Watchdog vs TOFI launched

CEBU, Philippines - A watchdog that monitors tuition and other fees increase (TOFI) was launched yesterday during a forum initiated by the National Union of Students of the Philippines-Cebu (NUSP-Cebu).

Tuition Monitor, a campaign initiative specially created to address the issue of TOFI in higher education institutions (PHEIs), was launched in University of San Carlos Technological Campus.

NUSP-Cebu chairperson Jun Marr Denila told The Freeman that they are helping the students including those from USC-TC to organize and amplify their opposition on the planned increase of fees.

"The discussion was primarily letting the students know of the proper ways of consultation that the school administration has to follow before proposing an increase before the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)," Denila said.

The forum also empowered the students by reiterating that the student themselves can organize and initiate a consultation, and not only the school administration, he added.

"USC students opposed the TOFI and instead urged the administration to rechannel the budget from exorbitant and redundant matters to the teacher's salary, which they claim is the reason for the increase," Denila said.

The end of the discussion saw the formulation of a statement from student organization STAND opposing the planned tuition and other fees increase in USC.

"Consultation should not just be initiated by school administration. CHED said pwede ang student council maghimo ana. It is clearly stipulated in CHED memo 13 series of 1998 and also RA 6728. There are certain processes that the school admin has to follow before they can request CHED for an increase," UP Cebu Political Science graduating student Denila said.

A mobile hotline, via 09328124203, was also announced by the student organization where private and public students can text or call their concerns and grievances pertaining to TOFI.

"We also intend to create an alliance with private and public tertiary schools so that we can jointly monitor and do something about the TOFI," the student leader said. (FREEMAN)