More college students from low-income families are expected to benefit from expanded government assistance as Senator Win Gatchalian highlighted the increased budget for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) this year.
Under the 2026 national budget, ₱30.8 billion has been allocated for TES to support qualified but financially disadvantaged students, including those from areas without state or local universities and colleges. This is significantly higher than the ₱21.7 billion allocated in 2025 and is projected to benefit about 1.3 million students.
At least 200,000 slots are reserved for incoming college students from families covered by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
A special provision in the 2026 national budget also states that in selecting TES beneficiaries, the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UNIFAST) must prioritize students listed under Listahanan 3.0, as well as other low-income households not included in the database.
According to Gatchalian, the expanded funding aims to ensure that financial aid reaches students who need it most, allowing more Filipinos to continue and complete their college education.
