By Glen Andrea Omandam and Chaz Vanhaltren
Silliman University health-allied programs urged for visible improvements in facilities and services following the 8-percent tuition fee increase (TFI) for new students.
SU released an advisory on May 8 detailing adjustments in tuition and miscellaneous fees for new students in the academic year 2026-2027.
Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences Governor Yara Patrice Formento said students only learned about the increase after SU released its memorandum.
“Among main [laboratory and] buildings before, kapila to ma agyan earthquakes, so of course, the threat among safety of learning first and foremost,” she said. “And we felt like sa kadako sang tuition nganong inani gihapon among circumstances.”
Formento also raised concerns about the aging condition of Roble Hall and Ethel Chapman Hall since they used the buildings since the 1970s.
“We were not really given any details. It’s just speculation,” Institute of Rehabilitative Sciences (IRS) Vice Governor for External Affairs Kitz Altonaga said.
He said discussions about a proposed building in front of Channon Hall and increased Wi-Fi-related costs led some students to believe these factors contributed to the TFI.
Meanwhile, SU College of Nursing Association (SUCNA) Governor Karyl Lemence said rising operational and utility costs, particularly in simulation laboratories, explained the increase.
“If tuition is rising to meet inflation and the cost of living, why is there a noticeable silence regarding a proportional wage increase for our faculty and staff,” she said.
Lemence urged the administration to ensure that higher fees result in meaningful improvements for students and fair compensation for faculty members.
Meanwhile, SUSG Assembly Speaker Rep. Uldarico II Calasang said they were consulted before the increase was announced but were not given a detailed breakdown.
“For the exact numbers, it’s a bit vague. But admittedly, they did try and attempt to really inform us of the decisions that they’ve made,” he said.
Calasang also revealed no document outlining the fees and said that the SU administration “lacked transparency about how the fees would be allocated to address college concerns.”
Meanwhile, SUSG Speaker Pro Tempore Bianca Ysabel Muñoz said that SU should acknowledge its scholars given its title as Center of Excellence.
Silliman University’s most recent adjustment marks the second 8-percent increase previously implemented for new students in academic year 2024-2025.
Editorial note: The Weekly Sillimanian received no response from SU Chief Finance Officer Atty. Eduisa Rositte Diocos regarding the TFI and concerns raised by students.
