More college students are expected to benefit from the national government’s Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) this year after its allocation was increased to P2.7 billion under the 2026 General Appropriations Law.

House Assistant Minority Leader and Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales said Congress raised the program’s budget from P2 billion in 2025 to help students overcome financial barriers to higher education.

“The increased funding reflects Congress’ firm resolve to ease the cost of higher education, especially for students from economically disadvantaged families,” Gonzales said.

“We are counting on the cash assistance to help reduce the number of students who are forced to drop out of college due to financial constraints,” he added.

Under the program, eligible grantees will receive P7,500 per regular semester, or P15,000 per school year, according to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Beneficiaries must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in CHED-recognized private higher education institutions, state universities and colleges, or local universities and colleges, and must not be recipients of other national government student aid programs.

Citing a study by the Second Congressional Commission on Education, Gonzales said four out of every 10 Filipino college students still fail to complete their degrees despite the government’s free tuition policy in state and local universities and colleges.

Gonzales said the TDP provides direct assistance to students who might otherwise be compelled to abandon their studies.

“While the support may not cover all academic expenses, it can make the critical difference between staying in school and dropping out,” he said.