PRWC
Students and teachers from the University of the Philippines and Polytechnic University of the Philippines protested before the House of Representatives in Quezon City yesterday, September 18, to push the Marcos government to increase the budget of state universities and colleges (SUC) instead of implementing cuts. They timed the action on the day of the plenary hearing for SUCs budget.
In the 2025 budget proposal, Marcos reduced the SUC budget by 11.29% or ₱14.48 billion, compared to what they received in 2024. They also called for the allocation of funds to education and other public services instead of agencies that attack schools and communities such as the National Task Force-Elcac and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
They urged Congress to transfer the funds earmarked for the confidential and intelligence fund (CIF) and pork barrel funds such as the enormous ₱158.665 billion “unprogrammed funds” to education and public services.
Makabayan Bloc representatives supported the call of teacher and student groups. In this regard, the Kabataan Partylist led the collection of signatures of the administrators of SUCs in the country for a statement to restore the funds deducted from the SUCs. The youth party said they have gathered at least 39 signatures.
“Additional budget is needed for our learning institutions to regain their public character and provide ample support for student services and faculty development,” the statement said.
