At A Glance
- The Department of Budget and Management released P3.41 billion to cover the tertiary education of Filipino students enrolled in technical vocational institutions.<br>This budget, along with the corresponding P1.77 billion Notice of Cash Allocation, will fund the implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE) Act.<br>It will benefit around 74,262 TESDA students in the UAQTE program for the school year 2024.<br>The amount will cover the tuition and miscellaneous fees, accident insurance, trainee provision, internet allowance, starter tool kits, national assessment fees, and other school charges.<br>The same amount was also given to the program last year but the target beneficiaries were only 54,783.
Over P3.41 billion was allocated to cover the tertiary education of Filipino students enrolled in technical vocational institutions, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Tuesday, Feb. 6.
Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman approved the issuance of a P3.41 billion Special Allotment Release Order to the Department of Labor and Employment-Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (DOLE-TESDA).
This budget, with the corresponding P1.77 billion Notice of Cash Allocation for the 1st quarter of this year, will fund the implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE) Act.
Pangandaman noted that not everyone may afford to go to college but she believes “this should not be the case, most especially to those who are deserving— those who have the heart and passion to learn and who wishes to put their talent and intelligence for the greater good.”
“Education, more than a privilege, is a basic human right. It is our gateway for better career paths, higher salaries, and an overall improved quality of life,” she added.
At least 74,262 students in the UAQTE program for the school year 2024 will benefit from the P3 billion fund.
The amount will cover the tuition and miscellaneous fees, accident insurance, trainee provision, internet allowance, starter tool kits, national assessment fees, and other school charges.
Last year, the same amount was also given to the program but the target beneficiaries were only 54,783.
The UAQTE is one of the government initiatives that pushes for a well-trained workforce and expanded opportunities for Filipinos.
The P3.41 billion allotment is chargeable against DOLE-TESDA's regular budget under the 2024 General Appropriations Act.