STUDENTS ALL PRAISES; BREAKS DOWN FINANCIAL BARRIERS

March 23, 2024 Metro BLISTT

Prohibition ‘no permit no exam’ policy

BAGUIO CITY

Students in the city are celebrating the passage of a new law stopping the controversial “no permit, no exam” policy.
This developed after Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act (RA) 11984 or the ‘No Permit, No Exam’ Prohibition Act on March 11. This landmark legislation not only breaks down financial barriers but also solidifies the belief that education should be accessible to all, regardless of one’s economic standing. The law’s abolition marks a significant victory for educational accessibility, igniting a wave of relief and joy among students and educators alike.

This school policy, which barred students with unpaid tuition from taking exams, has created a barrier to education for many, particularly those from low-income families and working students. Adrian De Guzman, a student of Business Administration Major in Financial Management in the University of Cordilleras, who temporarily paused his studies to work and fund his education, lauds this legislative change as a monumental encouragement for students like him. De Guzman’s narrative sheds light on the harsh realities faced by working students who juggle employment and education to fulfill their academic obligations amidst financial constraints.

Janieca Edejer, a working student in University of Baguio, independent, and bread winner of the family, shares her
personal struggle and relief. “Masaya akong malaman ang batas na ito. Dahil bilang isang estudyante na pinapa-aral
ang sarili, nagta trabaho ako sa umaga habang nag aaral sa gabi. Ang pahintulutang makapag exam dahil lang hindi bayad ang tuition fee ay sobrang nakaka durog ng puso sa isang estudyanteng nais lamang makatapos at makapag aral.’ Maraming paraan para masiguro na makakapag bayad ang mga estudyante ng kanilang responsibilidad na
tuition fee pero ang pagbawalang maka pag exam ay dapat na hindi kasali at tuluyan nang ibasura ang sistema na ito, ‘ Edejer said.

‘Minsan ko na din itong naranasan, at isang ang No Permit, No Exam policy na ito kung bakit natigil ako ng dalawang taon sa aking pag aaral.’ Camillin M. Mahusay, a single parent who singlehandedly supports and send her four children to school, appreciates the law: “Mas okay sa aming mga mahihirap kagaya ko na solo parent na hindi kaya na pag aralin ang mga anak ng sabay sabay para maka tuloy parin ang kanilang pag aaral kahit hindi pa bayad yung tuition fee kung sakali.” “Masaya dahil mapag papatuloy ng anak ko ang pag aaral nila ng hindi iniisip kung saan kukuha ng agarang pagkukuhanan ng pang bayad.”

From the academic side, Philip Irving G. Jacinto, a faculty member, UC-CITCS, acknowledged the policy’s dual
impact. As a college instructor, there are two perspective to consider– the school and students. From the school’s
viewpoint, complying with this policy might lead to financial losses, potentially prompting teaching and non-teaching staff to resign. However, it can also serve as an advantage for the school, as this will attract students especially those who are at their financial disadvantage to enroll and study.”

“As for the students, this is certainly beneficial. I have observed that many students were unable to take their exams,
or worse, had to discontinue due to financial reasons. However, having this policy enables them to continue their
studies regardless of their financial status,” he added. While the new law presents benefits for students and parents, highlighting a message that no student should have to choose between their education and their financial predicament, it poses challenges for schools, requiring them to adapt without compromising their financial stability.

The Act underscores a crucial balance between ensuring educational accessibility for students and navigating the financial implications for schools, paving the way for a more understanding and supportive educational environment.

Katrine Dumling/UB-Intern