Teachers at AITSA in Cabuyao, Laguna, claim they’re facing delayed payments, no benefits, and sub-minimum wages, sparking outrage and calls for intervention.
Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines – The Asian Institute of Technology, Sciences and the Arts (AITSA), located at #35 P. Burgos Street, Poblacion Uno, Cabuyao, Laguna, and with extensions in other parts of Laguna and Batangas, is currently embroiled in a series of complaints regarding unpaid salaries and alleged exploitation of its teaching staff.
Numerous teachers have come forward with accusations of delayed payments, a lack of benefits, and wages that do not comply with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) standards. Records from both DOLE and the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) indicate that AITSA has a history of labor-related issues and ongoing liabilities.
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“The salary of teachers here does not align with DOLE regulations,” one teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, stated. “Overtime is not compensated, and if there are no classes, there is no pay. The base salary is just minimum wage.”
Teachers claim they are handling a significant number of subjects, yet their compensation is allegedly comparable to that of domestic helpers, with some teachers claiming they earn less than household staff.
“We are appealing to others: do not come here to gain experience; it will ruin your life,” another teacher warned.
The allegations include:
- Delayed and Unpaid Salaries: Teachers report significant delays in receiving their wages.
- Lack of Benefits: Staff members claim they are not receiving legally mandated benefits.
- Sub-Minimum Wage: Despite handling multiple subjects, teachers allege they are paid minimum wage or less.
- Uncompensated Overtime: Overtime hours are reportedly not being paid in accordance with labor laws.
- No Pay for Days Without Classes: Teachers claim they only receive payment for days when classes are in session, leaving them without income during school holidays or cancellations.
AITSA has yet to release an official statement addressing these allegations. The situation remains ongoing, with affected teachers seeking intervention from labor authorities to address what they describe as unfair and exploitative labor practices.
AITSA Accused of “Free Uniform” Bait-and-Switch Scheme
The Asian Institute of Technology, Sciences and the Arts (AITSA) is facing accusations of deceptive practices, with parents claiming the school lures them in with promises of “free uniforms” and then hits them with a barrage of unexpected fees.
Parents are alleging that AITSA uses the promise of free uniforms as a major incentive to get children to enroll. However, the uniforms are either significantly delayed, never materialize, or are only provided if parents pay extra.
“They promised a free uniform, but it took so long to arrive. The school year ended, and we still hadn’t received it. Some parents just ended up paying to get one,” said one parent, who wished to remain anonymous.
Beyond the uniform issue, numerous parents are complaining about a constant stream of monthly fees that contradict the initial promise of “no payments.”
“They said there would be no fees, but it’s a mountain of expenses. Every activity has a charge,” another parent lamented. “It’s too much for a poor mother to handle.”
These practices potentially violate the Department of Education’s (DepEd) “No Collection Policy,” which aims to prevent public schools from collecting unauthorized fees from students. While AITSA is a private institution, it is still expected to adhere to ethical standards and transparency regarding fees.
The DepEd’s Order No. 41, s. 2006, requires private schools to submit their schedule of fees to the DepEd before the start of the school year. They are also obligated to inform parents about any potential increases in tuition fees and other charges.
Parents are calling on authorities to investigate AITSA for alleged deception and potential violations of DepEd policies. They hope that by bringing these issues to light, they can bring about change and ensure that promises made to them are kept.
The “No Collection Policy” Explained:
The “No Collection Policy” (DepEd Order No. 41, s. 2006) primarily applies to public schools and aims to ensure that education is accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background. It prohibits the collection of fees for various activities and contributions unless specifically authorized by the DepEd. While private schools have more autonomy in setting fees, they are still expected to be transparent and reasonable in their charges, and to avoid misleading parents about the true cost of education.
AITSA Officials Silent Amidst Rising Accusations of Labor and Fee Irregularities
As allegations of unpaid wages, teacher exploitation, and deceptive fee practices continue to mount against the Asian Institute of Technology, Sciences and the Arts (AITSA), key school officials have yet to respond to requests for comment.
AITSA School Administrator Jan Fredmond N. Capuso and School Industry Linkages Supervisor Jay Marie B. Marbella, along with Ms. Ronalisa Mae D. Ramil, have been named as central figures in the administration as the controversy unfolds.
Our news team made multiple attempts to contact AITSA officials, including Mr. Capuso, Ms. Marbella, and Ms. Ramil, to provide them with an opportunity to address the accusations directly. As of press time, no response has been received.
In the interest of fairness and journalistic integrity, we are committed to providing AITSA with a platform to present their side of the story. We encourage school officials to come forward and address these serious allegations.
Furthermore, we aim to bring this matter to the attention of the appropriate departments within the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation. The goal is to ensure that AITSA’s practices align with DepEd regulations and that the rights of teachers and students are protected.