Millions of Filipino students are set to continue their higher education journey without financial burden as the Senate version of the 2026 national budget allocates billions to fund free college education.
Massive Funding for Free Higher Education
The Senate has designated a substantial PHP26 billion for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), ensuring that approximately 5.2 million students can continue their studies under Republic Act 10931, popularly known as the Free College Law. Senator Bam Aquino announced this development, highlighting the government's commitment to accessible education.
In addition to the SUC funding, another PHP6.7 billion has been allocated for Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), which will support around 500,000 learners. To address previous shortfalls, an extra PHP4.4 billion was included to cover prior-year deficiencies of SUCs. This brings the total funding dedicated to the Free College Law to a massive PHP67 billion.
Direct Financial Support for Students
Beyond tuition, the budget also includes significant allocations for direct student aid. The Senate has set aside PHP27.3 billion for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and PHP2.7 billion for the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP).
These programs are crucial for financially challenged students, providing assistance for daily expenses such as food, books, and transportation. They also support deserving learners enrolled in private higher education institutions. For 2026, an estimated 1.5 million students from both public and private universities are expected to benefit from TES and TDP. This figure includes 490,000 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program.
Depending on their specific category, eligible students will receive financial assistance amounting to PHP15,000, PHP20,000, or PHP27,000.
A Boost for Graduation Rates and Transparency
Senator Aquino emphasized the profound impact of this funding, stating, "This is a big help because many of our students need additional support to finish their studies." He provided a significant statistic to underscore its success: 70 percent of students in LUCs and SUCs go on to finish college, a rate that is the highest in the region.
To ensure the funds are used effectively and reach the intended recipients, Aquino advocated for greater transparency. He suggested that all schools should publish the list of TES beneficiaries, a move he believes aligns with public demand for accountability. "I believe this is what the public is asking for... it's good if this is published," he remarked.
This comprehensive financial package for 2026 represents a major investment in the Filipino youth, aiming to reduce dropout rates and build a more educated and competitive workforce for the future.
