University of Sto. Tomas (UST) students protested at its main campus in Sampaloc, Manila on January 14, the first day of the second semester, to denounce the university’s tuition and other fees increase (TOFI). Panday Sining, Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines and Kabataan Partylist based in UST led the action.

In their statement, the national-democratic groups said that the new year has arrived but the “old system” which burdens the Thomasians remains inside the university. “Instead of being a wellspring of hope, TOFI remains a bitter reality that annually burdens young Thomasians,” according to the statement. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) allows UST and other private universities to increase fees.

In the past academic year at UST, the tuition increase hit 6%, and for the academic year 2023-2024, students are facing an increase of up to 4%-10% depending on the college. “This continuous TOFI undeniably burdens the Thomasians, especially students whose parents are severely affected by the economic crisis,” the groups said.

They added that this second semester surprised the students with a high downpayment enrollment requirement which the groups say is “the university’s clear measure to ensure capital through excessive charging.” Transferrees will also not be reimbursed.

Besides this, UST also charges a “late enrollment fee” which is worsened by the complicated and bureaucratic process of requiring what the university calls a “mental health clearance.” The delays in enrollment requires them to pay additional fees.

The groups condemned the use of “consultation” to justify the tuition increase. They said the consultations conducted became mere formality as students were not allowed to participate.

Amid rising tuition fees, UST apparently does not even follow the rightful allocation of funds it collects. Based on the agreement, 70% of the tuition fee increase should go to teachers and non-teaching staff, while 30% should be allocated for facilities.

“However, despite the almost ₱214 million tuition fee increase in AY 2023-2024, teachers have yet to receive their rightful share,” they added. The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and teachers’ union remain pending because UST refuses to grant the union’s just demands.

The groups also denounce the lack of academic spaces inside the university which becomes a hindrance to effective student learning. The groups said these schemes by UST show the commercialized system of education in the country, where profit is given more priority than the right of students to affordable education.

They call on fellow Thomasians to call out UST for its exploitative policies that clearly contradict its boasted core values of “compassion, competence, and commitment.” “It’s time to unite and condemn this system…young Thomasians have the right to fight for just education!” they said.