In a powerful pitch for education as a great equalizer, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vowed to pump nearly P60 billion into free public college education and technical-vocational (Tech-Voc) training programs in 2026, aiming to reach even more Filipino youth with life-changing opportunities.
Speaking at his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) before lawmakers at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, Marcos declared that access to education remains a cornerstone of his administration’s social agenda.
“Kung tutungtong naman sa kolehiyo, nakahanda ang malaking pondo para sa pagtutustos sa libreng pampublikong edukasyon,” the President said. “Pati na rin ang mga subsidy at financial assistance para sa mas higit pang nangangailangang estudyante.”
He emphasized that P60 billion will be earmarked specifically for free tuition in state universities and colleges (SUCs), as well as expanded Tech-Voc programs under TESDA—an investment he called “non-negotiable” in uplifting Filipino families.
Millions already benefiting
The government’s Free Higher Education Law, enacted in 2017, has already opened doors for over 2 million students annually. Since President Marcos took office, 260,000 more youth have joined their ranks—many of them the first in their families to step into a college campus.
Marcos made it clear that children of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries will be given priority slots in both college and Tech-Voc programs, in line with the administration’s poverty reduction goals.
TESDA scholarship surge
The President also spotlighted the rapid expansion of TESDA scholarships. In 2024 alone, over 200,000 additional scholarships were handed out, enabling young Filipinos to acquire in-demand skills in industries ranging from construction and IT to hospitality and automotive services.
“Kitang-kita natin ang bunga ng mga programang ito,” Marcos said. “Napakataas ngayon ng bilang ng kabataan nating pumasok sa kolehiyo o sa TESDA.”
Thanks to these initiatives, the Philippines now ranks second in Southeast Asia in youth enrollment for both college and Tech-Voc education—an achievement Marcos framed as a collective national victory.
One graduate per family
In a heartfelt appeal to parents across the country, the President underscored his vision for long-term impact:
“Our goal is simple but powerful—at least one college or TESDA graduate per Filipino family. This is the future we’re working for.”
As the 2026 budget cycle nears, the President’s announcement sets the tone for a continued push toward education equity—and a promise that the doors of opportunity will remain wide open for the country’s next generation.