Oro ordinance on student rights gets council approval

THE 20th City Council passed on Monday Ordinance No. 2023-323 or the Code of Student Rights and Welfare that’s aimed at informing and involving students on issues affecting their welfare.

“The Code would inform the students on the regulations relating to their schooling, particularly in protecting them from sudden increases in school tuition,” said Councilor John Michael Seno, a proponent of the ordinance who chairs the council’s youth and sports development committee.

During the program ‘Ang Inyong Konseho Karon’ hosted by the City Information Office, Seno cited the tuition increases that were imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic even when schools were shut down. Seno said the ordinance would empower the students to vent their sentiments on issues directly affecting them.

Seno said protocols are being followed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on tuition increases such as requiring public consultation that would ensure representation from students.

“The Code for Students Rights and Welfare informs and seeks to involve the city’s students in pursuing their rights on issues affecting them,” he said.

The measure was one of two ordinances lobbied by the Oro Youth Development Council. The other ordinance was the Cagayan de Oro City Diversity and Equality Ordinance (CDEO) which Seno explained prohibits the discrimination of people due to their sexual orientation and religious beliefs.

Seno, whose term as Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation president ends on Oct. 30, said the Code of Students Rights and Welfare was the first such local law in the country.

During last Monday’s council session, provisions of the ordinance such as providing funds for the program and the inclusion of primary education institutions were amended.

Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, who chairs the council’s laws and rules committee, said a certification issued by the Local Finance Committee citing the availability of funds is required for any project. Magtajas-Daba explained that the program will be funded by the budget allocated to the Oro Youth Development Office.

She and Seno also said the code will apply to Senior High and tertiary education students and not to primary education students.

Aside from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regional office, the ordinance also secured support from student groups like the Xavier University Central Student Government and non-government organization Balaod Mindanao. (Stephen Capillas of City Information Office)