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Reviews tuition hike requests
TACLOBAN CITY — The Commission on Higher Education (ChEd) in Eastern Visayas has received multiple applications from private higher education institutions seeking approval for tuition and other fee increases for the upcoming academic year, amid rising operational costs and inflation pressures.
ChEd Regional Director Maximo Aljibe said the applications are currently under evaluation, but appealed to school administrators to defer any planned increases to help ease the financial burden on students and their families.
“We have received several applications from higher education institutions for tuition fee increases. However, we are appealing to them, if possible, to defer it considering our current situation,” Aljibe said.
He stressed that while private schools are allowed to adjust tuition to sustain operations—including salaries of faculty and staff—any increase must comply with CHED guidelines and undergo proper consultation with students and other stakeholders.
Aljibe added that the agency will carefully assess each application based on required criteria, including transparency in consultations and justification of proposed adjustments.
He also cited the decision of a private university in Cebu City that reportedly deferred its planned tuition increase due to economic conditions, saying similar measures could be considered by institutions in Eastern Visayas given the impact of rising fuel and commodity prices on households.
Of the 90 higher education institutions in the region, 49 are privately operated, making tuition adjustments a significant concern for a large portion of students in the region.
ChEd-8 said it continues to balance the financial sustainability of private colleges with the need to keep higher education accessible and affordable, especially for students from low- and middle-income families.
JOEY A. GABIETA
