AT a time when student rights and welfare are receiving increased attention, the city of Cagayan de Oro has stepped up.
On Monday, the 20th City Council approved a groundbreaking ordinance designed to protect and promote the rights of students, particularly in relation to controversial issues such as tuition hikes.
The announcement was made during the program 'Ang Inyong Konseho Karon,' hosted by the City Information Office.
The ordinance, officially named Ordinance No. 2023-323 or the Comprehensive Code for Students Rights and Welfare, was jointly authored by Councilor John Michael Seno and Councilor Suzette Magtajas-Daba.
Seno, who chairs the council’s youth and sports development committee, explained that the code empowers students to voice their concerns on issues directly affecting them, such as sudden increases in school tuition.
Indeed, the issue of tuition hikes during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when schools were shut down, was a key motivating factor behind the creation of the code.
Seno emphasized that the code would ensure students are informed about and involved in regulations affecting their education, including those related to tuition increases.
The protocol for such hikes, as laid out by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), requires a public consultation process that ensures representation from students.
Seno said that the code seeks to facilitate this process, promoting student participation and advocacy in decisions affecting their rights and welfare.
The Comprehensive Code for Students Rights and Welfare is one of two ordinances advocated for by the Oro Youth Development Council.
The other ordinance, the Cagayan de Oro City Diversity and Equality Ordinance (CDEO), seeks to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and religious beliefs.
Both measures represent significant strides in the city's effort to advance the rights and welfare of its residents.
Councilor Seno, who will end his term as Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation president on October 30, noted that the Code of Students Rights and Welfare is the first of its kind in the country.
This marks a significant milestone in the history of local legislation in the Philippines.
During the council session, certain provisions of the ordinance, including the provision of 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, explained that any project requires a certification issued by the Local Finance Committee that confirms the availability of funds.
Councilor Magtajas-Daba further clarified that the program will be funded by the budget allocated to the Oro Youth Development Office.
The approved Code will apply to Senior High and tertiary education students, but not to primary education students.
The ordinance received support not only from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regional office but also from student groups such as the Xavier University Central Student Government and non-government organization Balaod Mindanao.
This collective backing underscores the broad community recognition of the importance of student rights and welfare. (With a report from CIO)
