House Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman. Photo from Hataman’s office
MANILA, Philippines — Two lawmakers from Mindanao are appealing for the provision of funds for four state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which apparently did not have any appropriations in the proposed 2022 national budget.
Under House Resolution No. 2251 filed by Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman and Anak Mindanao Partylist Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan, the four SUCs were identified as the Adiong Memorial Polytechnic State College, Cotabato State University, Sulu State College, and the Tawi-tawi Regional Agricultural College.
“These SUCs which have existed before creation of BARMM, and based on its charter, provide that its funding requirements shall be provided by the national government,” the lawmakers said in the resolution.
“This outright removal of funding by the national government will seriously threaten, not only the operation, but the very existence of these state colleges and universities in the BARMM,” they added.
Furthermore, the lawmakers said that the non-provision of funding to the SUCs will displace thousands of students, teachers, and personnel.
The two lawmakers likewise sent a letter addressed to House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco through appropriations panel chair Rep. Eric Yap, and higher and technical education committee chair Rep. Mark Go.
“It is in this premise that we are appealing to you … to please provide funding for these SUCs within BARMM for Fiscal Year 2022 by urging the DBCC (Development Budget Coordination Committee) and the House Committee on Appropriation to provide funding to the aforementioned SUCs,” the lawmakers said.
“We, along with the thousands of students, teachers and SUC officers and personnel, are hoping for your affirmative and immediate action on this matter,” they added.
Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Paul Daza, who was sponsoring the proposed budget of the SUCs, said that the House committee on appropriations will “find solutions on how to restore either partially or fully” the budget for the BARMM SUCs.