Protests vs tuition hike premature – CHED

MANILA, Philippines - Protests against the reported higher tuition rates in colleges and universities are premature as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has yet to receive applications to increase tuition for the coming school year, officials said yesterday.

CHED chairperson Patricia Licuanan said higher education institutions (HEIs) have until the end of February to comply with the consultation process.

Licuanan said the agency has yet to determine the number of schools that will increase tuition.

“The HEIs have until April 1 to submit requirements to CHED regional office should they decide to increase fees,” she said.

Licuanan said the agency would ensure that HEIs comply with the law and follow the requirements that seek to make tuition increases transparent, reasonable and affordable.

Militant youth organizations held a protest Friday at the CHED main office in Quezon City to denounce the supposed tuition increases that will be implemented this year.

The groups claimed that around 400 HEIs intend to raise tuition and other school fees.

They staged a rally in Mendiola yesterday, denouncing President Aquino over various issues, including soaring tuition across the country.