Starting this semester: 112 SUCs nationwide won’t collect tuition

CEBU, Philippines — Senator Bam Aquino yesterday said students of state universities and colleges (SUCs) all over the country will enjoy the benefits of Republic Act 10931 or Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act earlier than expected.

In a statement, Aquino said the 112 SUCs in the country will not collect tuition fees and miscellaneous expenses from students starting this semester.

Earlier, the government said the law will be implemented starting the school year 2018-19.

Aquino, principal sponsor and co-author of RA 10931, said he was informed by the Commission on Higher Education that no tuition fees and miscellaneous expenses will be collected from students this semester.

Aquino also said lawmakers have allotted P40 billion in the 2018 national budget for the implementation of RA 10931 for school year 2018-19.

The senator likewise encouraged students who failed to finish their college course to inquire with SUCs if they can go back to school and finish their studies for free.

“Natutuwa kami dahil ang batas na ito ay hindi lang para sa kasalukuyang naka-enroll pero sa mga nag-drop-out dahil puwede nilang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang pag-aaral nang libre,” Aquino said.

The law provides free education to students in SUCs, local universities and colleges, and TESDA-run vocational schools.

Aside from tuition fees, the government will also shoulder miscellaneous and all other mandatory fees.

Scholarship grants will be made available to students of both public and private college and universities.

The law also provides a new and improved student loan program, where students can apply for financing for other education expenses.

In addition, students taking post-graduate studies can also avail of the new and improved student loan program and scholarship. —/JMD (FREEMAN)