By NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS OF THE PHILIPPINES
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — The relocation of 8,000 School of Business and Accountancy, Saint Louis University students in Bakakeng campus called for reinforcement of transportation and housing availability. For the students, this also demanded reinforcement in terms of financel aspect. The classes have started for two weeks now; still, students continue to encounter problems in the new campus.

One major problem SLU students face is the sudden increase in boarding house rents. The new rates are twice higher than the normal rent in the former campus.

For bed space rooms, a student pays P3000 – P4500 while a small room costs P6000. This burden is a big kick to all students. Thus, the National Union of Students of the Philippines Baguio-Benguet (NUSP-BB) appeals on the matter. “Boarding house owners should be considerate to students and not be too abusive of the housing demand,” said Finela Mejia, NUSP-BB chairperson.

Because of this, some students bear the hassle of travelling from afar while the others were left no choice but to put up additional budget for house rent.

Mejia also addressed the issue to the city government. “We call on the new city council members to intervene in this concern and regulate the rents. They should ensure the safety of students in Baguio since they constitute a big block who contribute to the city’s economy,” she said.

Aside from this, there are other inconveniences the students experience in the new campus. Such problems include expensive fare, lack of police visibility and streetlights in the area, sanitation measures of the canteen near the campus. Again, these problems should be addressed seriously.

“We are aware that the city government has created a committee in 2009 initiated by Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda that intends to monitor and address students concerns including the mentioned problems. Thus, the activation of this committee can help in addressing this concern,” added Mejia.

While problems like these arise, the Commission on Higher Education compliments this idea of having community-based university. According to the Ched, such move is a great help in proliferating business in the community.

Hence, it proudly encourages other schools to do the same. If this suggestion is heeded by other schools, community-based schools will soon grow in number.However, the capacity of the school, city, and community itself should be equally considered.

“CHEd should actively do its task of monitoring if this kind of move is favorable to students and that their needs are properly attended to before considering such move,” Mejia completed. # nordis.net