LEYTE  First District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has raised concern over the rising dropout rates in public colleges and universities, calling for urgent action to strengthen the Free Higher Education Law and prevent millions of students from falling through the cracks of the country’s most ambitious education reform.

“Free tuition was a landmark achievement, but the work is far from over. Nearly four out of 10 students in state universities and colleges are still dropping out. In some regions, the situation is even more alarming,” Romualdez said.

Citing data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), Romualdez noted that the national dropout rate for School Year 2023–2024 reached 39 percent. In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, it soared to 93.4 percent.

Other regions reported the following dropout rates: Central Visayas, 60.7 percent; Zamboanga Peninsula, 59.5 percent; Cordillera, 54.9 percent; Metro Manila, 52.4 percent; Soccsksargen, 51.2 percent; and Western Visayas, 50.2 percent.

“These are not just statistics—they represent shattered dreams and interrupted futures. Many students drop out simply because they cannot afford transportation, food, rent, books, or internet access,” Romualdez added.

He emphasized the need to sustain and build on the gains of the Free Higher Education Law by ensuring students have the means to complete their studies.

Romualdez expressed support for House Resolution No. 61 filed by Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, which seeks a comprehensive review of the implementation and long-term sustainability of Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

He said the review should prioritize identifying support mechanisms beyond tuition coverage—such as monthly stipends, transportation subsidies, food allowances, and digital access programs—to help students stay in school and finish their degrees.

“This is a gap we must urgently fill. If we truly want free higher education to serve as a ladder out of poverty, we need to make sure our students can stay in school and graduate,” he said.

Romualdez also cited a Pulse Asia survey conducted in January 2024 and commissioned by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, which showed that 98 percent of Filipinos support free tuition in public colleges.

“This overwhelming public support reflects a national mandate to strengthen and expand the law. The Free Higher Education Law has already changed millions of lives, but our mission is not complete while so many students are still being forced to drop out. We must ensure not just access—but completion,” he stressed.