SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian said more college students from low-income families are expected to receive government support this year after the 2026 national budget increased funding for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES).
The 2026 national budget earmarked P30.8 billion for TES to support underprivileged but qualified students, including those from areas without state and local universities and colleges.
The allocation is higher than the P21.7 billion set for TES in 2025.
Gatchalian said the funding level is expected to benefit around 1.3 million students, with 200,000 slots reserved for incoming college students from families covered by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
A special provision in the 2026 national budget also directs the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UNIFAST) to prioritize TES beneficiaries under “Listahanan 3.0” and other low-income households who are not part of “Listahanan,” Gatchalian said.
“Tiniyak natin na ang tulong pinansyal sa kolehiyo ay mapupunta sa mga estudyanteng higit na nangangailangan. Sa ganitong paraan, mas marami ang makakapagpatuloy at makakapagtapos ng kanilang pag-aaral,” said Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.
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