St. Joseph College of Baggao, (SJCB) has expressed concern over a measure that prohibits any school policy that prohibits students from taking examinations due to unpaid tuition fees. The measure was recently proposed by the Philippine Congress as a part of a broader education reform bill.

SJCB’s administration acknowledged the government’s efforts to improve access to education by reducing the financial burden on families. However, they pointed out that the proposed measure could undermine the financial stability of private schools, which rely on tuition fees to operate.

The measure fails to take into account the significant expenses associated with providing quality education, including teacher salaries, classroom maintenance, and instructional materials. If approved, this measure could result in financial losses, making it challenging for private schools to continue operations and maintain the same level of educational quality.

Moreover, SJCB is concerned that the proposed measure could negatively impact the overall quality of education. With unpaid tuition fees, schools may have to consider cutting costs in other areas, such as hiring qualified teachers, investing in school facilities, and purchasing instructional materials. Ultimately, this could lead to lower-quality education that could harm students’ academic growth and development.

SJCB acknowledged that no student should be denied an education due to financial constraints. In response, the school implemented various policies that help students and their families manage their tuition fees. They offered scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages to those who need them. SJCB also provides flexible payment terms to those who are experiencing financial difficulties.

The school administration expressed that students’ education is essential, but private schools also need adequate financial support to deliver standards-based education adequately. They called for the government to provide financial support to private schools to encourage them to continue offering quality education that meets the needs of the students.

In conclusion, while SJCB believes that the education reform bill proposed an essential goal, they strongly oppose any measure that could undermine the financial stability of private schools. If the provision prohibiting schools from refusing students with unpaid tuition fees from examinations is included in the final bill, it could harm not just private schools but also the students. SJCB encourages the government to reconsider this measure and consider alternative ways to help families manage their tuition fees while supporting schools’ financial stability.