A STUDENT group from the University of the East-Caloocan on Wednesday demanded that the school explain its decision to cut down the scholarship grant of student athletes for Academic Year 2021-2022.

Saida Manap, Central Student Council president, said UE will only grant half a scholarship to athletes despite reports that it will collect P698.98 sports development fee from each student.

“We would like to know the reason why the administration makes such a move without any consultation with the student body. Above their passion for sports, student-athletes earn scholarships in order to attend a university,” Manap said in a letter to UE President Ester Garcia.

“We stand firmly by our belief that student-athletes should receive utmost support and assistance from the University for they had an enormous contribution and a lot of them hoping that the University they are in will help them in all means to achieve their dreams, passion, and pride of the University,” she added.

Citing that many athletes came from low-income families, Manap stressed that scholarship means the “difference between success and homelessness for them.”

“Without financial assistance, their impressive athletic performance might be replaced by discouragement. They won’t have the chance to compete at a higher level, or more importantly, ear a college degree and qualify for a high paying job,” she said.

Manap urged school officials to be transparent on how the sports development fee will be used.

“The University confidently said that they have concrete plans and are ready for the opening of classes which will start in a couple of days,” she said.

“The administration must give a solution ahead of time without sacrificing the promises and goals to the affected athletes and coaches who gave their efforts, sacrifices, passion and commitment,” she added.