UE proposes 9.5% TOFI; UEFA prexy questions proposal

documentary was awarded the Golden Kinabalu Award for Best Documentary Film at the 2022 Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival in Malaysia. Macanlalay recalled how he felt his intentions were “validated and valued” after receiving the international honors.

“Mas na-e-encourage din ako bilang artist na ipagpatuloy ang pagkukwento ng kapuwang lumalaban para sa kani-kanilang buhay, kabuhayan, at pamumuhay,” Macanlalay shared.

The visual communication graduate also emphasized the importance of being involved in social issues, as evidenced by his work.

“Saan ka man nanggaling, ano man ang iyong dahilan, at ano man ang iyong paraan, basta’t may respeto’t mula sa pagmamahal, importanteng nakikilahok tayo sa lipunan,” Macanlalay said.

“Lalong-lalo na sa panahon ngayon, kailangang-kailangan natin ipakita na may kapangyarihan tayo,” he added.

THE UNIVERSITY of the East (UE) administration revealed during February 27-28 consultation meetings that the institution intends to impose a whopping 9.5 percent tuition and other fees increase (TOFI) for the academic year 2023–2024.

The tuition increase was prompted by the country’s inflation rate, which was 8.7 percent in January 2023, according to UE officials.

The tuition fee per unit at the UE Manila Colleges of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Business Administration (CBA), Computer Studies and Systems (CCSS), and Engineering (CEng’g) would rise from Php 1,768.31 to Php 1,936 as a result of the impending increase.

Once the hike is implemented, the tuition fee per unit at the College of Education (CEduc) will rise from Php 1,539.84 to Php 1686.00. The tuition fee per unit at the College of Fine Arts, Architecture, and Design (CFAD) will increase by Php 153.31 next semester.

The proposed increase, according to the UE administration, would “provide funds for the expansion of student services and the implementation of faculty development programs and training.”

Furthermore, an increase in alumni and cultural fees of 66.7 percent and

50 percent, respectively, is proposed.

Students would also face massive increases in the installment and sports development fees, which would rise by 401 percent and 100 percent, respectively.

According to the management, these increases are necessary to “sustain the financial requirements of laboratory classes, cultural programs, and sports activities, which include the scholarships and meals of athletes, and to offset the cost of money for installment payments of school fees.”

Meanwhile, University of the East Faculty Association (UEFA) President Antonio Roland Co Po did not mince words in criticizing the UE administration over the proposed tuition hike.

Co Po questioned the UE administration about the “exact formula” used to arrive at 9.5 percent during the TOFI consultation on February 27.

The UEFA president stated that this is the first time in his many years at the institution that UE will impose a raise greater than five percent.

“Hindi ko talaga makita paano tayo dumating sa 9.5 [percent],” uttered Co Po, urging the UE management to review the proposal “carefully.”

Co Po urged University officials to think about the welfare of the students who would be affected by the increase. He believes that raising tuition now is not the best time because the University has only recently begun offering more onsite classes.

“Are we after the possible income?

What is our objective? ... Why can’t we take the time? Why are we rushing things?” the faculty union chief asked. Co Po told the Dawn that the impending increase in tuition and other fees may have an impact on the University’s enrollment next semester because students may be unable to afford the school fees.

The UEFA president said, “9.5% is so high for our students, I’m telling you. And our competitors, there are so many schools now, especially state universities, that offer good and quality education.”

Despite the significant increase, the UE administration believes that its decisions remain consistent with the school’s vision and mission.

“You (students) are our number one client. Kung wala kayo sa’min, wala ang UE,” University President Zosimo M. Battad attested.

UE Vice President for Finance Annie Villegas emphasized that the University needs “to do something to survive.