Youth groups gain support in anti-tuition increase protests

LOCAL youth groups are gaining favorable responses to their tuition protests as the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) recently considered null and void the consultations conducted by some colleges and universities.

In a press statement, the National Union of Students in the Philippines, Kabataan partylist, College Editors Guild of the Philippines and Anakbayan said they consider a welcome development Ched's declaration of the tuition consultation last February 21 in Baguio Central University (BCU) as null and void.

Ched said the school failed to comply with posting requirements, such as employing a close door policy during the consultation where less than 10 students joined and conducting the activity without a representative from the commission.

Ched Regional Director Freddie Bernal said the commission does not undermine the need of many colleges and universities in the region to improve their services and facilities, as well as provide increases on the salaries of the faculty.

In the coming school year, seven schools in Baguio-Benguet and one in Kalinga have signified their intent to increase either tuition or miscellaneous fees.

These schools are Pines City Colleges, STI College Baguio, Easter College, University of the Cordilleras, Saint Louis University, Baguio Central University and Cordillera A+ Computer Technical College.