Senator Pia Cayetano has expressed strong support for the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) call for higher education institutions (HEIs) to defer planned tuition increases.

The senator emphasized the importance of easing the financial burden on Filipino families as they navigate rising living costs.

"I fully support CHED's call for universities to hold off on tuition increases. Many families are already struggling with rising costs across the board. We must ensure that education remains accessible, especially during these challenging times," Cayetano said.

Cayetano as Senior Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. Having overseen the education budget for six years, Cayetano underscored that access to education is key to breaking cycles of poverty and promoting intergenerational equity.

She cited the Philippine government's ongoing support for higher education with t initiatives such as the Tertiary Education Subsidy and increased funding for State Universities and Colleges.

She also noted the role of private institutions, expressing hope that these institutions will collaborate with the government to find effective ways to ease the financial strain on students while upholding high quality standards.

Cayetano commended CHED for engaging in dialogue with institutions. This approach successfully balances operational needs with the financial capacity of students and their families, she said.

"I appreciate that CHED is engaging with HEIs on this matter. It's important that we balance the operational needs of institutions with the capacity of families to afford education," she said.

The senator urged higher education institutions to explore alternative solutions to operational challenges rather than passing additional costs on to students and their families.

She emphasized that education is a critical investment in the country’s future and must remain accessible to all.

"Education is the great equalizer. We cannot allow it to become a privilege that only the wealthy can afford," Cayetano said.

-Paraluman News