By: Reigh John Bench Almendras
(Left) LSC Vice President Clarinal providing the council’s stance on the looming TOFI and (Right) Asst. Prof. Delas Alas alongside administrators presenting the budgetary deficits of the Colegio Photo by: Ram Campos / The LANCE
In response to the Letran Student Council (LSC)'s request, the Letran Financial Affairs Division (LFAD) led another Tuition and other Fees Adjustment Consultation with department heads and representatives at the Music Room on Feb. 28.
LSC and The LANCE, the representatives of the students, were in attendance while Vice President for Finance Affairs (VPFA) Rev. Fr. Bejay Namuag O.P., Comptroller Asst. Prof. Ariel Delas Alas, MBA, CPA, representatives from various departments, faculty, and non-teaching personnel were also in attendance as the representatives of the Colegio administration.
During the dialogue, Asst. Prof. Delas Alas reiterated the same points he provided in the first dialogue, highlighting that the financial situation of the Colegio is under deficit, and that the increase in the tuition and other fees will be utilized for structural improvements and increasing the salary of faculty members and non-teaching staff.
He also stated that a new area of the increase named ‘cultural fee’ is a response to “the need of providing honoraria” to advisers of the Cultural and Working Arts Groups (CPAGs).
Meanwhile, the LSC presented the progress in their running collegiate-wide survey regarding TOFI, which has garnered 724 responses and showed 675 (93.2%) oppositions, 12 (1.7%) affirmations, and 37 (5.1%) with reservations to the proposed 8% increase.
The survey also presented students’ insights, which were dominated by clamor for tangible improvements, while other responses sought for transparency as a way of communication in helping the student community understand the need for TOFI.
One of the responses states, “If changes were shown before then increase, the acceptance of such increase would be justified along with transparency.”
VPFA Rev. Fr. Namuag, O.P. shared that he understands the predicament of the students.
“I actually understand your points, because personally, upon seeing the facilities we have, I also really wanted to change them instantly… You were correct, our problem is systematic and we cannot change it overnight,” he shared.
Rev. Fr. Namuag then sought the recommendations of the LSC, to which President Cabacang raised the idea of decreasing the TOFI to 5%, in response to the persistence of the administration in pushing the proposal despite the receptiveness of the student body.
Rev. Fr. Namuag responded that they will consider the proposed idea, and will provide an update ‘soon.’
When asked by the council about a definite date on the promised update, Rev. Fr. Namuag stated that they cannot provide one since they must discuss the matter thoroughly.
In an interview with President Cabacang post dialogue, she shared that the LSC remains in strong opposition to the 8% increase, but they are now open to bargaining with the administration to decrease the percentage of the looming TOFI.
“We remain true to our first stance that we are no to TOFI. But now, if it is improbable to cancel the idea, the least that they can do is to decrease the percentage..we are happy that we were able to raise the voices of the students, and looking forward to having a favorable response from the administration.” she shared.