The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has formally requested higher education institutions (HEIs) to put a pin in their planned tuition increases, citing the ongoing economic burden on families as a primary concern.
During a press conference on Wednesday, April 29, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis confirmed that while the commission is aware of the rising costs of maintaining school operations, the timing for a fee hike is simply not right.
Agrupis noted that CHED has been fielding numerous applications from schools looking to adjust their rates but has maintained a consistent stance on deferment.
“Marami po kaming natanggap na request but iisa lang naman po ang sagot namin. While we recognize the increasing prices and mga kailangan ng isang higher education institution, nakikiusap kami na I think this is not the right time to increase tuition fees,” Agrupis stated.
The Chairperson indicated that school administrators have been receptive to this appeal, adding,
“So naintidihan naman nila.”
The announcement followed the ceremonial signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Labor Education Act (Republic Act No. 11551) and a new memorandum aimed at providing educational assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Addressing the public sector, Agrupis also shared updates regarding state universities and colleges (SUCs). She announced that the harmonization of tuition policies for these institutions—specifically those covered by the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act No. 10931)—has been finalized.
The proposal for these updates has been submitted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to ensure continued funding for free higher education.
CHED assured the public that they remain in constant dialogue with private and public institutions to balance the financial viability of schools with the accessibility of education for students.