The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Monday, April 14, announced that the government will continue to provide free higher education in local universities and colleges (LUCs) across the country, following a significant funding boost aimed at strengthening access to quality tertiary education.
In a statement, CHED said President Marcos approved the augmentation of its funds to support the continued delivery of free higher education to LUCs recognized by the Commission.
CHED Chairperson Popoy De Vera thanked the President for approving the Commission’s request to augment the funding for the Free Higher Education program under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), as part of the continuing appropriations under the Fiscal Year 2024 General Appropriations Act, or Republic Act (RA) 11975.
“This is a testament that the national government considers higher education a priority and is committed to ensuring the continuous delivery of free tertiary education,” De Vera said.
CHED said the President has authorized the use of P577,122,033.08 to “address a deficiency” in the funding for Free Higher Education reimbursements for CHED-recognized LUCs.
De Vera, who also serves as the chairman of the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Governing Board, said the augmentation was made following a recommendation from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) last month and representations made by CHED.
“Consistent with this administration’s assurance to continue the Free Higher Education program, CHED, through UniFAST, remains on track in delivering its commitment to accessible and equitable higher education for all Filipinos,” De Vera added.
CHED also expressed gratitude to DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for endorsing the Commission’s request for funding augmentation to the President.
Funds to cover tuition and other school fees
De Vera explained that the funding realignment falls under the provisions of Republic Act 10931, or the UAQTEA, which mandates free tuition and other school fees for Filipino students enrolled in CHED-recognized LUCs, implemented by CHED through the UniFAST Secretariat.
According to CHED, the augmentation will cover tuition and 13 other school fees for tertiary-level students, benefitting more than 350,000 students enrolled in LUCs.