Win seeks more funds for free college education

Sen. Win Gatchalian on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 backs appeals from higher education officials for increased funding for the continued implementation of the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act” (Republic Act No. 10931) and other student financial assistance programs of the government.

During the Finance Subcommittee D’s deliberation of the P30.7-billion proposed 2023 budget of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), CHED chairperson Prospero “Popoy” De Vera cited a reduction in the agency’s allocation for implementing RA 10931, including funds to accommodate new beneficiaries of its tertiary education subsidy (TES) grant for students in private universities and colleges.
The CHED head also raised the absence of free college education funds for six newly-accredited local colleges, which would affect some 17,000 students.
The commission needs about P10 billion to fully implement the government’s free higher education program, De Vera said.
Gatchalian said the lack of funds has “deprived” and would deprive Filipino students, especially those belonging in indigent families, of the opportunity to continue their education.
It also poses danger for universities and colleges, and their ability to provide quality education and other services, he added.
“We’re with you in trying to find additional funding… And we’ll work together to find ways to fund that,” Gatchalian assured De Vera.
“We sympathize with our SUCs and the CHED in giving free college education to our students,” he added.

(Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)