DBM: Gov’t allots P138.77B for higher education, student subsidies

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday said the Marcos administration has allocated P138.77 billion for higher education programs including student subsidies and free tuition in state universities and colleges under the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

In a statement, the DBM said the P138.77-billion budget for higher education is divided for state universities and colleges (SUCs) at P107.04 billion and the Commission on Higher Education or CHED at P31.73 billion.

Part of the SUCs’ budget will fund the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Program (UAQTE) with P45.80 billion allocation.

The DBM said other educational programs are, likewise, allotted with necessary funding for 2023.

These include Student Financial Assistance Programs with P1.52 billion, which aim to provide scholarships and grant-in-aid programs to 21,053 student beneficiaries.

A total of P500 million was likewise allocated for the Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program to assist deserving medical students to pursue education and training, in exchange for services rendered in public health offices or hospitals, according to the DBM.

Meanwhile, the amount of P167 million will subsidize the tuition fees of medical students in SUCs, it said.

“This reflects the administration’s commitment to empower our youth. President Bongbong Marcos himself said that education is the only legacy we can leave our children that will never go to waste. Indeed, education is our best investment for the nation,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

"This is likewise in consonance with the promise of Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte to help the sector produce graduates that are employable," added Pangandaman. —KG, GMA Integrated News