Abdiel Franz Bernales

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) expressed concern on January 31, over "alarmingly high" rates of tertiary student dropout, despite the Philippine government offering free tuition in state universities and colleges (SUCs).


The higher education attrition or dropout rate is at 39% nationally, EDCOM 2 reported in its year two report released on January 27.

However, the figures are far bleaker for specific regions: 93.4% in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), 60.7% in Central Visayas, 59.5% in the Zamboanga Peninsula, 54.9% in the Cordillera Administrative Region, 52.4% in Metro Manila, 51.2% in Soccsksargen, and 50.2% in Western Visayas.

In a Rappler Talk interview on January 28, EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Yee said the high attrition rates call for the government to review the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

"The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, signed into law last 2017 covers subsidies to students studying in state universities and colleges, local universities and colleges, and state-run technical-vocational institutions," Northern Samar First District Rep. Paul Daza said.

"We can't just make sure that there's equity in access. There should be equity in completion. That we are not just letting them be accepted in a school or have the opportunity to go to school. We need to make sure they finish," he added.

Yee cited two main reasons college students drop out — lack of engagement and the need to work.

“Ang pinaka-problem talaga diyan is opportunity cost. Kung ang bata, may tuition ka nga, pero mas malaki ang kikitain kung nagtrabaho na siya. Marami sa kanila, nagtatrabaho,” he said.

Yee reiterated that providing free tuition is not enough to ensure students finish college, as the daily costs of attending school are also a burden.

“What we really need to do is, one, siguruhin natin na ‘yung support na binibigay natin sa mga mahihirap, the poor students…hindi lang siya pang-tuition. Dapat sapat siya sa lahat ng gastusin ng bata kung gusto natin matapos talaga sila,” he told Rappler.

The EDCOM 2 executive director also said the Philippines should ensure that higher education in the country is "porous," meaning students who drop out can return whenever they want. He noted that students usually work part-time to help their families with finances.

"It shouldn't be rigid when you're in high school, then you enter college for four years and graduate. We need to accept the reality that the context for today's youth is that some might need to work, but hopefully, they can also go back to school. There should be night classes or Saturday classes available," he stated.

Moreover, a statement released by Sen. Win Gatchalian, a Filipino politician and businessman serving as a Senator since 2016, has a probable solution for tertiary students' high dropout rates.

"I introduced a provision in the 2024 budget prioritizing the poorest students in TES selection, raising their share to 27% for SY 2023-2024. This policy will continue in 2025, but we must ensure TES grants remain sufficient to support students' education, paving the way for a brighter future," he said.