Senator Raffy Tulfo has sought to investigate the permanent closure of the Colegio de San Lorenzo (CDSL) in Quezon City which he described as “abrupt, reckless, indiscriminate and unceremonious.”
“The sudden permanent closure of Colegio de San Lorenzo, despite the contingency measures adopted thereafter, has caused extreme prejudice, physical, psychological, and mental anguish to both the students and parents,” he said in filing Senate Resolution No. 156.
He stressed that such kind of closure should be thoroughly probed as no notice was sent to the Department of Education (DepEd), the teachers, and employees of the school. Macon Ramos-Araneta
Moreover, Tulfo said the school also did not notify the students and their parents who were even made to pay tuition.
On Aug. 15, the Colegio de San Lorenzo Catholic school in Barangay Toro, Quezon City announced its permanent closure after 34 years of existence and operation.
It cited among others, “financial instability and lack of financial viability brought about by the ongoing pandemic.”
The school’s permanent closure, without online options even for graduating students, was announced by the school’s officials on the very same day, Aug. 15, when the first day of the academic year was supposed to commence.
DepEd Spokesperson Michael Poa on Aug. 16 confirmed that CDSL did not formally inform DepEd of their intent to close.
Following the untimely closure, several teachers and students from the institution aired their grievances to Tulfo, through his program, “Wanted sa Radyo.” fhe senator vowed to help them by filing a Senate Resolution, in aid of legislation, about the issue.
While CDSL reportedly refunded some students who have paid their school fees following the interference and assistance of the Quezon City local government, Tulfo lamented how “the school’s undertaking to coordinate with other schools which can accept displaced students and assimilate employees who lost their jobs manifestly came as a mere afterthought.”