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Philippines higher education faces major funding blow as 2027 budget proposal slashes NEP by nearly half
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Add The Colleges PH on GoogleCommission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Shirley Agrupis on Thursday lamented the nearly 50 percent cut of the commission’s proposed budget for 2027 under the National Expenditure Program (NEP).
During the House Committee on Appropriations’ budget hearing for CHED, Agrupis said the commission proposed a ₱70.2 billion budget for 2027, noting that they “need to continue supporting our students and existing commitments.”
However, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) only recommended a ₱35.45 billion budget for CHED in the 2027 NEP.
What CHED Proposed vs. What was recommended
| Budget | Amount |
|---|---|
| CHED’s proposed 2027 budget | ₱70.2 billion |
| DBM-recommended budget under the 2027 NEP | ₱35.45 billion |
| Gap between proposed and recommended budget | ₱34.83 billion |
“[This is] about 50% less than what we proposed, leaving nearly half of our identified priority and funded projects,” Agrupis said.
She warned of the consequences of the funding gap, stating: “Those P34.83 billion gaps represent commitments we may not be able to fully sustain, institutions and systems we may not be able to strengthen, and reforms we may not be able to fully advance if the gap remains unaddressed.”
READ: 2,407 More Filipinos to Get DOST Scholarships in 2027
How the Recommended ₱35.45 Billion is allocated
Under the 2027 NEP, the recommended CHED budget as follows:
| Budget | Amount | Share of total |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) | ₱34.74 billion | 98% |
| Personnel Services | ₱609 million | 1.7% |
| Capital Outlay | ₱100 million | 0.3% |
What this means for Students and Programs
Agrupis pointed out that CHED’s MOOE is still lacking, explaining that this budget category does not only cover the commission’s administrative operating expenses, but also finances its programs, scholarships, subsidies, grants, and assistance to students in higher education institutions.
She also emphasized that the insufficient personnel at CHED have been their “cry ever since,” highlighting long-standing staffing concerns at the commission.
Regarding the “very limited” capital outlay allocation, Agrupis said it “underscores the need to strengthen investment in infrastructure, digital systems, and many more.”
Why CHED Proposed a Higher Budget
Agrupis explained the reasoning behind the commission’s original ₱70.2 billion proposal: “To strengthen, we need to invest in our institutions and systems. And to synchronize, we need a higher education system that is responsive to our learners, industry, and the country’s changing needs. These are the reasons behind proposing a P70.2 billion budget.”
The 2027 NEP figures presented during the House Committee on Appropriations’ budget hearing are part of the ongoing congressional budget deliberation process. Final allocations may still change as the budget moves through further review, deliberations, and approval by Congress.
READ: How do you qualify for a CHED scholarship?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did CHED propose for its 2027 budget?
CHED proposed a budget of ₱70.2 billion for 2027.
How much did DBM actually recommend for CHED under the 2027 NEP?
DBM recommended ₱35.45 billion, nearly 50% less than CHED’s original proposal.
What is the size of the funding gap?
The gap between CHED’s proposed budget and the DBM-recommended amount is ₱34.83 billion.
How is the recommended ₱35.45 billion allocated?
₱34.74 billion (98%) goes to Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), ₱609 million (1.7%) to Personnel Services, and ₱100 million (0.3%) to Capital Outlay.
Why does the budget cut concern CHED’s scholarship programs?
CHED’s MOOE funds not only administrative operations but also its programs, scholarships, subsidies, grants, and student assistance, meaning a reduced MOOE could affect the commission’s ability to sustain these commitments.
Is this budget final?
No, the figures represent the 2027 NEP as presented during a House Committee on Appropriations budget hearing. The budget is still subject to further congressional deliberation and approval before it is finalized.
