REPRESENTATIVES of student groups in the Cagayan State University on Tuesday called on the Commission on Higher Education to immediately release the educational funds for Academic Year 2020-2021.

In a two-page resolution, the CSU University Student Council Federation said 26,121 students have not yet received the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education, which is used to pay for their tuition fee.

“As of June 18, 2021, CHED has not released the CSU’s budget for two terms despite many demands and the total unreleased funds has already accrued to P157,933,170,” USCF said.

“The projects and programs of the university are deemed inoperative, causing students not to enjoy a comfortable learning environment. The USCF is deeply concerned with the effects of tumult on the current and incoming students of the university,” it added.

Last week, Dr. Urduja Tejada, CSU president, expressed fears that they may not be able to accommodate incoming freshman students and might terminate part-time employees and service providers because of the delay in the release of the UNIFAST.

Citing reports submitted by the Campus Executive Officer, Tejada said that at least 8,500 first year students may not be accommodated.

CHED Chief Prospero de Vera earlier clarified that the UNIFAST executive director already contacted the CSU BOR asking them if the funds can be moved through the CHED Regional Office instead of releasing it to the university president so it can be used by CSU for its operations.

De Vera  belied accusations that he is withholding educational funds as a leverage not to recognize the appointment of Tejada as the school’s president.

Tejada, however, said that De Vera’s alleged actions against the university “are now felt by the students and the service providers.”