170 private schools in Metro raising tuition

The Department of Education (DepEd) has granted the request of 170 private elementary and high schools in the National Capital Region to increase tuition in the coming school year.

Data from the DepEd regional office in Metro Manila showed that Quezon City has the most number of schools allowed to hike tuition at 51, followed by Manila (36), Pasig (14) and Marikina (11).

The rest of Metro Manila cities have fewer than 10 private schools that were allowed to raise tuition, except Navotas with no approved applications.

The number of schools allowed to hike tuition in Metro Manila was lower than last year ’s 183. There are over 2,000 private schools in the NCR.

Education Undersecretary Jesus Mateo said they have yet to receive data on the approved tuition hike applica- tions from other regions.

He said applications are thoroughly reviewed by DepEd regional officials before they make a decision.

Under Republic Act 6728 or the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, private schools are required to allocate 70 percent of the increase for the payment of salaries, wages, allowances and other benefits of teaching and nonteaching personnel.

Twenty percent should be allocated for the improvement or acquisition of facilities, or modernization of buildings, equipment, libraries, laboratories and other similar facilities and the payment of other costs of operation.

The remaining 10 percent may be allocated for the return of investment or operational costs.

Based on DepEd guidelines, private schools may adopt their own school calendar provided that they fulfill the minimum number of required contact days between teachers and students.

Classes in public schools will begin on June 4.