Written by: CJC
Photo by: Christian Mungcal and Marco Aganon
A few weeks from now, AY 2020-2021 will commence, but still many are torn between enrolling or not. Many students hoped for adjustments in school fees. However, many were left disappointed upon the release of this semester’s fee breakdown. In an online set-up, it can be said that the tuition fee is not financially justifiable.
Difficulties from the previous term’s online classes will probably recur in the upcoming term such as connectivity issues. It can’t also be denied how face-to-face discussions are more effective than virtual classes. Let’s face it; we have professors that are difficult to follow in a classroom setting, what more in a zoom meeting?
Even if all students have a good internet connection, or even if all learners become fully adjusted to distance learning, there is no denying that the tuition fee is not worth every single penny. I mean all of the students are confined in their homes utilizing their own energy consumptions, and none of us are using a single facility on the campus. We can’t just turn a blind eye regarding this matter. I know that there are employees in need of compensation, and facilities to be maintained, but still, the fees should be charged with basis.
Firstly, given the number of students enrolled on the campus, there has to be another way in reducing the fees where it is enough to cover all expenses of the university. Reduction in miscellaneous fees and other fees are a huge help. In a recent viral post of a parent of an engineering student in UST, who happens to be a lawyer, she raised points regarding fees that are deemed unnecessary for an online class. In her Facebook post, she shared a complete breakdown of some fees that need to be reviewed by UST. For instance, the medical and dental fee will not benefit every student, especially those who are under 21 years old. The IATF guidelines prohibit them from going outside. Thus, they can’t avail any medical services provided by UST. Classes will also be conducted remotely, making energy fee and laboratory fee questionable.
Secondly, we are still in the middle of a pandemic. The majority has been paralyzed financially due to a lack of job opportunities. I have friends whose parents are both jobless. Friends whose families were forced to sell properties to sustain their needs. Classmates that are trying their best to promote their newly established online businesses. And, students like me who are struggling with work to help with bills to pay. These are just some of the faces of students in times of pandemic. Students who have high hopes to graduate and provide for their families. It just doesn't feel right to impose the same fees during this crisis. I think at the end of the day it still boils down to compassion and understanding.
Some may argue that students are given the option to choose not to enroll if they’re struggling financially, or mentally. This argument just proves that online classes are indeed anti-poor. If we are battling for no students left behind, then we need to open our eyes to the sad reality. Others still romanticize the situation, relating it to Filipino’s resilience, and clearly it voices out nothing but privilege. Some would say that it’s okay to be delayed because education is not a race. Well, I would embrace this with open arms if I’ll be delayed due to failure in some courses. But, to be delayed in this time of crisis because the system has failed to provide just fees, then I’ll never find it acceptable. In this time where none of us are sure if there would still be food on the table in the next few months, or if the situation would get any better. I’m sure there are students like me who sees a college degree as the only way to help in sustaining the needs of my family. Nowadays, it is not a matter of being delayed or not; it is about the survival of the fittest. And to survive, education has become a race for the underprivileged.
In the first place, it is not the student's fault to be in this situation. If we want to promote no students left behind, I believe there are other ways rather than potentially killing a student’s dream to graduate on time. Let’s stop with the toxic positivity. This will not help at all, but reviewing the current fees will. Education is for everyone, whether you're blessed with a silver spoon in your mouth or not.
They say that it is a sin to remain silent in the time of injustice, but it’s far worse to be blind and deaf. In this time where they want us to be silenced, let our voices be heard ⏤ stronger, louder, and clearer than ever.
In a few weeks time, the race will commence. Some are in their squeaky clean rubber shoes, and some are still barefooted. I hope that when the shot has been fired, all runners will be able to reach the finish line. There is still time and we can still make the race fair and square.
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