Senator Sherwin Gatchalian announced on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, that state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the Philippines are set to benefit from a proposed P8.6 billion budget specifically allocated for upgrading their educational infrastructure.
Addressing the Student Capacity Crisis
The senator highlighted a critical issue facing the country's higher education system: at least 168,493 qualified students were denied admission to SUCs due to limited institutional capacity. This staggering number represents thousands of young Filipinos who met academic requirements but couldn't secure slots in public higher education institutions.
In an official statement, Gatchalian strongly encouraged SUCs to focus on expanding their academic capabilities through the construction of additional classrooms and improved facilities. The infrastructure fund represents a significant step toward resolving the accommodation shortage that has prevented many deserving students from pursuing college education.
Accelerating Infrastructure Development
"Under this fund, the construction of classrooms and other facilities will be accelerated to give more Filipino youth the opportunity to enter college," Gatchalian stated during his announcement.
The senator emphasized that the infrastructure initiative aims to achieve more than just physical expansion. "We aim to expand not just the buildings, but also the dreams of every student who wants to have a better future," he added, underscoring the transformative potential of the infrastructure investment.
Long-term Impact on Philippine Education
The P8.6 billion infrastructure upgrade represents one of the most substantial investments in SUC facilities in recent years. This development comes at a crucial time when the country faces increasing demand for affordable quality higher education.
The enhanced infrastructure capacity is expected to create a ripple effect throughout the education sector, potentially increasing enrollment rates and improving the overall quality of education in state-run institutions. With better facilities and expanded capacity, SUCs will be better equipped to serve the educational needs of Filipino students seeking accessible college education.
