The Coordinating Council of Private Education Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA) has requested the Senate and the House of Representatives to defer the bicameral deliberations on the measure that may prohibit the “no-permit-no-exam” coverage in personal studying establishments.
In an announcement, the COCOPEA mentioned that if handed, Senate Bill (SB) 1359 and House Bill (HB) 7584 would impose “prohibitive provisions” that will have an effect on the well timed assortment of tuition charges and would affect the operations of personal establishments “still struggling to recover from the long school closures closed by the pandemic”.
On March 20, the Senate handed on the third and ultimate studying SB 1359 whereas HB 7584 hurdled the second studying on the House of Representatives on March 21.
“We urge lawmakers to defer the bicameral committee deliberations and hear the private educational sector’s voice,” COCOPEA Spokesperson Bernard Villamor mentioned in a press assertion.
“We understand the intent of SB 1359 and B 7584 is to alleviate the financial burden on students and their families. However, it is also important to find a balanced solution that addresses the needs of both students and private educational institutions, without undermining the stability and quality of education these schools provide,” he added.
Members of the COCOPEA embrace the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities, the Unified Technical and Vocational Education and Training of the Philippines Inc., and the Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities.
Villamor mentioned many personal establishments have been reliant on regular money stream and warned that chopping it could lead to job losses and disenfranchisement of scholars.
He additionally mentioned personal faculties had mechanisms to assist financially challenged college students reminiscent of installment plans and scholarship packages however the passage of the regulation might drive them to be “constrained to limit or altogether remove extending these options since it cannot be effectively enforced due to the proposed bills”.
“Our collective position is not against student support and assistance. But we hope our lawmakers could find more creative ways to help deserving students who are in need of financial assistance, but not at the expense of the private educational institutions’ sustainability and survival,” he added.
Villamor mentioned personal faculties have been keen to collaborate with legislators in exploring extra choices for the scholars.
“In conclusion, we urge our lawmakers to pause and reconsider the proposed bills and engage in a constructive dialogue with the private education sector to develop solutions that ensure both the financial stability of private institutions and the accessibility of education for all students,” Villamore mentioned.
“By working together, we can overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for our students, our schools, and our nation,” he added. —NB, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
