By: Samantha Bernardo, Melody Jade Soriano
The Letran Administration in a joint meeting with student representatives of The LANCE and the Letran Student Council regarding the Tuition Fee Hike. Photos courtesy of Eduardo Nollora Jr. of The LANCE.
The Letran Financial Affairs Division (FAD) consulted with students, faculty, and other stakeholders regarding a 10 percent increase on tuition fees on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at the Del Pilar Hall.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran— Manila is currently applying for a 10 percent increment on Tuition Fees. Letran sent a letter of intent to increase tuition fee by eight to 10 percent to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) last January.
In accordance with the CHED implementing rules and regulations, Letran has to conduct a consultation with stakeholders and an intended distribution of the tuition fee adjustment.
The Letran student body was represented by the Letran Student Council (LSC) and The LANCE in the consultation meeting from 2 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.
The Letran FAD presented a 10 percent increment in the meeting, resulting in a PHP 130 to PHP 150 increase per unit. According to the Letran FAD, the tuition fee increase is to primarily help aid teaching and non-teaching personnel help adjust with inflation.
The Vice President of the Letran FAD Reverend Father Raymundo Jose said that 71 percent of the increase on tuition fees will be allotted to a PHP 2,400.00 to PHP 5,000.00 monthly increase of wages for College teaching and non teaching staff.
Rev. Fr. Jose cited that in the past three years, Letran Manila has not increased tuition fees regardless of a continuous rise in inflation rate. The tuition fee increase will allow for employees’ evaluation and promotion, which has been postponed for several years. The increase will also pave the way for retainment of quality personnel, Rev. Fr. Jose said.
The other 29 to 30 percent of the increase will be for operational expenses and improvement of the Colegio. When the student body asked what these developments are, the administration responded that this will be focused on increasing Letran’s internet capacity and aid transition to regular classes among other improvements.
Meanwhile, the Letran administration assured that it will continue to give tuition fee discounts to students. The Letran FAD also assured the student body that it will be lenient and understanding to student financial concerns.