THE free tuition in all state universities and colleges, local universities and colleges and technical-vocational institutions will take full effect in June, the Commission on Higher Education said Thursday.
Prospero de Vera III, CHED chairman, said they have already finished the implementing rules and regulations.
“Majority of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education board have already signed the IRRs,” he told radio dzMM.
“We will start going around the country to explain the IRRs,” he said.
On top of the free tuition, the government has allocated P8 billion to cover the free miscellaneous fees of students in June, he said.
The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act was signed into law last year mandating the non-collection of tuition and other fees in all 112 SUCs nationwide.
Students who pass the admission test and retention requirements, have not taken any other course, and who are not overstaying qualify to avail of the free tuition and miscellaneous.
“The philosophy in education has changed [a lot]. Before, everyone must pay tuition, and the government only gives a subsidy to those with scholarship grants,” he said.
“Under the Duterte administration, the philosophy is, free education is for all, while those who are in need shall be given government assistance,” he added.
A P40,000 stipend a year will be provided to a poor student of any SUCs, while a student enrolled at a private institution will receive a P60,000 a year.
“We give more to a student enrolled in a private college. We understand that a student sometimes has no choice if his or her home is just near the college location or if his or her chosen course is only being offered there,” he said.