UC halts tuition hike to ease burden amid inflation

Students enrolling or currently studying at the University of Cebu (UC) for the academic year 2026–2027 will be unaffected by any tuition increase, as the institution implements a fee freeze for the said school year.

University president Augusto Go’s decision to halt the tuition hike was driven by the economic strain on Filipino families and the risk of declining student numbers if fees were raised.

“People are suffering, but they need education. If you raise your tuition fee while people are struggling, enrollment will drop. But if you maintain or lower tuition, more students can enroll. We will work by the volume,” Go said in a press conference at the UC Main Campus on April 7.

With the ongoing fuel price hike and commodity costs linked to the Middle East conflict, household spending has tightened, leaving many families to reassess priorities, including education.

“Education should not become heavier at a time when families are already carrying so much. This is our way of standing with our students and their parents,” Go said.

Through this measure, students enrolling next school year will continue to pay the same tuition rates and complete their courses without increases, provided they maintain passing grades.

This also ensures that students can access opportunities without financial constraints.

“This is my plan… we will not increase [the] tuition fee. The important thing is to help our people.”

Extended Services

Aside from the tuition freeze, Go rolled out additional support for employees in the Augusto W. Go (AWG) Group, including a low-interest motorcycle loan program to help reduce transportation costs.

He also introduced the AWG Employees Wellness and Privileges Passport, giving employees, and even their families, access to healthcare, financial services, and lifestyle benefits across affiliated institutions.

“This passport is not just a benefit. It is a commitment. As our organizations grow, our people and their families should grow with us,” Go said.

The passport also includes free or discounted tuition at UC campuses for qualified employees, along with reduced rates for healthcare and hospitalization at the University of Cebu Medical Center and St. Vincent General Hospital, both owned by the university president.

“In moments like this, we cannot simply watch costs rise and do nothing. We must act where we can.”