MANILA – The permanent closure of Colegio de San Lorenzo (CDSL) is a voluntary move without prior notification, according to the Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday.
In a Viber message, DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa said they need the assurance that “transfer of credentials of affected students” are processed and released before acknowledging the school’s closure.
“Upon verifying the matter with the Regional Director concerned, Colegio de San Lorenzo had no prior communication with DepEd re[garding] the closure. They did not formally inform the Department of their intent to close. This is a voluntary closure as provided under Sec. 43 of [Department Order] 88 s. 2010,” he said.
On Monday evening, the CDSL confirmed its closure on its Facebook page, saying they have resorted to the permanent closure following their 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 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 CDSL said.
Moreover, the institution ensured a full refund of initial enrollees’ expenses.
“We will initiate a full refund of fees paid (i.e. tuition, uniform expenses, book expenses) and assist all students for their transfer to other schools and educational institutions by timely releasing their records and credentials for such purpose,” the school added.
The DepEd, meanwhile, said affected learners should be given priority to be transferred to schools as the official reopening of classes nears.
“On the part of DepEd, our primary concern is the learners. There is already a private school in QC that got in touch with DepEd and informed us that they are willing to absorb students, particularly Grades 11 and 12 at the same tuition rate as that of Colegio de San Lorenzo. We hope more schools will do the same,” Poa said.
In line with this, several schools have posted their intent to welcome cross enrollees including College of Saint Catherine and Villagers Montessori College in Quezon City. (PNA)
