Two members of the House of Representatives yesterday joined the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges in calling for an increase in the P21.69-billion budget it was allotted after the Department of Budget and Management recommended a cut in its original request.

PASUC originally asked for a P25.8-billion budget but this was slashed by the DBM by over P4 billion in the P5.768-trillion National Expenditure Program it submitted to Congress for fiscal year 2024.

Representatives Raoul Manuel and Mark Go joined PASUC officials in calling for an increase in the budget for state universities and colleges during the hearing on the group's budget at the House.

PASUC president Dr. Tirso Ronquillo told lawmakers the DBM trimmed their projected budget to P21.69 billion even as they expect to enroll 1,803,359 student-beneficiaries under the government's free higher education program.

"Our projection is based on our projected enrollment and the current tuition at each SUC. We factored in an increase in enrollment [as a] rule of thumb," Ronquillo said.

Manuel noted that as the government allots a big chunk of the national budget for infrastructure projects, the funding for state universities and colleges always takes a back seat.

"They were not as blessed compared to other agencies," he said.

He said that while the government needs to fund infrastructure projects for their "long-term multiplier effects," it should not be at the expense of education which has enduring benefits for future generations.

Stand on own feet

Manuel urged PASUC to provide greater assistance to students to alleviate the financial strain on them arising from supplementary expenses, including campus services, dorm fees and food.

While universities can devise policies and guidelines to prioritize those students who could be accommodated in their dormitories, Ronquilo said that students must also learn to stand on their own feet.