ILOILO – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has named the 18 private tertiary schools in Western Visayas it has approved for tuition and other school fee increases, but strictly capping the hikes within the 6.6% regional inflation rate.
It clarified in a Facebook post yesterday that although it initially received 22 applications for Tuition and Other School Fees Increase (TOSFI) for Academic Year 2025–2026, only 18 schools were granted approval after a thorough evaluation.
The approved institutions are:
* Aklan Catholic College, Inc.
* Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion, Inc.
* Colegio de Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, Inc.
* College of St. John-Roxas, Inc.
* Filamer Christian University, Inc.
* Hercor College, Inc.
* Hua Siong College of Iloilo, Inc.
* Iloilo Doctors’ College, Inc.
* Iloilo Doctors’ College of Medicine, Inc.
* Northwestern Visayas Colleges
* St. Anthony’s College, Inc.
* St. Anthony College of Roxas City, Inc.
* Saint Gabriel College, Inc.
* St. Therese-MTC Colleges – La Fiesta Site, Inc.
* St. Therese-MTC Colleges – Magdalo, Inc.
* St. Therese-MTC Colleges – Tigbauan, Inc.
* STI College Kalibo
University of Iloilo
CHED-6 said four schools that applied exceeded the allowable rate and were not approved within the regional inflation benchmark:
* Central Philippine University, Inc. (Autonomous)
* John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. (Autonomous)
* John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Molo), Inc. (Autonomous)
* Western Institute of Technology, Inc. (Regulated)
CHED-6 regional director Dr. Raul Alvarez Jr. emphasized that the commission disapproved applications that exceeded the 6.6% inflation threshold to ensure affordability and accountability.
“Everybody will see it as evil, nga if masaka ang tuition, ang kabataan indi ka eskwela. Ang trabaho sang CHED is to ensure that there is equitable, fair and transparent increase,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez also explained that while tuition increases are often viewed negatively, they are necessary for the survival and development of private institutions.
“Without reasonable adjustments, schools may not survive, and faculty retention becomes a problem,” he said.
He added that all approved increases underwent rigorous scrutiny, including consultations with stakeholders such as parents, students, faculty, and school personnel. CHED acted solely as an observer in these consultations to ensure transparency and compliance with guidelines.
Under CHED Memorandum Order No. 3, Series of 2012, the allocation of increased fees must follow a specific breakdown:
* 70% for salaries and benefits of teaching and non-teaching personnel
* 20% for facility improvement
* 10% for discretionary use
“The 70% faculty allocation must be detailed in a certificate of intended compliance. After implementation, schools are required to submit utilization reports to confirm they followed their financial plan,” Alvarez explained.
The approved adjustments are set to take effect at the start of Academic Year 2025–2026./PN