Silliman University condemns Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raymond Palatino’s inclusion of the University to his list of schools with “bizarre and unfathomable” miscellaneous fees. Rep. Palatino was quoted to have cited Silliman’s “Stones and Pebbles Fee” to the Senate Committee on Education, during his presentation on unreasonable charges by schools hidden in the form of miscellaneous fees. We consider his move misinformed. Stones and Pebbles is the name of the school publication of the Elementary Department of Silliman University.
The “Stones and Pebbles Fee” is specific to the Elementary Department. It is in the amount of P165 and is used to subsidize the operations of the school publication which include printing and participation in schools press conferences. (A bit of history: Stones and Pebbles, established in 1967, is one of three student publications in Silliman; the Junior Sillimanian for High School and the Weekly Sillimanian [the country’s oldest campus publication which started as Silliman Truth in 1903] for college.) It is unfair for Rep. Palatino to focus on Silliman without verification. Statements made in public by individuals of his stature impact on public perception and policy. It is incumbent on them to be more responsible with their statements. Silliman University values any person’s right of opinion, but we cannot tolerate misinformation that tramples on our institutional reputation. Silliman University has always been transparent with its tuition and fees. We probably are the only university that makes available in full our Schedules of Fees across all levels on the website, www.su.edu.ph (“Tuition and Fees” tab).
For quick reference: http://beta.su.edu.ph/page/52-Scheduleof-Fees. This policy on transparency is consistent with our institutional thrust and our mandate as one of select few universities granted Full Autonomous Status by CHED. The University remains open to Rep. Palatino, in whatever way we can be of assistance to him in achieving our common goal of providing quality education. (Mark Raygan Garcia/SU, OIP)
