The Quezon City government has taken the initiative to help students, parents, teachers and employees of Colegio de San Lorenzo after the school announced its permanent closure yesterday, August 15. 

The school management cited “financial instability and lack of financial viability brought about by the ongoing pandemic and exacerbated by consistent low enrollment turnout” as the reason for the closure.  

Mayor Joy Belmonte has instructed the City Legal Department headed by City Attorney Orlando Paolo Casimiro to quickly look into how the city government can help those affected and ensure as well that the school takes responsibility for all the inconveniences suffered by its stakeholders.

“We will extend all possible assistance to the students and parents, especially since the school year has started. We shall help in coordinating with other schools, colleges, and universities where affected students can transfer with their credentials credited. We need to ensure that no student will encounter any delay in their studies, especially the graduating or senior ones, and that their refund will be given quickly. The teaching and administrative personnel should also be taken cared of,” Mayor Belmonte said. 

Atty. Casimiro met Tuesday morning with the representatives of Colegio de San Lorenzo who committed full compliance to the needs of its students and teachers.

“The officials of Colegio de San Lorenzo have expressed their full cooperation in refunding tuition and other expenses such as books and uniforms; endorsing students to other schools and universities; and releasing the salaries and incentives of its teaching and non-teaching staff,” Atty. Casimiro said. 

Belmonte also added that several schools have expressed their willingness to accommodate the students. The Quezon City University is also open to accepting interested students in its three branches, especially graduating students. 

“The QCU will welcome the college students of CDSL and we will help in crediting their classes and helping them have a smooth transition to our university,” QCU President Dr. Theresita Atienza said.

Meanwhile, teachers and non-teaching personnel will be endorsed to the QC – Public Employment Service Office for possible financial assistance or prospective employment. 

Representatives of the Colegio de San Lorenzo shared that they are currently releasing the student transcripts and documents for transfer. Students with outstanding fees are also no longer required to pay said delinquencies.

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