ILOILO City — State universities and colleges (SUCs) in Western Visayas face a P33-billion funding shortfall under the proposed 2027 national budget, triggering alarm among youth leaders and campus journalists over its potential impact on classrooms, facilities and student services across the region.
SUCs in Western Visayas collectively sought P67 billion to cover operational requirements, facility improvements and academic expansion, but the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved only P34 billion in the proposed allocation — roughly half of what the institutions requested.
Former Kabataan party-list representative Raoul Manuel presented the figures during the youth budget forum “Oops oops oops, Pondo ng Bayan Ating Bantayan” held at the Sta. Teresa Prayer Center in Jaro on Sept. 19.
The gathering brought together student alliances, campus journalists and youth advocates to scrutinize the proposed 2027 national budget, particularly allocations affecting public education.
Nationwide, the DBM allocated P141.09 billion for SUCs under the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), up 4.5 percent from the P134.99-billion baseline in the 2026 NEP.
Youth leaders, however, argued that the increase would not be enough to address inflation, rising student enrollment and infrastructure backlogs confronting state-run colleges and universities.
The forum also broadened the discussion to funding problems confronting the country’s public education system.
Samantha Faye Herbolario of Pamatan-on Kontra Korupsyon said only 700 new classrooms had been approved nationwide despite the need for thousands more, while budget constraints were also affecting teacher hiring.
“Kag ang suporta sa mga estudyante kulang man tungod sa kulang nga budget. Ini ang manifestation kag epekto sang korapsyon,” Herbolario added.
The coalition blamed what it described as systemic corruption and misplaced government spending priorities for the funding problems, criticizing the Marcos-Duterte administration for allegedly prioritizing flawed projects over essential educational services.
Speakers also urged young people to move beyond online discussions and participate more actively in scrutinizing how public money is spent.
“The fight isn’t just on social media; it’s outside in the streets. And why is it important? Because even if we aren’t aware of what’s happening, we are affected,” said Alexz, a fresh graduate who attended the forum.
Student publications and youth organizations were likewise urged to strengthen their watchdog role and closely monitor whether public funds are being directed toward basic social services.
The gathering coincided with the first anniversary of Pamatan-on Kontra Korupsyon, a Panay-wide youth and student alliance advocating transparency, anti-corruption and social justice.
Cultural group Artistang Radikal para sa Bayan also staged a performance during the program highlighting youth resistance and community solidarity.
Member organizations pledged to launch campaign drives nationwide and monitor congressional hearings as deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget move forward in the House of Representatives./PN
