AMID GLOBAL COST PRESSURES - UC freezes tuition

Go rolls out support programs to AWG Group employees

As rising fuel and commodity prices continue to strain household budgets due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, University of Cebu (UC) chairman Atty, Auguste W. Go announced today a set of measures aimed at helping ease the burden on students, employees, and their families.

In a press briefing at the UC Jones Campus, Go declared no tuition fee increase will be implemented at UC for the upcoming school year, an effort to keep education accessible amid economic uncertainty.

"Education should not become heavier at a time when families are already carrying so much," Go said. "This is our way of standing with our students and their parents."

Beyond tuition relief, Go also introduced a motorcycle loan program for employees across the AWG (Augusto W. Go) Group, offering interest rates significantly lower than those available in commercial banks.

The initiative aims to provide a more affordable transportation option as fuel prices and commuting costs continue to rise, he explained.

"We want to give our employees practical solutions," he said. "If we can help them move more efficiently and save on daily expenses, then we are easing real burdens at home."

Passport

The UC chairman also formally presented the AWG Employees Wellness and Privileges Passport, now being distributed to employees across his various institutions.

The passport grants access to a wide range of benefits extending beyond the workplace, including healthcare, education, financial services, and lifestyle support for both employees and their extended families.

"This passport is not just a benefit. It is a commitment," Go emphasized. "As our organizations grow, our people and their families should grow with us."

The AWG Group of Companies, enterprises in education, healthcare, hospitality, banking and finance, and other service sectors, employs thousands across the country.

The group includes UC, UC Medical Center, St. Vincent General Hospital, Cebu Coliseum, ASPAC Bank, and Visayan Surety and Insurance Corp., among others.

For Go, the initiatives reflect a broader responsibility of institutions, especially in times of crisis.

"In moments like this, we cannot simply watch costs rise and do nothing," he said. "We must act where we can, and do what is right for the people who depend on us."