Youth groups seek gov’t action vs rising tuition

MANILA, Philippines—Youth and student groups on Friday called for a more decisive government action to control the rising prices of college education.

The call was made as the Commission on Higher Education confirmed impending tuition hikes in almost 300 private colleges and universities this year.

The National Union of Students of the Philippines, which has long been protesting tuition hikes, said government should “ensure our rights to a quality and affordable education.”

“CHEd still has not done anything substantial on the issue of tuition and other fees increase. What’s the point of CHEd’s existence if it cannot stop, regulate even, tuition and other fee increases?” said NUSP president Einstein Recedes in a statement.

“We are appalled by the fact that, instead of protecting our interests, this government aggravates the education crisis,” he said.

CHEd this year approved an average 10-percent tuition hike in 281 private colleges and universities, a long observed trend before school opening, according to CHEd Executive Director Julito Vitriolo.

The figure accounts for some 15 percent of the total 1,792 public and private universities and colleges, even less than last year when 25 percent of all tertiary schools raised fees.

“Maybe because life is harder this year … They are being careful because if they increase too high, they might lose enrollment,” said Vitriolo.

He said CHEd carefully evaluated tuition hike requests, requiring schools to first consult students and parents.  Schools applying for fee increases are also required to show proof that 70 percent of their price hike will go to personnel wages and 20 percent to facilities improvement.

“Basically, prices of commodities, gasoline and others also affect schools,” Vitriolo said.

He said CHEd rejected tuition hike requests from 22 schools that failed the commission’s criteria, particularly the requisite consultation with parents and students.