CHED defends special provision on voluntary student labor

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has defended a special provision in the proposed 2016 national budget allowing state universities and colleges (SUCs) to tap students for voluntary construction work.

“CHED respects the comments of Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon and his concern for students in SUCs,” said the commission in a statement sent to The STAR.

“But by nature of the provision being voluntary, it’s up to the students to decide whether such practicum training is relevant to them,” it added.

The commission issued the statement after Ridon questioned Section 12 of the Special Provisions of House Bill 6132, which tackles “Vocational and Practicum Training of Students.”

The special provision authorizes SUCs to assign students to construction work.

“The SUCs may likewise utilize student labor for academic, research, extension and administrative matters as part of practicum training subject to payment of P25 per hour but not to exceed four hours a day,” it added.

Ridon said such provision allowing tertiary institutions to tap students to become construction workers in exchange for a meager salary may be abused by school administrators.

“There is no need to include such provision in the national budget. Let schools practice academic freedom and let them prepare appropriate practicum programs for the students. We should remove this provision on student labor,” he said.

The proposed education budget was sponsored by Rep. Mariano Piamonte.

Piamonte pointed out that the provision was voluntary and could apply only to practicum courses.

Ricardo Rotoras, president of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, said students welcomed such activities to earn extra money or allowance.