A historic P67 billion allocation for free college education has been sealed in the 2026 National Budget, ensuring tuition-free schooling for an estimated 5.7 million Filipino students nationwide.
The funding, earmarked for the implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act 10931), represents a massive victory for families grappling with the rising cost of living.
Senator Paolo ‘Bam’ Aquino IV, the principal author and sponsor of the "Libreng Kolehiyo" Law, hailed the move as a definitive win for the education sector.
“Natutuwa tayo na walang binawas dun sa budget ng edukasyon. Ito nga yung pinaka mataas na budget ng edukasyon sa kasaysayan natin,” Aquino said. “Walang binawas dyan, pinaglaban natin ito, at ngayon, tapos na yung budget.”
With the money secured, Aquino emphasized that the burden now shifts to implementation.
“Ngayon naman, yung bola, nasa kamay na ng mga education agencies. Kailangan nilang gawin yung tama, gawin yung tamang presyo, siguraduhin na walang korupsyon na sumingit dito sa napakalaking pera na binigay natin sa edukasyon,” he added.
Where the money goes
The P67 billion fund is distributed across key pillars of higher education to ensure inclusivity:
State Universities and Colleges (SUCs): P26 billion allocated to cover tuition and fees for 5.2 million students in 117 SUCs.
Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs): P6.7 billion to support roughly 500,000 students in 126 locally-run institutions.
Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES): P27.3 billion providing allowances for books, transport, and boarding for 1.5 million underprivileged students.
Tulong Dunong Program (TDP): P2.7 billion in targeted financial assistance for deserving students in both public and private institutions.
Allied Health Sciences: A new P500 million specialized fund for "Related Learning Experience" (RLE) fees, specifically benefiting future nurses and medical professionals.
Students enrolled in TESDA-registered Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs) for certificate courses and diplomas are also covered by the program funding.
Streamlined access
Under RA 10931, the process is designed to be seamless. Filipino students enrolled in the 114 SUCs and qualified LUCs are automatically exempt from paying tuition and miscellaneous fees upon admission, removing the need for separate scholarship applications in public schools.
Meanwhile, students in private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can apply for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) through their school registrar or the UniFAST portal.
Priority is given to students from households listed under Listahanan 2.0 or beneficiaries of the 4Ps program.
Depending on the category, students may receive financial assistance ranging from P15,000 to P27,000 annually to help cover tuition in private schools or living expenses.
Watchdog mode
While the funding is secured, Aquino reminded the public and officials that vigilance is necessary to ensure the funds reach the intended beneficiaries.
“Babantayan ng Committee on Basic Education yung tamang paggamit ng pera. Walang ghost project, walang ghost student,” Aquino warned. “Sisiguraduhin natin na sa tamang presyo, sa tamang paraan ang paggamit ng pera para sa edukasyon ng bayan. They're responsible to the Filipino people, they're responsible to the Filipino students.”
Aquino noted that the P67-billion funding is a testament to the country's commitment to human capital, promising a more equitable landscape where a Filipino student's potential is not limited by their financial status.
