University of the Philippines Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Vistan has officially endorsed the campus walkout of students on Friday, Sept. 18, to protest against the proposed P2.95-billion budget cut in the UP System, the Philippine Collegian posted on Facebook Sept. 16.
The proposed total budget of ₱26.53 billion—prepared by the Department of Budget and Management in the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP)—is 9.98 percent lower than this year’s ₱29.47 billion allocation for the UP System.
UP bears the largest single budget reduction among all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), according to media reports.
Among the allocations most affected by the proposed reductions include capital outlay, research programs, daily operations, and funding for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
The proposed budget cut is still subject to deliberations in Congress before final approval.
For the walkout, the University Student Council is also calling for accountability from all officials involved in corruption and urging students to unite against state fascism and oppression under the current Marcos Jr. administration, said the Collegian.
The walkout will precede the scheduled commemoration of the 54th year of the declaration of Martial Law on Sept. 21, to be held at Liwasang Bonifacio.
The UP Diliman chancellor is the executive head of the university, exercising administrative power and carrying out policies set by the board of regents and the UP president.
