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Aspiring UP students arrive at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, for the first day of the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT). Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

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Allison Co

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Lawmakers at the budget hearing of the Commission on Higher Education on Thursday, August 27, questioned funding cuts to state universities and colleges, with the commission saying the schools have not been remiss in preparing their proposals.Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña pointed out that the University of the Philippines is facing a P3-billion budget cut, while Bulacan State University and Cavite State University are set to receive P181 million and P67 million less in 2027, respectively.He said that with the cuts, the Philippines should stop wondering “why we are in the midst of a learning crisis.&quot;Kabataan Party-List Rep. Renee Co flagged cuts at 49 of 113 state universities in the country. She said the cuts are happening as student populations grow and put more pressure on limited faculty, facilities and services.Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co also highlighted that out of the 113 state universities in the country, 49 will be facing budget cuts.&quot;Nakakalungkot siyang pakinggan at makita dahil kahit na gusto natin na highest budgetary priority ang education, it’s unfortunate na bababa ang budget nila,” Co said.(It is sad to hear about and see because we want education to be the highest budgetary priority. It&#x27;s unfortunate that their budgets are being cut.)<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/27/lawmaker-calls-out-ched-over-unused-funds-as-students-reportedly-denied-aid-1543">Lawmaker calls out CHED over unused funds as students reportedly denied aid </a></div>CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis acknowledged the impact of the budget reductions, saying they resulted from the agency’s reduced overall fiscal space and could significantly affect the quality of services provided by SUCs, particularly in facility upgrades and in digital transformation.“On the side of state university and colleges, they prepare their budget proposals diligently. They submit according to what they need, hoping na maibibigay po, wala po (hoping it will be granted, but it is not). So it&#x27;s the wisdom of those who analyze our proposal,&quot; she said.<div> </div><div>CUTS TO PGH</div>Cendaña also raised concerns over an P805-million budget cut for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) under UP Manila, warning that it could affect thousands of patients who rely on the hospital for quality medical services.“Kahit mahaba ang pila, tinatiyaga kasi maganda ang kalidad ng serbisyo,” the lawmaker said.(Despite the long lines, they are willing to wait because of the high quality of service.)Agrupis agreed with Cendaña on the potential detrimental effects of the budget cuts.&quot;Lahat po naman na nangangailangan ng pondo ay hindi makakarating sa patutunguhan&quot; she said as she likened the commission to a car with limited fuel.(You cannot reach your destination if you lack the funds.)Agrupis earlier presented CHED’s proposed total budget of P70.2 billion for 2027, noting that the National Expenditure Program — the executive branch&#x27;s proposed budget — allocated only P35.43 billion to the commission.&quot;CHED na po ang mismo nagsabi, walang pang gasolina. Pero ito pong budget cut, hindi lamang gasolina yung pinagkait, pati po yung mahalagang pyesa ng ating sasakyang ito,” he said.(CHED itself said it has no gas money. But this budget cut deprives it not just of gas but also the important components of the vehicle.)

Lawmakers at the budget hearing of the Commission on Higher Education on Thursday, August 27, questioned funding cuts to state universities and colleges, with the commission saying the schools have not been remiss in preparing their proposals.

Lawmakers at the budget hearing of the Commission on Higher Education on Thursday, August 27, questioned funding cuts to state universities and colleges, with the commission saying the schools have not been remiss in preparing their proposals.

Lawmakers call for CHED budget increase as 49 state schools face cuts

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Lawmakers call for CHED budget increase as 49 state schools face cuts

Allison Co,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 27, 2026 05:41 PM PHT

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Commission on Higher Education

Akbayan Party-List

Perco Cendaña

Kabataan Party-List

Renee Co

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