Text your complaints vs steep tuition hikes

Parents who wish to complain about their kid’s rising tuition rates for college can now text their grievances.

However, the complaints will not be sent to a government agency for appropriate action, but to militant student activists.

The text service, launched yesterday by the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) and the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), is part of their so-called "Tuition Monitor" campaign to expose schools that are violating government tuition regulations.

Aside from reporting violations, CEGP president Jose Cosido said parents and students may also use the hotline cell phone number — 0915-8922055 — to ask for help in advancing other causes of students.

In a statement, the NUSP and the CEGP said they are preparing to monitor private colleges and universities across the country as students face another round of tuition hikes this school year with the implementation of a memorandum from the Commission on Higher Education.

They said CHED Memorandum 14 allows private colleges and universities to raise tuition without consulting students as long as the increases are equivalent to or below the inflation rate.

"An initiative like this is of prime importance for the students especially at a time when colleges and universities will be implementing the provisions of the memorandum for the first time. We must always ensure that the rights of the students are protected at all times," said NUSP president Marco de los Reyes.

Delos Reyes said they have organized a nationwide network of students that will inform the public about the CHED memorandum.

They will also provide assistance to student councils if necessary.

The NUSP will also arrange dialogues with the CHED to air their grievances.

Meanwhile, Cosido said student journalists will likewise keep a tight watch on their respective school administrations to ensure that student are consulted on important issues.