Lawmaker to state schools: Use additional funds wisely

Aurora Representative Juan Edgardo Angara. Joseph Vidal/PRIB

MANILA, Philippines – Following the deliberations on the proposed increase in funding of state universities and colleges (SUCs) next year, House committee on higher and technical education chair Aurora Representative Juan Edgardo Angara said that he is hoping that institutions would not squander the additional budget.

The education sector is set to receive the biggest slice off next year’s national budget, with SUCs standing to be funded P34.9 billion or 44 percent more than its budget this year of P25.8 billion.

The increase in funding for SUCs is being eyed for capital outlay, maintenance, and as support for the Roadmap for Higher Education Reform 2011-2016.

Angara urged SUCs to use the budget for next year wisely and “choose projects which will improve the quality of education they provide to the young people.”

His concern was for the education sector to work for youths in poor families and for scholarships to show its impact on the country.

“As of now, there are hardly any impact study on the funds for scholarships and research. Where are all these scholars who were funded by taxpayers’ money? Are they helping the country? We want to know,” urged the lawmaker.