OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE PROPOSED TUITION AND OTHER FEES INCREASE FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-2026

While the university’s efforts to recover from the pandemic’s financial toll and address the challenges posed by the implementation of the K-12 curriculum are understandable, unresolved systemic issues persist. The lackluster condition of facilities and services remains apparent, exemplified by the enrollment system fiasco during the second semester. Students continue to bear the brunt of these issues with experiencing minimal tangible improvements, despite successive fee increases. While there have been minor advancements, the value students expect for their financial contributions has not been realized.

Additionally, the rising inflation rates in the country compound the burden for students and their families, many of whom come from middle- to low-income households. The proposed TOFI risks widening the gap in access to quality education, shifting it further from a right to a privilege.

Rather than transferring the financial burden onto students, the university must exercise the value it repeatedly inculcates to its students: cura personalis or care for the whole person. The university should prioritize the welfare of its students, by optimizing current resources to address long-standing concerns, such as inadequate facilities and the escalating cost of living. The university must also explore alternative strategies such as enhancing fiscal management, instead of relying on repeated fee hikes.

ThePILLARS Publication calls for genuine and inclusive dialogue between the university administration, the student body, and other stakeholders to collaboratively identify solutions for financial sustainability. While we commend the administration for opening this year’s budget consultations to all stakeholders, this step must be accompanied by substantial and sincere engagement.

As the voice of the students, we urge the administration to reconsider the proposed TOFI and place the welfare and inclusivity of the student body at the center of its decisions.  Accessible and quality education must remain a priority. Ateneo de Naga University’s transformation to a better university is a shared goal, but this must not come at the cost of the students' welfare.