Aquino stands firm on budget cut for SUCs

MANILA, Philippines - The budgets of some state universities and colleges (SUCs) have been cut because they have other sources of revenue to augment the allocation from government, President Aquino yesterday said.

The proposed budget for education for next year is P271.67 billion, 12.92 percent higher than the P240.58 billion this year.     

The proposed budget for state universities and colleges for next year is P23.4 billion, 11.3 percent higher than the P21 billion this year.                                                                                

Mr. Aquino said the proposed budget for the University of the Philippines was cut to P5.5 billion for next year from P6.9 billion this year because it can draw funds from tuition and other fees, and the UP-Ayala Technohub.               

He said the government cannot only focus on the tertiary level because the administration wants to provide basic education for all.                                                                                    

“There are many SUCs that need attention. We focused on these the funds that were concentrated only on UP before. Those that can swim are expected to reach the shore. We should give floaters to those that might drown,” he said.           

He noted that under the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997, SUCs are allowed to use income from tuition and other fees for their academic programs. “I encourage them to use these proceeds for their academic programs. The government is here to assist them,” he said.