House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson and Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela "Mika" Suansing has committed to working with education and budget officials to address the root causes of recurring funding deficiencies in the government's free higher education program, according to a report by the Philippine News Agency.
Suansing, who leads the House panel that scrutinizes the national budget, said the recurring shortfalls in the free tuition program require a comprehensive review rather than temporary fixes. She emphasized the need to identify why the program consistently faces funding gaps despite annual allocations.
The lawmaker's statement comes amid ongoing concerns about the sustainability of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which provides free tuition and other fees in state universities and colleges. The program has faced funding challenges since its implementation, with reports of delayed disbursements and insufficient subsidies.
Suansing said she would coordinate with the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Budget and Management to find long-term solutions. The goal is to ensure that eligible students continue to benefit from the program without interruption.
