THE government has allocated P138.77 billion for higher education programs including student subsidies and free tuition in state universities and colleges under the 2023 General Appropriations Act, the Department of Budget and Management said Tuesday.

Of the amount, P107.04 billion will go to SUCs while the Commission on Higher Education will receive 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.

It said that P1.52 billion was allocated for Student Financial Assistance Programs with, which aim to provide scholarships and grants to 21,053 student beneficiaries, P500 million for Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program to assist deserving medical students in their education and training, in exchange for services rendered in public health offices or hospitals.

Meanwhile, P167 million will subsidize the tuition of medical students in SUCs.

“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,” DBM Secretary Amenah 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,” she added.