16/04/2026
๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ (๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐) ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐% ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐
๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ๐
The PCU Manila Junior Social Workers Association of the Philippines (PCU JSWAP) strongly opposes the proposed 15% increase in tuition and other school fees for Academic Year 2026โ2027 at the Philippine Christian University.
In a time when many Filipino families are already struggling to make ends meetโfacing rising prices of basic goods, transportation, and daily expensesโthis proposed increase comes as an added burden that many simply cannot carry. For countless students, every peso matters. Tuition is not just a numberโit is a daily sacrifice, a shared family effort, and for some, a constant source of anxiety.
While the administration cites years of tuition stability and rising operational costs as justification, we firmly assert that institutional sustainability must never come at the expense of student accessibility. The narrative of โreasonable increaseโ fails to recognize the lived realities of studentsโmany of whom rely on limited household incomes, scholarships, or part-time work just to remain enrolled. For them, even a โmoderateโ increase can mean the difference between continuing their education and being forced to stop.
As students of social work, we are trained to critically examine systems that perpetuate inequality and marginalization. This proposed increase runs counter to the very principles we upholdโsocial justice, human dignity, and equitable access to opportunities. Education is not a commodity to be priced beyond reach; it is a fundamental right that must be protected, especially for those in vulnerable sectors.
We are also deeply concerned about the increase in miscellaneous and other fees. These charges, often less clearly explained, add to the financial pressure and leave students questioning where their money is going. Transparency is not optionalโit is necessary.
We also challenge the adequacy and authenticity of the consultation process. Consultation must not be reduced to a procedural formality. Genuine participation requires that the voices of stakeholders of the university are not only heard but meaningfully considered in shaping decisions. Implementing this policy without open, transparent, and meaningful consultation weakens trust and ignores students as key stakeholders.
At a time when inequality continues to widen in the Philippines, schools should be part of the solutionโnot contributors to the problem. Universities should open doors, not quietly close them on students who can no longer afford to stay.
In light of these concerns, the PCU JSWAP calls on the administration of the Philippine Christian University to:
1. Reconsider the proposed 15% increase. If an increase cannot be avoided, it should be gradual, fair, and mindful of what students and their families can realistically afford.
2. Ensure full transparency in the breakdown and justification of all proposed charges, especially miscellaneous fees
3. Conduct genuine, inclusive, and well-documented consultations with students, parents, and faculty before any implementation
4. Explore equitable alternatives that do not disproportionately burden students, such as institutional cost optimization and expanded funding sources
5. Substantially strengthen scholarship programs, subsidies, and flexible payment schemes to protect at-risk students from displacement
We stand in firm solidarity with the student body and all sectors affected by this proposal. As future social workers, we refuse to remain silent in the face of policies that deepen inequality and restrict access to education. Our role compels us not only to advocateโbut to resist measures that undermine social justice.
We remind the administration that education should empower, not exclude; uplift, not burden. Any policy that contradicts this principle must be critically challenged and responsibly re-evaluated.
We oppose this increase. We demand accountability. We call for just and inclusive education.
