MANILA, Philippines — Despite assurances from the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) that there will be fewer colleges that will increase their tuition this coming academic year, student and youth groups kicked-off Thirsday nationwide protests against tuition hikes in 400 colleges and universities in June. Anakbayan national chair Vencer Crisostomo said many colleges and universities have already begun consultations for tuition hike adding that they expect more reports of fee increase proposals as the deadline for consultations is set on Monday, February 28.
Data from National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) reveal that in Metro Manila alone, among the schools set to hike their fees include the University of the East (5 percent increase),
University of Sto.Tomas (6 percent increase), Far Eastern University (4.5 percent), Trinity University of Asia (10 percent), College of St. Benilde (5 percent) Technological Institute of the Philippines (9.6 percent) and Lyceum University (7 percent).
Crisostomo added that in Baguio city at least eight major schools are seeking an average of 9 percent increase in tuition this coming academic year, while seven schools have also filed their application to hike their tuition.
Ina Hernando-Malipot, Manila Bulletin
