I am a current senior high school student undergoing financial strain due to high tuition fees. Like countless others, my family is burdened with the demands of ensuring a proper education for me, but the exorbitant fees make this ideal difficult to achieve. Education is pivotal in shaping our future, but access to it should not cause so much strain. According to the College Board, the average cost for high school education rises 3% each year, which is faster than the average annual inflation rate of 1.9% (source: The College Board). This trajectory indicates a growing inaccessibility to quality education for families with average income. Tuition fees need to be regulated to increase accessibility and lay down a path for our future leaders. Sign the petition to support lowering tuition fees for senior high school students.

We, the undersigned, are calling for the reduction of tuition fees for Senior High School (SHS) students in universities across the Philippines. Education is a fundamental right and an investment in the future. However, many families, including mine, are facing significant financial strain due to the ever-increasing tuition fees. This financial burden is making it increasingly difficult for students to access quality education and realize their potential.

The current tuition system, which keeps increasing every year, is making education unaffordable for many, restricting opportunities for students eager to create a better future. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reports that around 20% of Filipino families live below the poverty line, forcing many to choose between education and other basic necessities. According to the College Board, the average cost of high school education rises by about 3% annually, outpacing the inflation rate of 1.9%. This gap is making education increasingly inaccessible for families with average incomes, especially those with several children or those residing in rural areas.

For many families, tuition fees are more than just a regular expense. They account for a large part of their yearly income, and the ongoing rise in these fees puts tremendous strain on household budgets. As a result, many students find themselves having to drop out of school or look for less effective alternatives that may hinder their long-term success. Ultimately, this perpetuates a cycle of poverty that restricts our nation's capacity to develop a skilled and educated workforce.

Dep-ed offers a SHS voucher but for some families the tuition fees are still quite high. Below is an example of senior high school tuition fees depending in their strand.

 

 

 

We call for the following actions:
a). Regulating Tuition Fee Increases: Establish limits on annual tuition fee increases to match or fall below the rate of inflation, making education more affordable for families.

b). Expanding Scholarship Programs Specially for Deserving Senior High School Students: Advocate for the creation and expansion of school-based scholarship opportunities and government-funded grants for students experiencing financial hardship. Some schools offers scholarships but not for senior high school but for college students. 

c). Flexible Payment Plans: Schools should offer more flexible tuition payment options, including payment plans that are more manageable for families facing financial difficulties.

e). Increased Government Investment in Education: Encourage local and national governments to allocate more funding toward education to reduce reliance on tuition fees and make quality education accessible to all.

f). Work-Study and Internship Programs: Implement more on-campus work-study opportunities that allow students to earn while learning, easing financial burdens.

Sign the petition to lower tuition fees for Senior High School students and make education more accessible for everyone. Together, we can create a future where education is no longer a financial burden but a bridge to success.