AT LEAST 141,000 college students will receive free education as the Department of Budget and Management approved the release of additional funds for the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education – Tertiary Education Subsidy of Commission on Higher Education.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman signed the Special Allotment Release Order for the P3.84-billion subsidy.

“Tulad po ng lagi kong sinasabi, our youth are the torchbearers of our future. That is why it’s important that we support them by developing their skills and uplifting their spirits. ‘Yan din po ang marching order ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos dahil alam niya ang kahalagahan ng edukasyon. So, on our part po, we will continue to help democratize access to quality education,” Pangandaman said.

“Malaking bagay po ang free and subsidized tuition fee. Imagine, ‘yung ipapambayad sa matrikula, maaari na lang ilaan ng mga magulang o ng working student sa iba pa nilang pangangailangan araw-araw gaya ng pagkain, pambayad sa kuryente, tubig, o panggastos sa pagpapagamot. This will lighten the burden on their shoulders. DBM will ensure that this program will continue to get the funding it rightfully deserves,” she added.

The amount released will be allocated for CHED payments to various Private Higher Education Institutions in municipalities and cities that do not have State Universities and Colleges and Local Universities and Colleges under the UAQTE-TES for Academic Year 2021-2022.