Philippine private schools are seeking tuition fee increases ranging from 3% to 12% for the upcoming academic year, citing rising inflation and the need to improve teacher compensation, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA) said on July 1.

The proposal comes as many Filipino families are already struggling with economic difficulties. Parents may face a significant financial burden if the tuition hikes are approved.

“To respond to the inflation and the difficulty — economic difficulties being experienced by our parents — we cannot help but also apply for tuition increases ranging from 3% to 9%, 12%,” said COCOPEA Chairman Fr. Albert Delvo in a report by GMA News Online.

The group said 70% of the additional revenue would be allocated to raising teacher salaries. 

“Some of these schools, the last time that they applied for an increase was even pre-pandemic,” said COCOPEA legal counsel Kristine Carmina Manaog. “So, I think it was just really about time for them to adjust their fees.”

The Department of Education (DepEd) is currently gathering information on the proposals, while the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has not yet discussed potential tuition hikes.

The news has caused anxiety among parents like Nicolas Flores, who has a child in college. He is currently working as a real estate and insurance agent. 

“Syempre kung ano gusto niya pumasok susuportahan namin [Of course, I want to support him in pursuing the school he wants],” Flores said. “Kung ako tatanungin, government school sana, di ganun kalaki babayaran [But if I’m being honest, I prefer if he were in a public school since it is more affordable].”