A decision to hold tuition steady has drawn formal recognition from Cebu City lawmakers, placing University of Cebu (UC) president Atty. Augusto Go in the spotlight for a policy framed as relief for students amid rising costs.
The Cebu City Council on Tuesday formally recognized UC president Atty. Augusto Go as a model Cebuano after he halted a planned tuition increase and kept education costs unchanged for students.
The recognition came through a resolution approved on April 14, authored by Councilors Pancrasio Esparis, Joel Garganera, and Pablo Labra II, commending Go for withdrawing a proposed tuition hike for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña backed the measure, supporting the move to highlight Go’s decision as a student-centered response during a period of economic strain.
Go earlier announced that UC will not raise tuition fees for the upcoming academic year, citing the need to help students and families cope with rising expenses driven by fuel and commodity price increases.
“People are suffering but they need education, and I am not going to deny them that,” Go said during a press conference on April 7.
Under the policy, students who enroll at current rates will continue paying the same tuition until graduation, provided they maintain good academic standing and do not incur failing grades.
The resolution noted that Go withdrew the petition for a tuition hike to keep education accessible for struggling families and to allow students to complete their degrees without additional financial burden.
In its justification, the council described the decision as an example of social responsibility during a period of economic pressure.
“This act of kindness… is a living proof that the survival of this nation rests on the empathy we show towards our fellow human beings,” the resolution stated.
The measure also cited broader economic pressures, including global tensions affecting fuel supply and prices, which have driven up the cost of living and strained households.
These conditions, it said, have made access to education more difficult, particularly for low- and middle-income families.
Alongside the tuition freeze, Go also introduced support programs for employees under the AWG Group, including a motorcycle loan program with reduced interest rates to ease transportation costs.
He also launched the AWG Employees Wellness and Privileges Passport, which provides access to healthcare, financial services, and other benefits for employees and their families.
“This passport is not just a benefit. It is a commitment,” Go said.
He added that institutional growth should translate into improved welfare for workers and their dependents.
Go emphasized that institutions must act during economic hardship rather than remain passive.
“In moments like this, we cannot simply watch costs rise and do nothing… we must act where we can,” he said.
He also reiterated his support for maintaining face-to-face learning, stressing that quality education should not be compromised despite rising transportation costs.
With the resolution approved, the Cebu City Council formally recognized Go’s move as an example of leadership anchored on accessibility and social concern in the education sector. (LLP)
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