TWENTY colleges and universities in Northern Mindanao submitted proposals to increase tuition for the coming school year, according to the Commission on Higher Education (Ched)-Northern Mindanao.
“Hopefully before this month ends, mahatag na namo ang mga name sa schools nga among ma-approve (we can give the names of the schools whose proposals we approved), to increase their tuition for the next school year,” said Education Program Specialist II of Ched-Northern Mindanao Leonora Gomez.
Within the region, the higher education institutions that proposed to increase tuition fees include six schools in Cagayan de Oro City: Cagayan de Oro College, Capitol University, Lourdes College, Liceo de Cagayan University, Southern de Oro Philippine College and Xavier University.
Other higher learning institutions that proposed to increase tuition are Adventist Medical Center College and Iligan Medical Center in Iligan city and Gingoog Christian Colleges and Christ the King College in Gingoog City, La Salle University in Ozamiz City, MOIST and St. Rita's College in Balingasag town in Misamis Oriental, Misamis University in Ozamiz City, Misamis University in Oroquieta City; North Central Mindanao College of Lanao del Norte province and Stella Maris College in Oroquieta City.
In Bukidnon province, Philippine College Foundation in Valencia City; Philippine Countryville College in Maramag town and San Agustin Institute of Technology in Maramag City applied for fee increase as well.
According to Ched Memorandum Order (CMO) 3, series of 2012, all higher education institutions that plan to increase tuition fees for the next school year must submit a proposal with documents to Ched regional offices on or before April 1.
As the proposal is yet to be studied by Ched before these are implemented, there are some students who already expressed their concern.
“Makadugang gyud na ug problema sa among mga studyante kay lisod na ang panahon karon (This will add to the problems of the students because we are already facing a difficult time),” said Mart Belaya, a student of Liceo de Cagayan University.
Yet, there are still citizens who will just accept CHEd's decision on tuition hike proposals.
“Okay ra kayo sa ako, as long as makahatag ang school ug quality education nga gipangita sa mga studyante,” said Paulo Jao Jarabe, a student of Xavier University.
According to Melinda, a parent, she does not agree with the proposal.
“Wala ko’y mabuhat. Bisan mutaas ang tuition fee, obligado man nako ipa-skwela ang akong anak,” said Melinda.
The tuition hike, if approved, would add to the financial burden of a Tourism student.
“Mahal pa kayo ang among “tour,” mo mahal pa gyud ang tuition,” said Xenia D. Vivares, BS Tourism student of Liceo de Cagayan University.
Vivares' schoolmate, Valeria Ochia, is amenable with the tuition hikes as long as their school is transparent with its expenses in building or improving the facilities. (Harold Siason, Joerit Joseph Abella, Liceo interns)