-school and 18 percent for the elementary level.

Degamo said there are still 20 applications for tuition fee hike pending in his office. The petitions will be acted upon once the schools submit supporting documents. He said he expects more schools to file petitions in the coming weeks.

To recall, for school year 2013-2014, DepEd-7 approved the applications of 129 schools, 80 of which are in Cebu, to increase their tuition and other school fees.

Of the 1,068 private elementary and high schools nationwide that applied for a tuition hike last school year, 903 were given a green light to proceed.

Under DepEd guidelines, 70 percent of  the increase should go to teacher's salary increase, 20 percent for improvement of school facilities, and 10 percent as return of investment.  (FREEMAN)