President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. rejected claims that his administration is neglecting state universities and colleges (SUCs), affirming that government support remains robust.
Speaking on his BBM Podcast, he said, “First of all, hindi napapabayaan ang SUCs. The budget for the maintenance and the continued operation of our SUCs is ₱185 million. (Nobody could claim) that we’re not attending to the SUCs.”
Marcos emphasized that his education strategy prioritizes foundational investments in basic education, likening it to building a house.
“Parang para kang nagpapatayo ng bahay. ‘Yung pundasyon natin napakahina eh. Na-neglect natin yung education napakatagal,” he said.
He also highlighted funding for classroom construction and repair, teacher support, and provision of equipment.
“Education is one of those things that I hope we can get started in such a way… that this will continue, masanay ang tao so that it becomes a right. And if it is taken away from you, you can demand for it to be brought back,” Marcos added.
Under the proposed 2026 budget, SUCs are set to receive ₱1.38 trillion, marking the largest allocation for the education sector.
Marcos acknowledged persistent challenges, including a 160,000-classroom backlog and lack of computers and internet in many schools, and pledged to find ways to address these gaps.
“Yung support natin sa teacher. Equipment, computer, wala tayong computer. Ang dami pang eskwelahan walang internet,” he said.