MANILA – Senator Bam Aquino is urging the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to ensure that enrollment projections are matched with sufficient funding under the 2026 national budget, warning against a projected P3.29-billion shortfall.

During the SUCs’ budget hearing, the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) reported that the current 1.97 million SUC enrollees are expected to rise by 300,000 in 2026, bringing the total to around 2.27 million. DBM figures, however, fall short of these projections.

“For the 2026 budget, we have to agree. Iyong projection at iyong budget na ibibigay dapat tumutugma siya,” Aquino said, stressing that Free Higher Education (FHE) allocations under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931) must be aligned with enrollment growth.

“Moving forward, iyong projections per SUC at iyong kaakibat na FHE funding should match para walang sisihan. Huwag tayong pumayag na bababa iyong enrollment. Dapat pataas iyong enrollment because that’s really where we want to go,” he added.

Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education and is principal sponsor of the Free College Law, underscored the need to close the gap. “Itong deficiency na ito, we want to see this gap closed,” he said, noting that the Senate Committee on Finance chaired by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is open to addressing the issue.

He also assured SUCs that the Senate will work to restore the P12.3-billion deficit in the proposed 2026 budget to cover capital outlay, maintenance and other operating expenses, and personal services.

“We will do our best to make sure na mapondohan po kayo… iyong kakulangan sa tulong sa ating mga eskwelahan at iyong suporta na diretso sa mga esudyante po natin. We will do our best to restore those amounts and increase those amounts para mas marami pa pong matutulungan,” Aquino said.

Aquino added that reallocated flood control funds should be directed to basic and higher education. “We will make sure that support goes to basic and higher education,” he stressed.

The senator also lauded SUCs for their role in uplifting families and communities. He recalled stories from students and parents during his campaign, saying these highlighted how access to SUCs has improved lives.

“Nakita ko po iyon sa mga buwan ng aming pangangampanya… Lahat ng tulong na ibinigay natin sa mga estudyante ay nagbunga na, at ngayon marami na sa kanila ang may trabaho at maayos na ang pamumuhay,” Aquino said.

“If we continue this program and provide even more funding, mas marami pa tayong matutulungan,” he added.