KABATAAN Party-list Rep. Renee Co called for the expansion of student slots in state universities and colleges and the immediate passage of the Decent Academic Services for Students’ Rights and Welfare (DASURV) Bill as applications to public higher education institutions continue to rise.

The youth group issued the statement following the first round of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines College Entrance Test for Academic Year 2026, which drew a large number of examinees, reflecting growing demand for free public tertiary education.

Co said the increase in applicants is a positive outcome of the Free College Education Law but warned that SUCs must be adequately equipped to accommodate more students from low-income families.

“The growing number of applicants is a good problem because it shows the impact of free college education. However, we must ensure that SUCs can accept as many poor students as possible. Rejection should not be an option as much as possible,” Co said.

She stressed that beyond identifying students from disadvantaged backgrounds, the government must substantially increase funding for SUCs to match the rising number of applicants each year, noting that this is achievable if corruption is curbed and education is prioritized over other expenditures.

“Obviously, the funding remains insufficient if our goal is to open SUCs to more poor students. This can be addressed if corruption is eliminated and the needs of the education sector are given priority, even beyond international standards,” she added.

Co also emphasized that access alone is not enough, noting that many students from low-income families are forced to drop out due to hidden fees and the high cost of living while studying.

“To ensure that poor students not only enter college but also finish their degrees, the DASURV Bill must be passed. This will remove hidden fees and provide affordable student housing, food, and health services for all students in SUCs,” Co said.

Kabataan Party-list reiterated that strengthening public higher education through increased funding and comprehensive student support is essential to making free college education truly accessible and inclusive for Filipino youth.