CoTeSCUP - National Consultation

About the Event

A landmark gathering for private education workers across the Philippines

The 1st National Consultation for Private-Academic School Unions brings together educators, staff, and union leaders from across the Philippines to discuss critical issues facing private education workers. This historic event aims to unite the sector, share best practices, and develop strategies to ensure dignity, justice, and decent work for all private education professionals.

Key Challenges & Government Initiatives for Decent Work

Based on presentations from CHED, DOLE, and COTESCUP at the 1st National Consultation

CHED Initiatives

SIKAP Scholarship – Graduate studies for teaching and non‑teaching personnel in recognized HEIs.
Review of CMO No. 03, s. 2012 – Guidelines on tuition and other fee increases.
Review of CMO 40 (MORPHE) – Manual of Operations for Private HEIs (probation, workload).
Commitment to stakeholder engagement for faculty development and welfare.

Focus: Quality assurance, policy review, faculty development

DOLE Programs

WODP Plus – Training, scholarships, and livelihood for union officers and members.
National Education ITC (NEITC) – Tripartite council for education‑sector policies.
E.O. 97 (Omnibus Guidelines) – Protection of freedom of association and against union‑busting.
Labor Education Act (RA 11551) – Integration of labor education in tertiary and TVET curricula.
Conciliation‑mediation and inspection services to enforce labor standards.

Focus: Labor standards, social dialogue, union capacity‑building

COTESCUP Advocacy

Defend union rights – oppose fake faculty clubs, contractualization, and misuse of “academic freedom”.
Enforce RA 6728 (70% rule) – tuition increases must benefit personnel; demand transparency and audit of all revenues.
Harmonize conflicting laws – align CHED regulations (probation, workload) with Labor Code protections.
Proposed reforms to CHED CMO No. 3 and MORPHE; include workers’ voice in EDCOM II/III.

Focus: Structural reform, transparency, collective power

These three perspectives converge on the need for structural reform, transparency, and social dialogue to achieve decent work in private education. The 1st National Consultation is the starting point for sector‑wide action.