CHED completes free college policy rules

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has finished drawing up the implementing rules and regulations (IRRs) for the free tuition policy in state universities and colleges.

CHED chairperson Patricia Licuanan said CHED was set to submit the IRRs to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) within the week.

The IRR was formulated by a task force composed of representatives from CHED, DBM, the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), and representatives from the Senate and the House of Representatives.

CHED will work closely with DBM to ensure that the P8.3-billion budget for the free tuition program will benefit financially disadvantaged but academically able students as ordered by President Duterte.

CHED took into consideration DBM’s reminder that “the right to choose a profession or course of study is still subject to fair and equitable admission and academic requirements,” in compliance with the President’s order.

The IRRs will undergo review by the DBM and is expected to be signed next month.

Immediately after signing, the SUCs shall submit to CHED the operating budget required by law.

The appropriate payments shall be given in advance to help the SUCs prepare for the coming academic year.

“We will conduct a comprehensive information campaign soon after to ensure that deserving students have the chance to benefit from this game-changing policy in higher education,” Licuanan said.

The free tuition initiative will boost CHED’s objective to expand access to quality higher education in the country.

CHED has continuously worked to extend and expand scholarship grants and financial assistance to poor but deserving students in higher education institutions, Licuanan said.