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As the 2025–2026 school year draws near, the spotlight turns to a topic that resonates with many Filipino families: tuition fee increases in private schools. But behind the headlines lies a deeper reality—one rooted not just in numbers, but in the evolving needs of the educational landscape. While some may view rising fees as burdensome, others see it as a necessary step to sustain quality education and retain competent educators.
🧑🏫📈 A Closer Look: Why Are Private Schools Increasing Tuition Fees?
The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) has confirmed that several private schools will implement tuition fee adjustments for the upcoming academic year. But far from being arbitrary, these increases reflect a broader reality: the growing financial needs of educational institutions.
According to COCOPEA legal counsel Joseph Noel Estrada, these adjustments are not just responses to inflation. They are driven primarily by the need to improve compensation for teachers and school personnel. Many educators have long been advocating for fair wages—essential not just for their livelihood, but also to retain talent and uphold the quality of learning in private institutions. After all, behind every excellent classroom experience is a dedicated, well-compensated teacher.
These tuition hikes, Estrada notes, are expected to remain within the bounds of inflation, making them relatively measured rather than excessive. Still, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) have yet to release final figures on which schools are permitted to implement increases.
🗓️📆 Shifting Calendars and Early Preparations
Another significant development accompanying this tuition news is the shift back to a June school opening for most private schools. The traditional school calendar, once disrupted by the pandemic, is gradually being restored. For educational institutions, this means early preparations—setting schedules, recalibrating academic plans, and aligning administrative workflows. For parents, it signals an earlier timeline for school-related decisions, including budgeting for new tuition fees.
🧾💰 DepEd Voucher Program: Vital Support with Lingering Issues
Amid rising tuition, many families continue to depend on the DepEd’s Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS-VP) to afford private education. This subsidy has long played a crucial role in easing the financial burden for qualified students and helping decongest public schools.
However, the program recently faced scrutiny after 54 private schools were flagged for anomalies in voucher claims covering school years 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. Of those, 38 institutions have already refunded the government in full, two made partial returns, and 14 are yet to comply. DepEd has recovered approximately ₱65 million, with final demand letters underway to secure the remaining amount.
While the irregularities affect less than 1% of total beneficiaries, Estrada warns against generalizing these issues. The SHS-VP remains a lifeline for thousands of Filipino students and should be strengthened—not sidelined—because of isolated cases.
🎓⚖️ Striking a Balance: Education Quality vs. Affordability
Navigating the balance between educational quality and affordability is a challenge shared by schools, families, and policymakers alike. Tuition increases are never welcome news to parents, yet they can represent necessary adjustments to maintain the kind of education every student deserves. Rather than viewing fee hikes as setbacks, they can be seen as investments—particularly when transparency, teacher welfare, and educational outcomes are prioritized.
As we await official approvals and school-specific announcements, one thing is clear: the evolving landscape of private education in the Philippines continues to demand thoughtful dialogue, equitable support systems, and proactive planning.