Top state universities and colleges in the country are bracing for enormous budget reductions in 2025, according to data from the proposed National Expenditure Program released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The cuts, totaling P14.48 billion, will affect 28 out of 116 state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the country.

Mindanao State University (MSU) is set to bear the brunt of the cuts, facing a staggering P8.261 billion peso reduction.

The University of the Philippines and Bicol University follow, with cuts of P2.894 billion and P2.887 billion pesos, respectively.

Other institutions facing major reductions include Romblon State University and MSU Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography, with cuts exceeding P2 billion pesos each.

The proposed cuts have triggered worries about the potential impact on higher education quality and accessibility in the country.

Education experts have warned that such drastic measures could hinder the country’s efforts to develop skilled human capital and boost economic growth in the post-pademic years.

Government officials have yet to comment on the reasoning behind these proposed budget cuts or how they plan to mitigate their effects on the affected institutions.

As the 2025 budget deliberations continue, stakeholders in the education sector are expected to lobby for reconsideration of these cuts, citing the critical role of state universities in national development.

Mindoro State University Not Spared

Meanwhile, the Mindoro State University (MinSU) is also set to experience a budget reduction for Fiscal Year 2025, based on the proposed allocations released by the DBM.

According to DBM data, MinSU’s budget will decrease by approximately P35 million, from P504 million in 2024 to P469 million in 2025.

The reduction primarily affects the university’s operations and capital outlays.

The operating budget for 2025 is projected at P363 million, down from P408 million in 2024, reflecting a P45 million decrease.

Locally funded projects will also face cuts, with funding reduced from P152 million in 2024 to P107 million in 2025.

Despite these cuts, the university’s budget for personnel services will increase slightly, from P224 million to P235 million. The budget for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) will also decrease by P14 million, from P214 million to P200 million.

The decrease in MinSU’s budget is part of broader fiscal adjustments affecting many state universities and colleges across the country as the government recalibrates its expenditure priorities, DBM said.

Occidental Mindoro State College Sees 2025 Budget Increase

On the other hand, Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC) is set to receive a higher budget allocation for the fiscal year 2025, amounting to P621.849 million, up from P575.591 million in 2024.

The increase mirrors the government’s continued investment in education, focusing on enhancing higher education programs, research initiatives, and technical advisory extensions within the MIMAROPA region.

P1.07 Trillion Pesos for Education in 2025 Budget

Again, based on the data provided by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the Philippines’ 2025 fiscal year budget, the Philippine government plans to allocate P1,067.14 billion pesos to education, culture, and manpower development in its proposed 2025 budget, marking the largest share within the social services sector.

The education sub-sector will receive an 8.5% increase from the previous year, amounting to P83.64 billion pesos in additional funding. The allocation represents 16.8% of the total 2025 budget.

Major components of the education budget include: P729.31 billion pesos for Basic Education Facilities; P341.31 billion pesos for Government Assistance and Subsidies; P99.95 billion pesos for annual allowances under the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act”; P53.05 billion pesos for Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education; P71.72 billion pesos for Special Training for Employment Program; P23.28 billion pesos for Training for Work Scholarship Program; and P1.39 billion pesos for Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program.

Malacañang has said the increased funding in education is intended to support various educational programs, including improving school infrastructure, providing financial assistance to students, and enhancing teacher benefits.