Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos on Tuesday said the Department of Budget and Management’s release of PHP9.75 billion for state universities and colleges (SUCs) nationwide is “a timely and much-needed infusion of funds.”

The DBM recently released PHP9.75 billion to the Commission on Higher Education for 108 SUCs nationwide to settle costs previously absorbed in implementing the Free Higher Education (FHE) program during the academic years 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025.

“These funds will surely help our SUCs as they strive to become better learning institutions and partners of our youth in reaching for their dreams,” Bernos said in a news release.

“Pagkatapos ng paghihigpit ng sinturon dahil sa pagpasan sa gastusin sa implementasyon ng FHE program, mas makakahinga na ang ating mga SUCs at maitutuon na ang mga pondo sa ibang programang nabinbin o nais ipatupad para sa kapakanan ng mga estudyante (After tightening their belts to shoulder the costs of the FHE program’s implementation, our SUCs can now breathe a sigh of relief and redirect their funds toward delayed programs or new initiatives for the welfare of the students,” the lawmaker said.

The FHE Program is a result of Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, providing free tuition and other school fees in SUCs and CHED-recognized local universities and colleges.

The CHED shall facilitate the release of the said funds to the concerned SUCs through the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education, the DBM said.

Bernos, a member of the House committee on higher and technical education, said the arrival of these funds would give SUCs “more breathing room.”

“We hope that with these funds, we can see our SUCs take greater steps towards improvement, such as in strengthening academic and research programs and student services, upgrading of laboratories, libraries, and other facilities, or even the rehabilitation of their buildings and public spaces.” (PNA)