THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced that the national government allotted a total of P138.77 billion for higher education programs and other initiatives under the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said this initiative is a commitment of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which aims to put a high premium on the education of Filipino children.
“This reflects the Administration’s commitment to empower our youth. President Bongbong Marcos himself said that education is the only legacy we can leave our children that will never go to waste. Indeed, education is our best investment for the nation,” Pangandaman said.
“This is likewise in consonance with the promise of Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte to help the sector produce graduates that are employable,” the DBM chief added.
Out of the total, P107.04 billion will go to State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) while P31.73 billion will be allotted to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Part of the budget will also be used to fund the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Program (UAQTE) with P45.80 billion.
Other educational programs are likewise allotted with necessary funding for 2023. These include Student Financial Assistance Programs with P1.52 billion, which aim to provide scholarships and grant-in-aid programs to 21,053 student beneficiaries.
A total of P500 million was likewise allocated for Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program to assist deserving medical students to pursue education and training, in exchange for services rendered in public health offices or hospitals.
Meanwhile, the amount of P167 million will subsidize the tuition fees of medical students in SUCs.