UC freezes tuition fee, offers support for students, employees

CEBU, Philippines — Citing the growing burden on Filipino families amid rising fuel and commodity prices linked to tensions in Iran, University of Cebu (UC) Chairman Augusto W. Go on Tuesday announced a tuition freeze and a suite of support programs aimed at students, employees, and their families.

Speaking during a press conference at the UC Main Campus, Go said the decision was anchored on a simple principle: helping people endure a crisis expected to persist beyond the year.

“People are suffering but they need education, and I am not going to deny them that,” Go said, as he confirmed that UC will not increase its tuition fees beginning school year 2026–2027.

He said students who enroll under the current rate will continue to pay the same tuition fee until they graduate, provided they don’t incur failing grades.

“This is my plan… we will not increase tuition fee,” he said, “the important thing is to help our people.”

Go acknowledged that global developments are already affecting daily expenses, particularly transportation and basic commodities, creating a cycle that directly impacts access to education.

“This problem is not going to end this year… it will not end next year, it’s a cycle,” he said, pointing to the continued rise in fuel prices.

Beyond tuition relief, Go also introduced measures for employees under the AWG Group, including a motorcycle loan program with lower interest rates to ease transportation costs.

In addition, he formally launched the AWG Employees Wellness and Privileges Passport, which grants access to healthcare, financial services, and lifestyle benefits across affiliated institutions, extending even to employees’ families.

“This passport is not just a benefit. It is a commitment,” Go said, “as our organizations grow, our people and their families should grow with us.”

The AWG Group includes institutions in education, healthcare, finance, and other service sectors, employing thousands nationwide.

Go also stressed the role of institutions in responding to crises, saying action must go beyond observation.

“In moments like this, we cannot simply watch costs rise and do nothing,” he said, “we must act where we can.”

During the press conference, Go reiterated his long-standing stance against shifting to fully online learning despite transportation challenges, emphasizing that quality education is best delivered through face-to-face instruction.

“If you really want to study… don’t use Zoom. Use face-to-face,” he said, urging students to make small sacrifices rather than compromise learning.

Also present during the briefing were UC Medical Center officials, including Dr. Nina Darcera, assistant medical director of UCMed and medical director of St. Vincent General Hospital, and Dr. Armando Tan, along with AWG Group representatives Kenneth Go and Gen Joan Lechido Escaño.

Darcera underscored the group’s ongoing efforts to make healthcare more accessible through government guarantee programs and flexible payment arrangements, noting that hospital institutions under the group continue to accommodate patients despite financial constraints.

For Go, the initiatives reflect a broader mission.

“We have a mission to do,” he said, “let’s work together to alleviate the suffering of our people.” - Jose Luis Flores, Chain Lee Templo, CTU- Tuburan interns/BRP (FREEMAN)