The House of Representatives of the Philippines has endorsed an increase in the FY 2026 budget for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) after concluding plenary deliberations at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City in the early hours of September 26, 2025.

Under the approved proposal, the Commission on Higher Education(CHED) (CHED) and SUCs stand to gain an additional ₱9.97 billion earmarked for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) as well as ICT modernization and infrastructure development initiatives. CHED Chairperson Dr. Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis confirmed the development through a public post.

Further commitments include ₱7.8 billion from CHED’s Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF) to bolster institutional budgets, along with ₱4.49 billion from the House to narrow funding gaps in the Free Higher Education (FHE) program.

Representing Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) during the session were President Dr. Joy C. Capistrano, VP for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance Dr. Carmelo S. Llanto, VP for Research, Innovation, Development, and Extension Affairs Dr. Ferdinand Dumalagan, Planning Director Dr. Leolyn Jusay, and Head Budget Officer Elinor Amarante.

President Capistrano, on behalf of ASSCAT, expressed appreciation to CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis and PASUC President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo for championing the cause of higher education financing. ASSCAT likewise extends its profound gratitude to Agusan del Sur Representatives Hon. Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” G. Plaza and Hon. Alfelito Bascug for strongly endorsing the College’s budget and for their unwavering support in advancing initiatives that strengthen agricultural innovation, education, and regional development.

With this budget expansion, SUCs are better positioned to sustain academic excellence, upgrade facilities, and widen access to tertiary education. ASSCAT looks forward to translating this national investment into programs that directly benefit its students, faculty, and partner communities.