The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), through the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), has approved Mandaue City College’s (MCC) inclusion in the Free Higher Education (FHE) program, with national billing set to start in the second semester of School Year 2026–2027.
City officials confirmed that the approval effectively transfers tuition and other school fees for qualified students from the local government to the national government, easing the city’s annual education spending.
City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on Jr. said Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano received CHED-UniFAST’s formal communication dated April 7, 2026, confirming MCC’s eligibility following its institutional recognition issued on March 27.
Malig-on noted the quick turnaround in the application process.
“At least dali ra kaayo,” he said.
Under the approval, MCC may begin charging tuition and other covered fees to UniFAST starting the second semester of the current school year, which will be implemented in early 2027. The city will continue to shoulder expenses for the first semester.
Malig-on said the arrangement will significantly reduce the city’s financial load.
“Ang tuition, maka-bill naman sa national government through UniFast,” he said.
The Local School Board has already begun reviewing MCC’s cost structure to determine how much will now be absorbed by the national program. The city currently allocates about P40 million annually for the college.
Officials said the final figures are still under study, but any savings from reduced education spending may be redirected to other social services once confirmed.
Enrollment levels at MCC are expected to remain unchanged for now due to limited facilities, while the city waits for the completion of a new campus building at Norkis Park in Barangay Looc.
Malig-on said the current capacity will remain steady.
“Same-same lang sa kay di man gihapon ma-accommodate sa atong space,” he said.
Once the new campus is completed, the city plans to expand enrollment significantly, with Mayor Ouano targeting a student population of around 4,000 to 5,000. (VCL)
Photo courtesy of Mandaue City Public Affairs Office
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