21 private schools seek tuition hike

CEBU, Philippines -  The Commission on Higher Education 7 said 21 private schools in Central Visayas have applied to increase tuition for the next academic year.

Of the 21 schools, 17 are from Cebu province, two are from Bohol, while two are from Negros Oriental.

“There are 21 schools that applied in Region 7. There are 12 (applications to increase tuition) for all levels, eight for freshmen only. One (application is for) the introduction of new a fee,” said Melissa Castillote, education supervisor II of Ched.

She said all those that applied were private schools, with eight percent as the highest request and four percent as the lowest.

Castillote said this year has fewer applicants compared to last year and the lowest percentage of increase requested, too. She added that this year has lesser increase in terms of percentage as compared to that of last year.

Ched Supervising Education Program Specialist Dr. Josefino Ronquillo said there are consecutive consultations that must be made before acknowledgement of the schools’ request for more tuition.

“Naa pay certificate of compliance, certificate of allocation of that increase, regional multi-sectoral consultation or committee for the tuition or other fee increases and others” he said, adding that the purpose and justification of the increase should be stated well.

Ched said majority of the schools follow the percentage allocation of the increase.

“Seventy percent is for faculty salaries; 20 percent, school facilities development; 10 percent is the return of investment,” Ronquillo said.

He added that Ched has rejected two schools that did not pass all requirements before the deadline.

“Nabalibaran kay (They were denied because they might set a) bad precedence.  Kay magkaistorya baya na ang mga presidents sa schools nga nganong nakalusot bisan og kuwang sa (School presidents talk to each other and requirements, and that is unfair,” he said.

Ronquillo said increase in tuition should not hinder students from continuing with their schooling they have many options.

“Daghan man ta’g high quality education nga government schools, kada island, naa tay mga public schools nga pwede,” he said. (FREEMAN)