SENATOR Loren Legarda has urged State Universities and Colleges to present clear plans on how they intend to utilize their budget allocations for 2026 to ensure that resources address the most urgent needs of the country’s 133 SUCs.

During deliberations on the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act for SUCs, Legarda noted that long-delayed funds to compensate for years of budget shortfalls are now almost certain to be released.

“We know that you utilized your internally generated income to accept as many students as possible,” Legarda said.

“I’d like to know now what suffered and how you will utilize the funds that will be granted to each SUC equitably,” she added.

The senator pointed out that years of limited funding may have forced SUCs to defer key projects such as the construction of science laboratories, upgrading or building dormitories, rehabilitating academic facilities, and developing smart campuses.

Batangas State University president Tirso Ronquillo acknowledged the need for careful planning, saying each SUC must reassess its priorities before finalizing decisions.

“Maybe after five years, after four years, we have now new priorities. What is our priority now will be deliberated by the board,” Ronquillo said.