The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recently made an announcement regarding free college tuition for students in State Universities and Colleges.
Starting this June, students in SUCs will no longer have to pay any tuition or miscellaneous fees.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act last year.
Free college tuition for all students of SUCs
CHED officer-in-charge Prospero Vera III shared that 40 billion pesos was allotted by the government for the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
However, students won’t simply be able to avail of the free tuition without any conditions. All students who will be provided with free tuition need to render services to the school. The school will choose the service that the student has to do.
Vera shares, “They are now being paid for by taxpayers’ money, and it is their responsibility to give back to their community or give back to the nation.”
Here are some additional provisions:
- The student needs to have passed the entrance and retention policies of the school.
- They have no prior undergraduate degree.
- They are not overstaying in the university.
Additionally, CHED will also cover the entrance exam fees for students who are eligible.
Why is this law important?
This law is important since it gives poor, but deserving students, a chance to finish their studies.
It allows students to not worry about being unable to pay for their tuition, and focus instead on studying.
The law will also be strict, and require students to perform well. It does not allow delinquent students to take advantage of the program.
Hopefully, this new law will allow motivated students to work hard and focus on their studies, instead of struggling with trying to make ends meet.
Source: ABS-CBN News
READ: Meet the fisherman’s daughter who’s graduating from college with magna cum laude honors
