Snatching the Foundation, Shaking the Future of

the Nation
by Gwyneth A. Mendoza

State Universities and Colleges are the lifeline for

countless Filipino students, especially those who
came from financially unstable families. It is their
only hope to get a quality education amidst the
economic struggle they are experiencing, and the
policymakers knew that. Yet, they chose to cut its
2024 budget even though they are completely aware of how important it is to fund the
SUCs not just for the sake of the Filipino students, but also for the future of our nation.
How come they opt to cut the budget for tertiary education when they wish to fund other
unexplainable budget proposals? Allotting the budget for the confidential and
intelligence funds rather than supplementing the budget for SUCs and the education
sector, is an ironic move to what they said they wish to strengthen— which is the quality
of tertiary education. Snatching away the very foundation of that one in a million
opportunity the Filipinos were hoping for, is a bold move that will surely affect the quality
education that our nation has strived to build.

In his budget message, President Marcos, acknowledged the importance of access to

free tertiary education for Filipinos. But if that's the case, how come that thirty out of 117
state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines are preparing for the drastic
budget cuts in 2024? An imminent threat to erode the very foundation of accessible
quality higher education in our country. The higher education that was supposed to be
the ladder in reaching one's anticipated bright future.

Furthermore, these budget cuts are anticipated to have a significant effect on a number
of areas that form the basis of SUCs. When there's reduced funding for state
universities and colleges, it could result in outdated teaching materials, low faculty
morale, and insufficient facilities, which would ultimately compromise the quality of
education offered to students. Faculty and staff who are already underpaid and
overworked might experience additional hardships that could result in a brain drain, as
talented educators will look for better opportunities abroad and will reduce accessibility.
The core of the problem is the probable reduction in student slots available as a result
of staff and faculty layoffs, course cancellations, and failing infrastructure. Many would-
be students would be prevented from accessing the educational opportunities they
much need, and it can affect research and development. Budget cuts threaten to stifle
this progress, potentially hampering the country's ability to compete globally in areas of
science, technology, and innovation.

Nevertheless, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) defended that the
budget cut will not affect the admission of the students. DBM Secretary Amenah
Pangandaman said that, "...most of [amendments] are [for] completion of existing
infrastructure projects. ‘Pag completion na siya sa (So, if it is for completion in) 2023,
we don’t need the funding for 2024.”

However, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel said, "The 5.8% proposed budget cut
in SUCs is an injustice to students and the education community. Some SUCs are
already grasping at straws and implementing different income-generating schemes due
to being underfunded this 2023.” That's why it is so hard to believe that the Marcos
administration acknowledges the importance of access to free tertiary education when
what they have been doing is opposite to what they have been saying. It is an ironic
move to what they said they wish to strengthen— which is the quality of tertiary
education.

In addition, policymakers and the general public must understand how these budget
cuts will affect the future of the country. Underfunding SUCs has effects that go far
beyond the short-term budgetary limitations. They must understand that the need for
adequate funding for SUCs is a need, not a luxury. It is an investment for the nation's
future, an asset not a liability.

Overall, the State Universities and Colleges in the Philippines face a serious challenge
from the upcoming budget cuts in 2024. These organizations are essential to
determining the direction of the country, and their challenges will have an impact much
beyond their campuses. Everyone must acknowledge the gravity of this situation and
act together to guarantee the future of higher education in the Philippines. Failure to do
so would be detrimental to the country's objectives for development and prosperity. A
decision that will result in a causal effect that will certainly pose a looming threat.