One of the most significant legacies of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration in the field of education, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act No. 10931), institutionalized free higher education in all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and state-run Technical-Vocational Institutions across the Philippines.
This law ensures that no Filipino student is denied access to college education due to financial constraints, helping bridge the gap in educational opportunity and reducing poverty through long-term human capital development.
Key Provisions of the Law
Free Tuition and Miscellaneous Fees
For eligible students enrolled in:112 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
78 CHED-recognized Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs)
Technical-Vocational institutions under TESDA
Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)
Grants up to ₱60,000 per year for poor but deserving students to cover lodging, books, supplies, and transportation.Student Loan Program for Tertiary Education (SLPTE)
Short-term and long-term student loans with low or no interest rates.Return Service for Some Beneficiaries
Public health and education graduates may be required to give return service in their fields.Achievements & Impact
Metric Data (as of 2022) Students benefited (annually) Over 1.6 million Budget allocation ₱44 billion (2021) SUCs and LUCs covered Over 200 combined Technical-vocational students aided 20,000+ Increased college enrollment among poor families
Decreased dropout rates among working students
Reduced financial burden on parents and guardians
Encouraged more young Filipinos to pursue college degrees
