Free tertiary education: DBM releases ₱3.41 billion to DOLE-TESDA

February 6, 2024

3–4 minutes

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman has approved the issuance of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) with a total amount of P3.41 billion to the Department of Labor and Employment-Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (DOLE-TESDA) for the implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE) Act.

Its corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) in the amount of P1.77 billion for the 1st quarter of 2024 was likewise released.

“Not everyone may be able to afford higher education. But I believe this should not be the case, most especially to those who are deserving— those who have the heart and passion to learn and who wishes to put their talent and intellgence for the greater good,” Secretary Mina said.

“Education, more than a privilege, is a basic human right. It is our gateway for better career paths, higher salaries, and an overall improved quality of life,” Sec. Mina added.

Approximately 74,262 learners for the UAQTE program for the school year 2024 will benefit from the allocated ₱3.41 billion fund, which covers tuition and miscellaneous fees, accident insurance, trainee provision, internet allowance, starter tool kits, national assessment fees, and other school charges.

Otherwise known as Republic Act 10931, the UAQTE is a law that formalizes zero-cost education and waivers of additional charges in state universities and colleges (SUCs) as well as local universities and colleges (LUCs). It envisions financial aid for private higher education institutions, to provide less privileged Filipinos better opportunities to pursue college degrees.

The UAQTE is among the many government initiatives that correlate with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas campaign, which pushes for a well-trained workforce and expanded opportunities for Filipinos.

The fund release was approved by Sec. Pangandaman on 26 January 2024, chargeable against DOLE-TESDA’s regular budget under the fiscal year 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

#Edjun Mariposque

(Tagalog)

LIBRENG TERTIARY EDUCATION: DBM, naglabas ng ₱3.41 bilyon sa DOLE-TESDA

Inaprubahan ni Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman ang pag-isyu ng Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) na may kabuuang halagang P3.41 bilyon sa Department of Labor and Employment-Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (DOLE-TESDA) para sa pagpapatupad ng Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE) Act.

Inilabas din ang kaakibat nitong Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) na nagkakahalagang P1.77 bilyon para sa unang quarter ng 2024.

“Not everyone may be able to afford higher education. But I believe this should not be the case, most especially to those who are deserving— those who have the heart and passion to learn and who wishes to put their talent and intellgence for the greater good,” ani Secretary Mina.

“Education, more than a privilege, is a basic human right. It is our gateway for better career paths, higher salaries, and an overall improved quality of life,” dagdag pa ng Kalihim.

Tinatayang 74,262 na mga mag-aaral sa ilalim ng UAQTE program para sa school year 2024 ang makikinabang sa alokasyon na ₱3.41 bilyong pondo, na sumasakop sa tuition at miscellaneous fees, accident insurance, trainee provision, internet allowance, starter tool kits, national assessment fees, at iba pang school charges.

Ang UAQTE, na kilala rin bilang Republic Act 10931, ay isang batas na isinapormal ang zero-cost education at waivers ng additional charges sa state universities and colleges (SUCs) pati na rin sa local universities and colleges (LUCs). Layunin nito na magbigay ng financial aid sa mga pribadong higher education institutions upang makapagbigay ng mas magandang oportunidad sa mga Pilipinong may kakapusang pinansyal na makapagtapos ng kolehiyo.

Ang UAQTE ay isa sa maraming government initiatives na kaugnay ng Bagong Pilipinas campaign ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., na nagnanais na makapagtaguyod ng isang well-trained workforce, at makapagbigay ng mas malawak na oportunidad para sa mga Pilipino.

Ang pagpapalabas ng pondo ay inaprubahan ni Sec. Pangandaman noong ika-26 Enero 2024, na magmumula sa regular budget ng DOLE-TESDA sa ilalim ng fiscal year 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

#Edjun Mariposque