CHED to finalize schools list in tuition hike

MANILA, Philippines -  The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is still consolidating the list of private higher education institutions that will be allowed to raise tuition and other school fees for the coming academic year.

The CHED central office is still waiting for the final list of colleges and universities that were allowed by its regional offices to implement increases in tuition and other fees.

The final data is expected to be released before the start of the new school year next month.

The matter is expected to be discussed during the press conference that will be held by CHED chair Patricia Licuanan and other officials today.

Last year, the CHED allowed 304 higher education institutions to implement increases in tuition and other fees.

Amid criticisms from student groups, Licuanan said the CHED follows a holistic approach in handling requests for tuition increases.

“In the light of contending concerns and interests in society, there is a need to balance access issues with sustainability of educational institutions,” Licuanan said.

“For its part, CHED ensures that higher education institutions meet the guidelines provided by law, especially the requirement of consultation, the proper allocation of fees and strict adherence with the processes that seek to make tuition and other school fee increases transparent, reasonable and affordable,” she added.

Under the law, 70 percent of the increase should be for the increase in the payment of salaries, wages, allowances and other benefits of teaching and non-teaching personnel; 20 percent for improvement of school facilities and 10 percent return on investment.

CHED has guidelines and procedures governing increases which take into account factors such as regional inflation rate, financial standing of the institution, financial capacity of the general studentry, impact of force majeure or calamities, quality track record of the school, and the mission and vision of the institution.

Meanwhile, a student group yesterday stressed that state universities and colleges should refrain from collecting tuition from students as the government will start implementing its free tuition policy.

“Regardless of how much this administration has tried to hinder and hijack the advances made by the youth, we continue to push for genuine free education and not settle for empty promises. Students know that it is their right, and therefore to fight for it is just,” League of Filipino Students spokesman JP Rosos said.