Around 5.7 million students in State and Local Universities and Colleges (SUCs and LUCs) will benefit from the Free College Law in 2026, according to Senator Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV.
The Senate version of the 2026 budget allocates ₱26 billion for SUCs, ₱6.7 billion for LUCs, and ₱4.4 billion to cover prior-year deficiencies, bringing total Free College funding to ₱67 billion.
In addition to free tuition, the budget sets aside ₱27.3 billion for Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and ₱2.7 billion for the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) to help students cover other educational expenses.
About 1.5 million students, including 490,000 from the 4Ps program, will receive allowances ranging from ₱15,000 to ₱27,000.
Aquino emphasized that these programs provide crucial financial support, helping students stay in school and complete their studies.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 29, 2025
5.7M STUDENTS IN SUCS, LUCS TO BENEFIT FROM FREE COLLEGE LAW IN 2026 BUDGET
Latest from News
More than 9.12 million metric tons of silt, waste, and debris have been removed from major
The Philippines and Singapore signed a landmark implementation agreement on carbon credits under the Paris Agreement,
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the P1.21-billion Hibulangan Reservoir Irrigation Project in Leyte,
The Atin Ito civil society coalition is set to carry out its fourth civilian-led mission to
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio reaffirmed the Philippines and Japan’s