Student councils celebrate implementation of free college law in 2026

Student Council Alliance of the Philippines’ official press release (Photo Courtesy: Scap).

MANILA, Philippines— An organization of student councils is celebrating a major win as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) is set for full implementation in 2026.

This was after the House of Representatives resolved a P12.3 billion funding backlog that had delayed the implementation of free higher education since 2022.

Also known as R.A. 10931, UAQTEA is a landmark law that aims to make tertiary or college education accessible and affordable to all Filipinos by providing free tuition and exemption from other school fees in state universities, local colleges, and state-run technical-vocational institutions.

It includes programs such as Tulong Dunong Program and the Tertiary Education Subsidy.

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The Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP), the largest alliance of student councils and organizations, hailed the decision as a victory for the student movement.

The group cited collective action across the country and support from allies in Congress, including Akbayan Partylist Representative Chel Diokno.

“This is not just ordinary funding— it is the result of collective action and steadfast commitment of the youth and the students,” said Angela Diamartin, SCAP National Chairperson.

While the law guarantees tuition and school fee coverage for state universities and colleges (SUCs), SCAP believes that the work is far from over.

“SCAP emphasizes that this achievement is only the beginning, not the finish line. The Alliance will actively oversee the proper distribution and implementation of these programs, demanding transparency and accountability to guarantee that every student can fully benefit,” they said in their official press release.

They reaffirmed their commitment to defending students’ rights and ensuring that free education reaches every scholar.

“Together with hundreds of student councils and student regents or trustees from SUCs and LUCs (Local Universities and Colleges), we will continue to act, monitor and defend the rights of every national scholar,” said Diamartin. /mr