PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to provide accessible education to Filipinos.

In his 2nd State of the Nation Address, Marcos said that the government will not allow financial constraints “be a hindrance to education.”

“We have activated social safety nets, such as skills development training and youth employment programs. Tertiary education in state universities and colleges will remain free for our qualified students,” he said.

“Deserving and talented students without the financial capacity to attend school, will not be left behind in our education agenda,” he added.

He said that almost 50% of the 4.1 million enrolled college students were beneficiaries of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education program.

The Department of Budget and Management earlier said that government allocated P138.77 billion for higher education programs including student subsidies and free tuition in state universities and colleges in this year’s budget.

Of the amount, P107.04 billion went to SUCs while the Commission on Higher Education received P31.73 billion.

The DBM said about P45.80 billion will be used to fund the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Program of SUCs.