Editorial: ID F(r)ee

ID F(r)ee

As per his recent appointment as the new University President, Dr. Mario R. Briones, directed the change of signatories on identification cards (IDs) of both faculty and students—this was announced on the opening of the school year. Given priority were the freshmen who received their new IDs free of charge; however, old students on their queue to receive their own flinched at knowing the Php 150 payment. Believing that the cost of ID is in the list of fees assessment, which in fact, was answered by the government’s free education program, baffled students now question the basis for such billing. Defined on Section 3 of the Republic Act 10931 also known as the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act,” other school fees refers to fees charges by HEIs (higher education institutions) and technical-vocational institutions which cover other necessary costs supportive of instructions, specifically the following: library fees, computer fees, laboratory fees, school ID fees, athletic fees, admission fees, development fees, guidance fees, handbook fees, entrance fees, registration fees, 2 EDITorial medical and dental fees, cultural fees and other similar or related fees. The students hereby assumed about zero expense while they study in a state university like ours. The University administration’s response was clear: These old students, pertaining the second year and above, already guaranteed their free cost to ID during the first year they applied in free education; simply speaking, the allocated fund was now used up on their former ID. Written further on Section 6 of the law are the exceptions to free tertiary education which enlists the students who are ineligible to avail of the said privilege. Free tuition is only available to first-time college students. This also means that second degree takers or postgraduate studies are not exempted from paying. It is henceforth illogical pointing out the fault to the students or the admin; it is never of anyone’s responsibility why that was. This is mere coincidence that students are prompted to pay for the change of ID as the bestowal of position upon the President was pronounced. ****