NATIONAL BUDGET MEMORANDUM NO.

128 DATED MARCH 23, 2017

To improve education outcomes, these strategies need to be delivered:

Higher Education

o Expand access to higher education.

Full implementation of the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary
Education (UniFAST) Act (RA 10687) should be ensured to provide more access to
tertiary education. Likewise, a policy that will rationalize tuition and school fees should
be devised. Working students and/or "school leavers" who would like to continue their
studies and earn a degree should also be assisted through the promotion of Expanded
Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), Ladderized
Education Program (LEP) and Distance Education.

o Promote creative arts.

Developing and promoting arts- and culture-related courses and curricula will
produce graduates who will be part of the culture industries (e.g. media, tourism,
performing arts).

o Improve research and innovation. Direct higher education investments should be made
towards (a) enhancing the research capabilities of college/university faculty, research
staff and graduate students, and (b) building up, retraining, and retaining a sustainable
stream of a new generation of researchers, to improve research and innovation in the
country.