Home | To bottom

Baguio Central University students win fight against unjust affiliation fee

BAGUIO CITY (Feb. 17) — Nursing and midwifery students of the Baguio Central University (BCU) have something to smile about in this time of tuition fee increases in colleges and universities nationwide.

Thanks to their “united actions”, protests, and negotiations, students will now be paying only P6,732 and P200.50 for tuition and registration fee, respectively, instead of the much-protested affiliation fee originally pegged at P24,232.50. The said amount was set in a “business contract” with College of Nursing and Midwifery Dean Jeanette Bongalos with the Golden Bay Hotel in Manila through a certain Liza Vasquez.

The affiliation fee covers 24 days of affiliation duty in hospitals.

In a dialogue with Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-Cordillera Director Magdalena Jasmin, students were informed that the affiliation fee would only cover tuition and registration, unlike the original fee, which included transportation, lodging, and meals. The CHED director was also surprised why the students were made to complete their affiliation duty (NCM 103) in Manila when they can have it in Baguio. Other courses, specifically NCM 101, NCM 102 can be completed in Baguio, Jasmin said.

On Feb. 7, some students were not allowed to have their affiliation duty because they did not stay at the Golden Bay Hotel. Bongalos, including other college deans, were present at the dialogue.

In a statement, the Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Narsing at Midwifery (SMNM) and the Democratic Action Party for the Youth (DAP-AY) said that there is no legal basis for the school administration to require them to stay at the said hotel. The said groups pointed out that they have the right to explore other options to avoid such expenses while having their affiliation duty.

This was also reiterated by City Councilor Jose Molintas, who supported the students through a resolution “calling for the adoption of a uniform policy or guidelines regarding the school campus to protect the public and to avoid unnecessary expenses on the part of the parents and students.” Since last week, nursing and midwifery students through the SMNM and the DAP-AY have brought their concerns to the City Council for mediation and proper action. Students from other universities also supported the BCU students in this.

Harassment

This victory was not easily won, however, after protesting students were harassed by the administration. BCU President Margarita Fernandez even wrote the CHED on Feb. 5 asking that SMNM Governor Chester Tuazon be sanctioned for leading rallies in school while a scholar of the Study Now Pay Later Plan (SNPLP).

“Pati scholarship ko, gustong tanggalin”, remarked Tuazon, who is in his third year as a Nursing student. Fellow students were threatened of being kicked out, he said.

Jasmin however replied to Fernandez on Feb. 17 that the latter’s claim lacked evidence that Tuazon participated in any “subversive activity.”

“Starting peaceful assemblies, rallies and demonstrations at school premises for lawful purposes is not a subversive activity under the Grounds for Termination of the Scholarship/Study Grants of the Rules and Regulations Implementing the Various Programs”, Jasmin’s letter read.

Despite the struggles it entailed, Tuazon encouraged his fellow students to unite and fight for their rights and welfare.

“Huwag tayong matakot. Makibaka tayo at ipaglaban natin ang ating mga demokratikong karapatan,” he said.

Refunds will now be sought for students who have already paid the original amount.

With impending tuition hikes here and other colleges and universities, SMNM and DAP-AY leaders called on their fellow students to unite and “stand solidly” against such excessive and unjust fees. # Abigail Taguba Bengwayan for NORDIS

Home | Back to top