Tuition hike in Catholic schools defended

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has defended the decision of some Catholic schools to raise tuition this year, saying this would ensure the delivery of quality education to students.

“Private schools are forced to increase tuition and other fees to ensure effective curriculum implementation and maintain the quality of student services in general,” said Bishop Roberto Mallari of the CBCP Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education.

“The Department of Education (DepEd) and other quality assurance institutions require a set of standards that intend to promote student achievement and organizational effectiveness in response to the demands of ASEAN and the global work community,” he added.

Mallari issued the statement in response to critics blasting some Catholic schools for their decision to hike tuition fees.

He said schools would need to keep in step with the requirements of the industry, noting Catholic schools cannot just rely on the assistance provided by the government if they are to meet the required standards.

“The support given by the government to participating schools help substantially in increasing operational vitality,” he said. “However, given the huge financial requirements in safeguarding student support services and teacher and staff development, among others, private schools often effect minimal fee increases to bridge finances.”

Mallari maintained that the tuition fee increase came in consultation with the parents, who were made to understand the principles and objectives of such, adding that Catholic schools would continue to offer scholarships and other subsidy initiatives to help poor but deserving students.

“Private schools return the cost of fees in terms of keeping quality as an imperative,” he said.

DepEd earlier approved the tuition fee increases in 170 private elementary and high schools in Metro Manila for the incoming school year. Tuition hike data from other regions and in private higher education institutions have yet to be released.

Under Republic Act 6728 or the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, private schools are required to allocate 70 percent of the increase for the payment of salaries, wages, allowances and other benefits of teaching and non-teaching personnel.

Twenty percent should be allocated for the improvement or acquisition of facilities, or modernization of buildings, equipment, libraries, laboratories and similar facilities as well as payment of other costs of operation.

The remaining 10 percent may be allocated for the return on investment or operational costs.