“Assert our democratic right to quality education!”
A youth-led mass organization seeking to forward women and youth’s rights slammed the P10 billion budget cut for state universities and colleges (SUCs) under the 2023 national funding.
“Lawmakers should not only pressure schools to act on implementing this, but they must also push for the increase in budget for education for this to materialize. Without adequate funding, SUCs cannot strengthen its social services and holistically prepare for the return of students,” said Gabriela Youth on Saturday evening, Oct. 1.
Under the proposed budget for 2023, SUCs were only allocated P93.08 billion which is relatively lower than the funding for 2022 which is at P103.97 billion.
Leading with the “largest” cut of at least 80.92 percent was Marikina Polytechnic College.
Also among the highly-affected institutions were Marinduque State College, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, University of Northern Philippines, Batanes State College, Bulacan Agricultural State College, Batangas State University, Cavite State University, and Tarlac State University.
The slashed funding will likewise affect the following SUCs: Marinduque State College, Romblon State University, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Biliran Province State University, Cebu Normal University, Basilan State University, Bukidnon State University, Davao Oriental State University, Mindanao State University, University of Southern Mindanao, and University of Southern Philippines.
With the impending difficulties that may be brought by the aforementioned budget cut, the group called on their fellow youth to reject the “so-called Unity Budget for 2023.”
“We call on our fellow youth to remain vigilant and critical during the next budget hearing sessions. Expose the deception of the Marcos-Duterte administration. Let us demand for our democratic right to quality education!," they added.