At least 43 private universities and colleges in Davao region have applied for a tuition fee increase for school year 2024-2025 before the Commission on Higher Education-Davao (CHED-11).

CHED-11 the applications will undergo stringent review before they can be approved.

CHED-11 Supervising Education Program Specialist, Christopher Pulido, said the schools that applied for a tuition fee increase must conduct public consultation with all stakeholders first to explain the move, and disclose if there are other school fees that will be implemented.

CHED-11 will also consider the reputation of schools in terms of providing quality services and facilities.

Pulido explained that the application for tuition fee hikes may be disapproved if the schools fail to submit the requirements.

In Davao City, a youth group said the move of the 43 schools to raise tuition is a failure of the Marcos administration to deliver quality education to the Filipino youth. 

Kabataan-Mindanao Vice Chairperson, Harvey Lao, said CHED-11 must oppose the tuition fee hike application as it will only worsen the plight of the Filipino people.

Lao added that the government must focus on giving additional budget for education to make it more accessible from elementary to college, as well as add more scholarship programs.

(Report from GMA Super Radyo Davao)