Anakbayan-Adamson University (AdU) called on fellow students to wear black clothing from April 7 to April 11 to show opposition to the planned 5% tuition increase at the university. The Adamson University administration submitted the proposed increase on March 24 to the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).

“With general expenses rising, including the LRT fare, our current daily allowance is clearly not enough. Then tuition increases every semester?” Anakbayan-AdU lamented. The group added that this is a heavy financial burden and a clear threat to students’ right to education.

On January 17, a “consultation” was held regarding the Tuition Fee Increase (TFI) for the 2025-2026 academic year. The administration pushed for a 5% hike, equivalent to an additional ₱2,500 in tuition, allegedly to address rising costs for equipment, services, facilities, and insufficient staff wages. The university last imposed a tuition increase in 2022, up by 5.8%.

“Despite strong student opposition, Adamson’s administration still pushed through with the TFI,” according to Anakbayan-AdU. The group stated that Adamson University’s Office for Student Affairs director confirmed the consultation with the Adamson University Student Government (AUSG) was merely a “formality” complying with a CHEd requirement.

“Do students really have a voice in their educational future, or was the decision predetermined before they could speak? This proves such processes are meaningless for affected student sectors,” the group declared.

Anakbayan-AdU challenged students to unite in expressing their grievances to the administration. “They can consider one voice merely as a whisper in their ears. But by organizing, even the softest whisper becomes a powerful noise. Through organizing, students’ disgruntled and united voices can shake the very foundation of the university,” the group stated.

Meanwhile, the AUSG issued a statement on April 9 retracting its decision to “agree” with the proposed tuition hike. It will be recalled that the council “agreed” to the proposal during the administration’s January “consultation.”

According to the council, they released a clarification statement following student demands and numerous messages to them. “We now retract our support and oppose the current [TFI] proposal, as we can no longer stand by the process as it unfolded,” the council stated.

The council apologized to students for its silence on the issue and expressed readiness to face accountability and consequences. They acknowledged their shortcomings, particularly students’ perception of being abandoned by their council regarding opposition to the tuition hike.

Anakbayan-AdU emphasized this is a major challenge for Adamsonians to fight for students’ democratic rights. “This is also a challenge for AUSG and Recognized School Organizations (RSOs) to speak up and stand for their constituents’ interests,” it added.

“Let us collectively demand truly patriotic, scientific, and mass-oriented education!” Anakbayan-AdU concluded.