2024 NEP allocates P105.6B for SUCs
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)
