Addressing the P12.3-Billion SUCs Burden
The government is set to tackle the P12.3-billion burden on state universities and colleges (SUCs) caused by the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) by 2026. This commitment was highlighted early Friday during the House plenary debates on the proposed 2026 national budget.
Local leaders noted that the implementation of UAQTEA has significantly increased financial pressures on SUCs, prompting urgent discussions on how to ease this burden effectively within the next few years.
Legislative Efforts and Budget Discussions
Sources said Nueva Ecija 1st District Representative Mikaela Suansing, who chairs a key House committee, emphasized the importance of resolving the P12.3-billion SUCs burden to ensure the sustainability of quality tertiary education. She underscored that the government’s fiscal strategy aims to balance support for SUCs while maintaining financial responsibility.
Community members expressed hope that the 2026 national budget will allocate sufficient resources to address these challenges, allowing SUCs to continue providing accessible and quality education without compromising their operations.
Impact on State Universities and Colleges
Officials reported that the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act has expanded free tuition and other subsidies, which, while beneficial to students, have strained SUCs’ financial capacities. The P12.3-billion burden reflects increased operational costs that the government needs to manage prudently.
Efforts to alleviate this financial strain include revising budget allocations and exploring alternative funding mechanisms. These measures aim to secure the future of higher education institutions, ensuring they remain pillars of academic excellence and accessibility.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the government prepares the 2026 budget, stakeholders remain optimistic that the P12.3-billion SUCs burden will be effectively addressed. According to community voices, this will set a precedent for sustainable funding models in the education sector.
With a clear timeline, the government’s commitment to resolving this issue signals a proactive approach to supporting state universities and colleges amid evolving educational demands.
For more news and updates on government education funding, visit Filipinokami.com.
