BUTUAN CITY -- Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman amplified the government’s response to learning losses due to the pandemic and proposed a P105.6 billion budget for state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
"Echoing the pronouncement of our President, alongside the strengthening of our economy, we will also invest heavily in human capital development through education, health, and social protection," the budget secretary said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. acknowledged the importance of access to free tertiary education for Filipinos, especially since most institutions in the country are already conducting full face-to-face classes.
"With 99.5 percent of our public schools now implementing 5-day in-person classes, this amount will fund significant investments in the education of over 28 million learners nationwide," the President expressed in his budget message.
Education Subsidies
Another P21.7 billion will be allocated to 116 SUCs from the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE), which guarantees free tertiary education to 3,145,098 students across the country.
"Access to quality education will also be at the forefront of the government’s education agenda through the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education," the secretary reassured.
The proposed UAQTE budget for SUCs was increased by almost P3 billion, or 14.32 percent, compared to the P18.8 billion budget from the FY 2023 NEP.
The UAQTE budget also comprises P26 billion to support the programs of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and P3.4 billion for the free technical-vocational education and training of 38,179 enrollees and 10,126 graduates of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Education Facilities
To bolster the learning experience and help Filipino youth unlock their potential, SUCs will also receive P3.4 billion for their infrastructure projects.
"Improving education facilities is essential for creating a conducive learning environment for all learners, including those in remote and hard-to-reach areas," President Marcos Jr. said.
"A well-equipped and well-designed classroom can foster a positive atmosphere for learning," the President continued, reaffirming that all projects will be implemented in all corners of the country, including the underserved areas.
Furthermore, DBM granted a total of P924.7 billion for the education sector, equivalent to 16 percent of the P5.768 trillion FY 2024 NEP. (DBM/PIA-Caraga)
