Improved SUC competitiveness eyed

GOVERNMENT is pouring substantial investments into state colleges and universities (SUCs) to enhance the quality of higher education and increase competitiveness.

Of the P4.2-billion allotted, P3.356 billion will support institutional capacity-building activities in leading SUCs, including funds for the upgrade of key infrastructure and facilities at P2.631 billion; grant-in-aid for research, development and extension, P560 million; and executive development, P165 million.

There is also the P500 million grants-in-aid program for qualified students coming from the poorest families as identified by the DSWD to complete a college degree.

Student-beneficiaries will be directed to enroll in priority courses like science and technology, agriculture/fisheries as well as entrepreneurship and will be provided with tuition, monthly living stipends and other allowances.

Around P427 million was likewise earmarked for the modernization of higher education facilities project, which will infuse critical investments in leading SUCs in the regions.

These allocations are part of the P13.4 billion investment under the government’s P72.11 billion disbursement acceleration plan.

SUCs may also qualify for added funds once they signify their commitment to the reform roadmap being designed by the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Budget and Management and the SUCs themselves.

Measures outlined in the reform plan include the alignment of SUC course offerings with the administration’s job-generation and economic-growth priorities; the movement toward the amalgamation of the regional university system; the development of stronger links to relevant industries, including research and development; faculty development and job placements; as well as transparent and accountable financial management, among others, the DBM said in yesterday’s factsheet.

“This project will address the challenge of providing better access to quality higher education and to generate, adapt and transfer technologies for enhancing productivity, alleviating poverty and improving the education competitiveness,” it added. (CGC)