TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre, chair of the House committee on higher and technical education, welcomed Congress’ commitment to fully cover the P12.31-billion shortfall in the Free Higher Education Program under Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

The funding gap, raised by state universities and colleges (SUCs) during budget consultations, stemmed from the continued use of prior-year enrollment figures instead of projected enrollment as mandated by law. This has forced many SUCs to cut or defer essential programs.

Acidre pushed House leaders to address the issue, resulting in a commitment announced during the sponsorship of the FY 2026 General Appropriations Bill. Of the shortfall, P7.82 billion will come from the higher education development fund of the Commission on Higher Education and P4.49 billion from the General Appropriations Act.

Congress also pledged over P9 billion in additional funding for the Tertiary Education Subsidy and other student aid programs.

Acidre hailed the move as a “victory for SUCs and students” but stressed the need for reforms to ensure sustainability, including strict use of projected enrollment figures and a mid-year adjustment mechanism when actual enrollment exceeds projections.

“Free higher education under RA 10931 must remain reliable and sustainable for the millions of Filipino students who depend on it,” Acidre said.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Eastern Samar, led by Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone, has secured strong backing from the national government to strengthen its agriculture and fisheries sectors after actively participating in the 2025 National Agri-Fishery Investment Forum held at the Palacio de Maynila in Malate.

The three-day forum, centered on the Philippine Agrifood Transformation Pathway, outlined national strategies to ensure food security and sustainable livelihood development.
Eastern Samar’s delegation took part in workshops, consultations, and discussions that opened opportunities for partnerships, funding, and program alignment with the province’s development agenda.

As part of its commitment, the province identified priority commodities under the regional commodity prioritization scheme. These include coconut, rice, carabao, seaweed, swine, tuna, and cacao—products crucial to improving local livelihoods and uplifting the agri-fishery industry.

Key national agencies have already pledged direct support. The Bureau of Soils and Water Management will implement a water impounding project, while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will establish a lobster and mud crab nursery in Guiuan. Funding for cold storage facilities in 2026 has also been confirmed, a major boost for the province’s fisheries sector.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel personally assured his support for Eastern Samar’s agri-fishery initiatives, including programs in coffee, cocoa, livestock, and fisheries.

Laurel also recognized the role of congressional leaders, including Minority Floor Leader Rep. Nonoy Libanan and Assistant Minority Floor Leader Rep. Sheen Gonzales, in securing resources for these projects.

Governor Evardone said the province’s participation in the forum is part of a long-term strategy to improve food security, generate sustainable livelihoods, and position Eastern Samar as a competitive player in the regional agri-fishery sector.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)