The allocation of funds for education is crucial to ensuring that all eligible Filipinos have access to adequate and equitable education. However, recent complaints regarding the non-payment of scholarships under the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) have raised concerns about the proper implementation of Republic Act 10931.
Northern Samar Representative Paul Daza has called for an audit of the P10.3 billion fund earmarked for the free tuition and living allowance of thousands of poor tertiary-level students enrolled in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and private higher educational institutions (HEIs). This fund, part of the Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF) allocated to the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), is intended to support the educational needs of deserving students.
Rep. Daza emphasized that these funds are earmarked by law and cannot be used for any purpose other than what they were intended for. If the funds remain unused, they will simply stay idle at the National Treasury. It is imperative that the funds be utilized effectively to provide the necessary support to students in need.
In addition to the call for an audit, Rep. Daza has also urged President Marcos to order a review of CHEd’s performance in terms of education standards, enrollment and graduation rates, and dropout rates. The disappointing reports of a 30 to 40 percent annual dropout rate and only 60 out of 100 students graduating highlight the need for a thorough assessment of the agency’s effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate.
Rep. Daza expressed his disappointment with CHEd, stating that the President should consider an internal review of the agency’s performance. The utilization of the P10 billion fund raises suspicions of a hidden agenda, which should be thoroughly reviewed and investigated by the Commission on Audit and Malacañang.
Under the UniFAST program, scholars are entitled to receive P30,000 per semester for tuition fees and living allowances. CHEd is responsible for remitting the funding to SUCs, local universities and colleges (LUCs), and private HEIs in areas where SUCs and LUCs are not available. However, complaints have arisen regarding the non-payment of dues, amounting to P2.1 billion for the school year 2021-2023.
Furthermore, the sudden change in guidelines by CHEd, using the “listahan 3.0” of the Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD) as the basis for scholarship inclusion, has resulted in a limited number of scholars for the school year 2022-2023 and onwards. This change has caused significant challenges for schools, as students continue to attend classes without paying their fees.
It is essential to address these issues promptly and ensure that the funds are disbursed to the rightful beneficiaries. Rep. Mark Go has directed CHEd to pay its scholarship debts to students using the P10.3 billion HEDF. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has also been instructed to take immediate action.
While partial payment of the student fees has been made, the living allowance has yet to be paid. It is crucial for CHEd to fulfill its obligations and provide the necessary support to students in a timely manner.
Education is a fundamental right, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that all eligible students have access to quality education. The audit of the P10.3 billion fund and the review of CHEd’s performance are essential steps towards achieving this goal. By addressing the issues and implementing necessary reforms, we can create a more equitable and inclusive educational system for the benefit of all Filipinos.
