A number of student councils, publications, and organizations from various private colleges and universities collectively stood against the planned tuition and other fees increase (TOFI) for the academic year 2025-2026. According to the latest report from the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), the proposed rates of increase in university fees for the next academic year range from 2% to 10%.

Every year around February, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) receives petitions for proposed TOFI. This “right” to increase fees aligns with CHEd Memorandum Order No 03 Series of 2012. This includes conducting “consultations” with students to explain the purpose of TOFI.

However, these consultations are bogus, based on the experience of councils and students. These are basically used to railroad the TOFI. Sometimes, the administration outrightly disregards even this CHEd-mandated process.

The usual pretexts for tuition increases include rising prices of goods, salary increases for teachers and other employees, and improvements to facilities and services. According to NUSP, these are worn-out justifications, as increases in tuition and other fees are clearly aimed at boosting profits. These have not brought improvement in facilities or in the conditions of university teachers or staff.

Justified resistance

The average amount needed to send a student to college per year is ₱130,000. A minimum-wage earner’s total income (₱120,000) is not enough. One needs an estimated ₱2 million to complete a 4-year college course in major universities in the country.

Amid rising prices of basic goods, it is just for students to fight against additional tuition fees. In recent months, they have launched forums, meetings, rallies, and other types of activities to express their opposition.

Actions have taken place at the University of the East (5% TOFI), De La Salle University (3%), University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University (6%), Adamson University (5%), and other universities in Metro Manila.

At Saint Louis University in Baguio City, student actions pulled down the initially proposed 9% increase to 6.25%. “Reducing TOFI is a victory, but 6.25% remains a burden for thousands of new [students]. We will continue the fight,” according to the group Walang Iwanan Louisian Network.

A 3.5% increase is looming at Holy Angel University in Pampanga. In a survey by The Angelite newspaper, three out of four students reject any TOFI for the next year, and over 60% are likely to drop out of school due to TOFI. This is the third fee increase in three years.

The NUSP continues to consult with student councils of universities with impending tuition increases. They are strengthening the unity of councils and students nationwide to further highlight the fight against tuition and other fee increases. They hold CHEd and the Marcos regime accountable for favoring private businesses that profit at the expense of Filipino youth and their education.