MANILA, Philippines – Nasa P12 bilyong pondo na nasa ilalim ng P6.7 trillion budget para sa 2026 ang ililipat ng House of Representatives para pondohan ang libreng kolehiyo sa mga state universities and colleges (SUCs).
“This amendment pertains to the budgetary support to state universities and colleges for the full implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. We have been informed by the SUCs that the total deficiency as of the year 2025 amounts to P12,307,136,000,” pahayag ni House Appropriations Committee Chairman at Nueva Ecija Rep Mikaela Suansing.
Ipinaliwanag ni Suansinv na unang ilalabas ang P7,821,022,998.18 para tugunan ang malaking deficiency sa free college law at isusunud ang P4,486,113,000.
“The P7.82 billion of the P12.3 billion will come from CHED’s Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF), while the remaining P4.49 billion will be funded by other realignments that the House will make when the period of amendments takes place,” paliwanag nito.
Sinabi ni Suansing na ang lahat ng mga mambabatas ay pabor na maiayos na ang kakulangan sa budget sa libreng kolehiyo.
“This is a historic day because after many years the SUCs have been lobbying for this deficiency to be addressed. Today, we have all come together to address this situation and ensure that all accountabilities are addressed and closed come fiscal year 2026,” giit ni Suansing.
Gayundin ang pahayag ni Tingog party-list Rep at House higher and technical education panel chairperson Jude Acidre, aniya, “long overdue” nang maituturing ang problema sa pagpopondo sa free college kaya masaya syang matutugunan na ito.
“I commend the leadership of Congress and CHED for ensuring that the P12.3 billion deficit will now be fully funded. This is a victory for our SUCs and our students,” paliwanag ni Acide. Gail Mendoza
