No CHED memo yet vs. "No permit, no exam" rule

CEBU, Philippines - The order against the “no permit, no exam” policy directed by the Commission on Higher Education is unfortunately not yet in effect in Central Visayas because the memorandum has not reached the CHED Regional Field Office as of yesterday.

This means status quo among colleges and universities in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor who are practicing the “no permit, no exam” rule said CHED-7 assistant regional director Candelario Aytona.

Following the publication of the reports regarding the issuance of Memorandum Order no. 2 series of 2010, Aytona said that they have already received inquiries from schools whether the order shall take effect immediately especially this month as it is usually the midterm period.

He said that they will be giving a go signal through the copy of the memorandum that will be sent to schools’ respective offices once they receive it. But while there is no notification yet, they may continue implementing the existing rule.

Aytona said that the order definitely will be a great help to students, especially those who are marginalized.

“Gihimo na siya para ang mga studyante maka-focus sa ilang pagtuon. Para di na sila mamroblema kung asa sila magkuha og pambayad. To minimize the incidence of hassle and rate of dropouts,” Aytona said.

The guidelines of the memo provide that students may pass a promissory note guaranteed by the parents. But this is depends on the discretion of the school as the order does not compulsorily mandate schools to follow.

Students may take exams despite the unsettled balance but the school also reserves the right to withhold clearances of students until the balance is settled.

Aytona added however added that while it poses benefits, it may also be disadvantageous to students because once their balance is accumulated it might be even harder for them to pay.

On the side of schools, Aytona said, this is a way for schools to safeguard the accountability of students. He added students’ payment is their source of revenue that shall be used to compensate the teachers and for operating expenses. – Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)