By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(August 29, 2024) – Kabataan Party-list on Thursday filed a resolution seeking to restore the budget cuts for state universities and colleges (SUCs) next year amid a significant increase in the country’s defense funding.
Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel said House Resolution No. 1983 asks the committee on appropriations to retain around P14 billion worth of cuts to the budget for SUCs.
“Malinaw na may sapat na pondo, pero imbes na mapunta sa edukasyon na itinakdang prayoridad sa ating konstitusyon, napupunta pa ito sa mga armas at bomba para sa giyera at panunupil sa mamamayan,” said Manuel in a media release.
According to the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP), the allocation for SUCs was P113.75 billion. It was 12% lower than the current budget of P128.23 billion.
Under the 2025 NEP, the proposed budget for the defense sector saw a nearly 51% increase—from P278 billion this year to P419 billion next year.
Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. explained that the hike aims to boost the country’s capabilities to uphold its sovereignty in the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea.
Kabataan reported that 106 out of 116 SUCs nationwide will incur budget cuts, including operational and capital outlay.
“Natutulak tuloy magnegosyo ang state universities and colleges para punan ang budget cuts at deficits na hinaharap nila taun-taon,” added Manuel.
He also said the bill seeks to increase the education budget by 6% of the country’s gross domestic product or over P1.50 trillion, citing the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization standard.
The education sector has a current budget of P924.7 billion and a proposed P977.6 billion for next year.
Manuel stressed that the additional allocation can be used by public schools to build more classrooms, hire more teachers, and expand facilities to address the persisting learning crisis.
“Ang 2.1 million na mga estudyante sa kolehiyo ang naiipit sa dagdag na bayarin at kawalan ng kalidad ng edukasyon dahil dito,” said Manuel.
(With reports from Marianne Enriquez, News5)
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