MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) approved the request of more than 1,200 private elementary and high schools to increase tuition fees for the incoming school year.
As of Monday, June 6, 1,232 (10.21%) out of the total 12,072 private elementary and high schools in the country will increase their tuition fees for school year 2016 to 2017.
The National Capital Region has the most number of schools that will increase their fees, while the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is the only region where no schools will increase fees.
| REGION | NO. OF SCHOOLS |
| I | 120 |
| II | 41 |
| III | 151 |
| IV-A | 127 |
| IV-B | 32 |
| V | 91 |
| VI | 79 |
| VII | 74 |
| VIII | 21 |
| IX | 18 |
| X | 53 |
| XI | 165 |
| XII | 12 |
| Caraga | 4 |
| CAR | 34 |
| ARMM | - |
| NCR | 178 |
| NIR | 32 |
| TOTAL | 1,232 |
Data as of June 6, 2016. Source: Department of Education
In a statement sent to media on Wednesday, June 8, DepEd said the 1,232 schools "had undergone steps to ensure that the increase is reasonable and in accordance with DepEd guidelines."
DepEd's 2010 Manual of Regulations for Private Schools requires that no increase in tuition and other school fees will be approved unless 70% of the proceeds is allocated for the salary increase of the school's faculty and other employees.
The rest can be allotted for institutional development, student assistance, and return to investments, but the latter should not exceed 12% of the incremental proceeds.
"Schools were asked to submit necessary documentation that proves consultation between the stakeholders occurred," the department said on Wednesday.
About 24-25 million students will return to school on June 13, with 12.2% of them expected to enroll in private schools. This year's opening of classes coincides with the full implementation of the K to 12 program, which will add the two senior high school years to the current program. – Rappler.com
Classroom image from Shutterstock