This refers to Maricar Cinco’s report, “New UP tuition scheme assailed” (Inquirer, 9/21/12).
As the secretary of the University of the Philippines and of its Board of Regents (BOR), I was present during the BOR meeting mentioned in the article.
Let me state the following:
1. The BOR did not discuss anything about a “new tuition scheme” at the September 2012 meeting.
2. The University of the Philippines has no new tuition scheme.
3. There was no voting conducted to approve a new scheme.
4. What was discussed, among others, was the proposal of the student regent, Cleve Arguelles, to remove the Bracket B Certification, retain the original practice by upholding the original policy approved by the BOR, and rule that any changes involving the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP) Bracketing or Rebracketing must go through student consultation and be approved by the BOR.
5. UP President Alfredo Pascual said during the meeting that due to the demand of the students, there is already an ongoing review of the STFAP. He added that he agrees with the proposal of the student regent to remove the Bracket B Certification but only after the institution of a proper system where clear and more determinant indicators will be used.
6. UP President Pascual intends to introduce reforms, many of which will benefit the students. This includes simplifying the application process and broadening the range of income brackets so that more students will fall in the lower ones.
I hope this clarifies matters.—LILIAN A. DE LAS LLAGAS, secretary of the university and of the board of regents