MORE than 230,000 incoming tertiary students from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households could be left without funding under the proposed 2027 national budget, Senate President Win Gatchalian warned Thursday.
Gatchalian said the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) has no allocation for 230,417 incoming Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) beneficiaries from 4Ps households.
An estimated P3.1 billion is needed to to accommodate the TES beneficiaries.
“They are in greater need of educational assistance. It’s not enough that they’re not paying tuition; we need to give them an extra boost so they can finish their school, or else they will drop out,” Gatchalian said.
Overall, the TES faces a P12.023-billion funding gap under the 2027 NEP, affecting 709,709 slots, according to Gatchalian.
The shortfall includes P4.21 billion for 70,471 ongoing 4Ps beneficiaries next year. Another P2.39 billion is needed for 177,036 unfunded 4Ps beneficiaries carried over from 2026.
The proposed budget also has a P2.32-billion shortfall for 231,785 beneficiaries from areas without a state or local university or college.
Gatchalian’s warning comes as the government prepares to implement changes under Republic Act 12325, which strengthens the country’s free higher education program under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act or RA 10931,.
RA 12325 prioritizes students from 4Ps households who are enrolled in higher education institutions recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) or in technical-vocational institutions registered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).
Gatchalian said the funding gap could undermine the law’s intent of expanding access to tertiary education, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged households.
The TES provides financial assistance beyond free tuition to qualified students, helping cover education-related expenses that can otherwise force students to discontinue their studies.
Gatchalian’s call adds pressure on budget deliberations as senators scrutinize the 2027 NEP and determine whether additional funding can be provided for TES beneficiaries during the congressional budget process.
