DBM releases P4.2B for state schools

Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad

The budget department has released P4.2 billion to state colleges and universities (SUCs) to fund the upgrade of facilities, scholarships, research and development, and for the training of executives.

Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad said in a statement the amount is part of an additional P13.4-billion kitty for accelerating government spending.

SUCs may qualify for the funds once they signify their commitment to the “reform road map” that the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Budget and Management and the SUCs themselves have designed.

He said the reform program covers the alignment of SUC course offerings with Malacañang’s job-generation and economic-growth priorities and development of stronger links to relevant industries, including research and development and faculty development and job placement.

Also included in the road map are efforts to consolidate the regional university system and processes to ensure transparent and accountable financial management among SUCs, Abad said.

Of the new funds that are being released, P3.4 billion will support institutional capacity  building activities in leading SUCs, consisting of P2.6 billion for refurbishing key infrastructure and facilities, P560 million for grants related to research, development and extension programs, and P165 million for development of executives.

Additionally, P500 million is earmarked for the so-called grants-in-aid program to support qualified students from the poorest families—to be identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development—complete a college degree.