Capiz schools freeze tuition fee hike
ROXAS CITY – In the midst of global economic crisis, majority of schools in Capiz opted to freeze any plan for any tuition fee increases this coming school year 2009-2010.
Dr. Expedito Señeres of Filamer Christian College (FCC), one of the biggest private schools in Capiz, announced that said school will not have any tuition fee increase.
He added that this is part of their commitment to provide students with access to quality and affordable education.
On the other hand, the Saint Anthony College and College of St. John, including the Capiz State University (CapSU) have also said that they will not have any tuition hikes this coming school year.
Recently, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde disclosed that majority of the state universities and colleges and even private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country will not impose any tuition increases this coming school year 2009-2010.
Remonde said that its is in compliance with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's appeal to freeze plans to increase tuition and other fees this school year in the light of the global economic crisis.
He said that the President is very happy with the report by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chair Emmanuel Angeles that majority of the tertiary schools have responded favorably to the appeal of the Chief Executive.
Angeles earlier said that the number of tertiary schools seeking tuition increases, which range from five to 10 percent, for the coming school year had declined to less than 200.
This figure is way below the total of 472 universities and colleges that raised tuition for school year 2006-2007.
In school year 2008-2009, only Filamer Christian College implemented a 5 percent tuition fee hike.
Señeres explained that prior to the request of President Arroyo, the said increase was already approved for the salary increase of its faculty and staff.
With the current economic situation, he said that “we are also very sensitive on the ordeal of the parents, especially those who are trying very hard just to send their children to school.”(PIA/Jemin B. Guillermo)