IN A bid to equalize education, Baguio City Councilor and Sanguniang Kabataan Federation President Levy Llyod Orcales is asking colleges to scrap fees students cannot use while on online classes.
Orcales, in a resolution, asked the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) and higher education institutions (HEI) to review fees students can dispense while using online learning platforms.
"Online classes mean virtual engagement. Thus, the collection of some miscellaneous fees such as athletics, audio-visual, cultural, dental, medical, library, laboratory, and internet shall be carefully studied by the HE. Whether or not to grant full or partial discount primarily to emphasis added, these particular fees are not needed and cannot benefit students under online classes," Orcales said.
The youth representative reminded education in the Philippines is the right of every Filipino youth and not a privilege, that access to education and the educational system itself is and must always be inclusive regardless of status in life.
"It is understood, that all school administrators are ensuring the survival of their respective HEIs and for them to continue supporting all of its teaching and non-teaching personnel. But, the collection of miscellaneous fees that are impossible and unfeasible to be used by students for their online classes pose a greater obstacle to families who are financially depressed," Orcales explained.
The resolution, approved this week, conveyed all educational learning institutions in the country are migrating to online classes. Most, if not all, of their miscellaneous fees will not be utilized by their students during the semester primarily because it is almost impossible to physically report to class.
Orcales recognized financial capacities of students and their families who are supporting their tertiary level education are greatly affected by the suspension of work.
"The majority of these students and their parents are currently facing financial constraints and that the payment of their bills and other liabilities becomes a greater challenge to them, more so, the payment of school fees for the continuing education of our youth," Orcales said.
Ched representatives said the resolution will be taken up during upcoming consultations scheduled.
