3rd District Bukidnon Rep. Audrey Kay T. Zubiri has called for stronger funding for state universities and colleges (SUCs), raising concerns over budget deficiencies in Free Higher Education allocation and capital outlay deficiencies that could affect facilities and the delivery of quality higher education.
Zubiri raised the P5 billion budget deficiency for Free Higher Education during the House plenary sponsorship and debate on the SUCs budget on Wednesday, September 23, questioning the impact of funding gaps on institutions that depend heavily on government support.
“Ano na lang mangyayari sa mga university na hindi mabigyan ng FHE funding? Ano ang maaapektuhan nito, is it tuition, facilities, worse performance of our students?”
The Bukidnon lawmaker also pointed the disparities in funding allocations among regions, particularly institutions in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.
“I cannot imagine na nakalimutan natin pondohan ang University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines sa Cagayan de Oro, na isa sa mga outstanding universities, hindi lamang sa ating bansa kundi sa buong mundo nang mapabilang ito sa 2026 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings in Sustainable Development Goals,” Zubiri said.
She said budget policy should take into account the varying needs of SUCs, particularly institutions that require greater government assistance to improve infrastructure and expand their capacity.
“For the past few years, we have noticed that we are rewarding bigger institutions that can very well stand on their own. Samantala, iyong mga eskuwelahan na nangangailangan talaga ng tulong—historically, imbis na tulungan natin ay parang pinaparusahan natin sila just because they are in Mindanao and far from Manila. Hindi naman ito tama. I think we have to give more to schools that need more support,” Zubiri said.
Zubiri also urged Congress to sustain investments in education and prevent funding gaps from undermining recent gains in the sector. “Sayang eh. We already did a great job at increasing the budget for education last year. Let us not allow that momentum to go to waste.”
She said Congress has a responsibility to ensure that all students, regardless of where they live, have access to quality tertiary education.
“We are in the position to provide Filipino students the support they deserve for quality tertiary education. Let us not fail our students and the better future we hope to build for our country.”
metrosundaily
