Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) — The Commission on Higher Education is asking private universities and colleges to stop collecting tuition until the quarantine period in Luzon is over, and allow payment on a staggered basis “in the subsequent months.”
CHEd Chairman Prospero de Vera III reiterated the appeal Thursday in behalf of students and their parents who are unable to pay school fees because of the ‘enhanced community quarantine,’ which restricts their movement and encourages them to stay at home. These measures seek to contain the fast-spreading coronavirus disease or COVID-19 in the country.
“Meron daw private universities na nangongolekta ng tuition sa buwan na ito, eh nahihirapan ang mga estudyante na magpunta doon [sa schools para magbayad.]
[Translation: There are private universities which collect tuition for this month, but the students find it difficult going to their schools to settle fees.]
De Vera first made the appeal on Wednesday and said some schools have already committed to extend payment deadlines in response to his request. They are the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, University of Perpetual Help System, Lyceum of the Philippines University and Immaculate Conception Institutions. He also said the Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges, and Universities will help convince other schools to make tuition payment considerations as well.
De Vera said in a statement on Wednesday, “I urge private higher education institutions (HEIs) to find considerate and compassionate ways of collecting tuition and other school fees during these difficult times, without undermining the prompt payment of the salaries of school personnel.”
De Vera said assistance to students may also include suspension of late payment penalties.
Classes and school activities in all levels in Luzon have been suspended until April 14.
But de Vera said this does not mean classes in the tertiary level have ended. He explained that universities must find ways to adjust their academic calendar to make up for the lost school days due to the COVID-19.
