In light of the changes in the school calendar, the Department of Education (DepEd) has extended the deadline for consultation and submission of applications for private schools that intend to adjust their tuition and other fees this upcoming school year.
In DepEd Memorandum No. 007 series of 2022 signed by Education Secretary Leonor Briones, the agency announced the adjustments to the period of consultation and application for changes in tuition and other school fees by private educational institutions in light of the adjusted school calendar for the school year (SY) 2022-2023.
DepEd said that given the adjustments made to the School Calendar for SY 2021-2022, which “consequently necessitate adjustments” to the school calendar for the upcoming SY 2022-2023, and to “provide private educational institutions ample time to assess the necessary fees, as well as fully comply with consultations and other requirements,” the periods for consultation and application have been adjusted for private schools.
“The deadline for the consultation is extended from March 30 to June 30, 2022,” DepEd said.
Meanwhile, the deadline for submission of application and documentary requirements has been extended from May 15 to August 15, 2022.
“This adjustment shall apply to consultation and application for changes in tuition and other school fees that will be charged in the upcoming SY 2022-2023 only,” DepEd explained.
DepEd said that “any private school, which desires to revise its rates of tuition or other school fees or charges or to impose fees or charges” needs to apply with the Regional Director under DepEd Order No. 88 series of 2010.
Citing the 2010 Revised Manual of Regulations for Private Schools, DepEd noted that “any proposed increase in tuition or other school fees as well as new fees or charges” need to be subjected to “appropriate consultations conducted by the school” with the duly organized student government and with the parents of the students.
Based on DO No. 12 s. 1997, the consultations must be completed not later than March 30 of every school year, and that applications shall be submitted no later than
May 15 of every school year.
Under Republic Act (RA) No. 11480 titled “An Act Amending Section 3 of Republic Act No. 7797, Otherwise Known as An Act to Lengthen the School Calendar from Two Hundred (200) Days to Not More Than Two Hundred Twenty (220) Class Days, the opening of classes for SY 2021-2022 was moved to Sept. 13, 2021.
Private or non-DepEd schools that had already started classes, or were scheduled to start classes ahead of Sept. 13 were allowed to proceed provided they strictly use distance learning modalities only and that there are no face-to-face classes.
Related to this development, DepEd instructed its Regional Directors to “review the application of new and/or increase in tuition and other school fees in light of its reasonableness” for the continued delivery of basic education services under flexible modes and the requirements under existing and applicable policies.