DBM: P105.6B allocated for state universities, colleges for free education in 2024

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has earmarked P105.6 billion for state universities and colleges (SUCs) under the proposed P5.768-trillion National Expenditure Program for 2024.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DBM said the allocation would support the free tertiary education in SUCs as well as to address learning losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his Budget Message, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the importance of access to free tertiary education for Filipinos as most educational institutions are already conducting full face-to-face classes.

“With 99.5% of our public schools now implementing five-day in-person classes, this amount will fund significant investments in the education of over 28 million learners nationwide," said Marcos.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandman, for her part, said, “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.”

Of the total allocation, the DBM said P21.7 billion will be allocated to 116 SUCs under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE) program —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," said the Budget chief.

The DBM said the proposed UAQTE budget for SUCs was increased by almost P3 billion or 14.32% higher compared to the P18.8 billion budget from the Fiscal Year 2023’s NEP.

Another P26 billion was also earmarked under the UAQTE budget to support the programs of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as well as another 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).

The DBM said 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," said Marcos in his Budget Message.

“A well-equipped and well-designed classroom can foster a positive atmosphere for learning," Marcos said, reaffirming that “all projects will be implemented in all corners of the country, including the underserved areas.”

Furthermore, the DBM said it granted a total of P924.7 billion for the education sector, equivalent to 16% of the proposed P5.768 trillion 2024 budget plan. —KG, GMA Integrated News