After over three decades since its establishment, Colegio de San Lorenzo in Quezon City is permanently closing its doors. In an official memo released on August 15, 2022, the private institution explained that the closure was caused by “financial instability” and “consistent low enrollment turnout.”
"With a very heavy heart, we would like to inform you that due to the financial instability and lack of financial viability brought about by the ongoing pandemic and exacerbated by consistent low enrollment turnout over the past years, the Board of Trustees has come to the painful and difficult decision to permanently close our educational institution, Colegio de San Lorenzo," the statement read.
"While students have already enrolled for the upcoming school year 2022-2023, it would be difficult for Colegio De San Lorenzo to continue operating due to the low turnout of enrolees this year," the Board of Trustees added.
The sudden closure was met with harsh criticism from students and parents alike as they had already paid for their tuition, uniforms, and books. Although officials reassured that everyone will be given a full refund, students and parents still vented out their frustrations during an on-campus general assembly yesterday.
“Noong Thursday, Friday, pinag-e-enroll pa. Bigla niyong ihihinto, ano to?” A parent said during the assembly. “Ang hiling ko po, sana sa pinakamabilis na araw ma-i-release niyo po lahat ng kailangan ng estudyante dahil hindi na po kayang maghintay.”
The administration claimed that they will be helping students transfer to other schools by releasing their records immediately and coordinating with similar institutions. Nevertheless, others pointed out that it may be too late to enroll in another school now that on-site classes have already resumed.
“Siyempre, natatakot din po kami sa mga future ng anak namin. Biruin mo, 22 na po ‘yung pasukan. Kawawa naman po mga anak namin, wala na pong lilipatan, wala kaming enough time,” one parent revealed in an interview with TV Patrol.
People also took to social media to express their anger, noting that the sudden closure will especially affect graduating students and displaced teachers.
This morning, Department of Education Spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa clarified that the college didn’t formally inform DepEd of their closure.
From The Candy Bulletin Community
