Sen. Bam Aquino has called for sufficient funding for free higher education and student assistance as senators scrutinize proposed reductions in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and tertiary education budgets for 2027.
Aquino raised the issue during Senate Finance Committee deliberations with CHED and state universities and colleges (SUCs), pointing out that removing tuition fees does not address the other costs students and their families face while completing their degrees.
“As we review the budget, we should all ask a very simple question: Kapag nakapasok ang isang estudyante sa kolehiyo, may sapat na ba siyang suporta para makapagtapos?” Aquino said.
CHED’s proposed 2027 budget stands at P35.453 billion, P12.916 billion or 26.7% lower than its 2026 level. The proposed allocation for the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE) program is also down to P27.790 billion from P37.547 billion in 2026.
CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis told senators that the agency needs at least P17 billion in additional funding for 2027 to cover the requirements of about 940,000 incoming tertiary students. The figure includes around 230,000 new beneficiaries from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Aquino said students can still struggle to remain in school despite free tuition because of transportation, food, school supplies and other education-related expenses.
“Alam po natin na napakalaking tulong ng libreng tuition. Kaya po natin ‘to pinaglaban nung una nating termino. Pero alam rin ho natin na hindi doon nagtatapos ang gastos ng isang pamilya. May pamasahe, pagkain, kagamitan, at iba pang mga pangangailangan sa pag-aaral,” he said.
He also raised the financial burden faced by nursing and allied health students who are required to complete related learning experiences (RLEs) as part of their training.
“Para sa ating nursing at allied health students, meron pang dagdag na related learning experience na alam ho nating napakabigat,” Aquino said.
Under Republic Act No. 12325, which amended the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, assistance for RLE expenses was incorporated into the expanded free college framework. The law also provides for prioritizing students who are more in need of government assistance.
Aquino had previously said RLE expenses for nursing and allied health students can range from P20,000 to P80,000, adding to the cost of completing their courses.
CHED also told senators that it is seeking additional funds for the implementation of the expanded higher education assistance program. The commission said the proposed budget gap could affect its ability to cover all students who qualify for support in 2027.
Aquino said he would work with Senate leaders during the budget process to address funding requirements for student subsidies and higher education institutions.
“Hindi ho dapat maging dahilan ang kakulangan sa pambayad para hindi ho makumpleto ang kurso. Nung nakaraang budget deliberation, pinaglaban ho natin ang pondo para sa libreng kolehiyo at tertiary education subsidy. Ngayon pong pinag-uusapan ng 2027 budget, sisiguraduhin po natin na sapat pa rin ang pondo para sa libreng kolehiyo,” he said.
The proposed 2027 budget remains subject to congressional deliberations and approval.
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