Students protest slash on education budget

CEBU, Philippines – Student activists protested in front of Commission on Higher Education regional office yesterday to show their opposition to the cut on next year's education budget that they believe would affect the funding for scholarships. 

Over 30 students from different student organizations gathered in front of the CHED office bringing with them placards and shouting to air their sentiments against the government's move to slash by 33 percent or by P1.69 billion the education department's original budget of P2.54 billion.

They said this would only further aggravate the problems that the commission is already facing.

The protesters also fear that their will be more college dropouts because many students will no longer be able to avail of scholarships.

Akbayan-Cebu chairperson, Lex Lucas said the government should help students to achieve their dreams by building classrooms and improving facilities. 

He is disappointed over government's "unjust actions" like giving more funds to the Armed Forces instead of giving it to the education department which needs it most. 

LFS-UP Cebu secretary general Melanie Montaño also said the government is putting more importance on global demands instead of prioritizing the country's immediate needs.

"Clearly, the budget cut in all state colleges and universities (SUCs) around the archipelago sets ground for pursuing priorities basing on the demand of the world market," said Montaño.

Liezyl Anne Gomez, UP-Cebu, council representative said the proposed budget cut on different SUCs is an indication of the government averting its people from quality and affordable education.

Meanwhile, Dr. Evelyn Tradio, Finance Chief Administrative Officer of the state-run Cebu Normal University, in an interview with The FREEMAN said the slash on CHEDs budget would affect the number of students they would accept as scholars. (FREEMAN)