PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said nearly P600 billion will be allocated to fund free tuition for millions of students enrolled in public colleges and technical-vocational (TechVoc) programs.

“Kung tutungtong naman sa kolehiyo, nakahanda ang malaking pondo para sa pagtutustos sa libreng pampublikong edukasyon sa kolehiyo—pati na rin ang mga subsidy at financial assistance para sa mas higit pang nangangailangang estudyante,” the President said suring his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday (28 July 2025).

“Sa susunod na taon, maglalaan pa rin tayo ng halos ₱60 bilyong piso para sa libreng edukasyon sa pampublikong kolehiyo at sa TechVoc,” he added.

Currently, over two million students benefit annually from the government’s free higher education program.

The President also highlighted the growing number of scholarships awarded by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

In 2024, TESDA granted more than 200,000 additional scholarships, enabling more Filipinos to gain job-ready skills and training.

“Kitang-kita natin ang bunga ng mga programang ito. Napakataas ngayon ng bilang ng kabataan nating pumasok sa kolehiyo o sa TESDA,” the President said.