P51.4 B allocated for free college education program

MANILA, Philippines — Over P51 billion will be alloted next year for the full implementation of the free tertiary education program of the government, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chair Patricia Licuanan said.

Speaking at the Philippine Education Summit in Manila on Dec. 5, Licuanan expressed confidence that the program will be fully implemented starting next academic year.

“We have just finished the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 10931 and it’s ready for signing within the week. This is truly groundbreaking,” Licuanan said,  referring to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education law passed earlier this year.

“Starting 2018, all tuition as well as other school fees will be covered. This will all apply to students in state colleges and universities (SUCs), technical and vocational institutes run by the government, local universities and colleges,” she added.

Based on the breakdown released by Licuanan, P22.6 billion will be allocated to SUCs to cover tuition and other fees by students, while another P7 billion will be for free technical-vocation education and training.

The figures were assuming full coverage for all SUCs, 18 CHED-recognized local universities and colleges and all TESDA training centers.

Over P21 billion will be alloted as tertiary education subsidy for the scholarships of more than 540,000 students.

Another P54 million is set for the implementation of a loan program, while P108 million will be for administrative costs.

“We are secure in the amounts that are being spoken of at Congress. That should cover everybody,” she noted.

“We are really looking forward to this law that will make a real difference in the access of education in the country,” Licuanan said.