Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano is calling for the reversal of proposed 2026 budget cuts to state universities and colleges (SUCs), warning that the reductions could disrupt operations and derail long-term projects.
Cayetano also advocated performance-based reforms to ensure government funds are used efficiently and transparently.
“How can an SUC expect to produce quality graduates when it has insufficient budget? Whether in a human development or national development angle, the state will benefit if we invest more on tertiary education,” he said.
Students in the Cordillera have raised concerns over steep cuts. According to the 2026 National Expenditure Program, six out of seven SUCs in the region will lose funding in one or more categories, with three among the 10 hardest hit nationwide. Benguet State University, for example, lost nearly P25 million in capital outlay, affecting infrastructure projects, including a planned medical school.
Cayetano urged Congress and SUCs to collaborate to protect higher education while implementing reforms that improve accountability and efficiency.
“Marami pa ang magagawa (ninyo) kung dadagdagan natin (ang budget). So I’m asking you and the SUC body na magtulungan tayo. Let’s work on some long term reforms for all SUCs. Marami pa tayong pwedeng baguhin,” he said, emphasizing that stronger SUCs require both more funding and systems that reward better outcomes.
“All around the world, tinitingala ang Pilipino. So ang trabaho ng education… is to provide the good soil or the environment so that the seed can prosper,” the senator added.IMT
