Time to take care of our UP.

That is something that is not only true in your country but in the United States as well. There are many different kinds of schools in this country and it is true that not all schools are created equally. I think that there needs to be equal schools for all students and instead of working toward making that a reality, the government is taking away from schools that are already struggling. This is definitely not the right place to trim the budget.

"If we want a better nation, cut on anything, but never on education." I think this is a very nice slogan. Hit the nail right and very appropriate too. The main reason why we can't move forward is that there's too many uneducated people around. They should teach people how to fish instead of giving them dole outs. The Philippine education system continues to deteriorate and will continue to do so if they keep cutting the budget.

I agree that education should be prioritized as it is your vehicle to success. Free education should be given to those who truly needs it and UP is best in giving this need to the worthy. Hopefully, more politicians would wake up from their slumber of corruption and take charge in promoting free education to the needy but worthy.

Hi! It's been like that forever. I mean, fighting against budget cut has been one of the agenda of UP students and supporters. Even when I was still in college, and that was like 7 years ago or so, students have always clamored not to cut the budget for education. It's not only the students and their families that suffer, most importantly, it's the quality of the education that suffers. It was really a pain in the pocket when the tuition fee hike happened. When I was in college, it was only 300 pesos per unit. Now, it's a thousand pesos per unit! A lot of people are actually saying that UP is not for the masa anymore, not for the poor anymore, but for those who can afford. There is indeed, the STFAP but some family tend to get discouraged in applying for it because of the numerous requirements. Still, with all these challenges, UP are still able to provide quality education and thus, able to produce brilliant students. I just hope that this continues and that they won't privatize UP. P.S. I was also able to watch the UAAP CDC yesterday. The UP Pep squad was indeed amazing!

where does the increase in tuition fee goes? until now, there are a lot of rooms that are not decent enough to conduct a class. i even heard that many who had passed the UP entrance exam did not pursue their education in UP probably because of the tuition fee increase. it is a sad fact but true. if changes are seen for the amenities and the like are seen, for the betterment of the students' condition and situation, will they hear a thing about it? of course not. i say congrats to the UP PEP squad! my daughter and son are very proud marooners. :-)

I know what you mean, the University of the Philippines education is still one of those things where we still have a global edge especially when producing the best graduates in our country so why leave it to deteriorate? My late grandfather graduated there during the 20's i think, so did my mom and her old maid elder sister who helped raised me up, so did my elder sister who holds a masters degree.UP really holds a special place in the heart for most of us, will we also leave it to deteriorate like we did PGH (Philippine General Hospital) which use to be the best in the country and where U.P. students train to be the finest doctors in the world?

Hiya eileen, Our Students have been out all over the Country here too because it is so unfair what they plan to do. However if they had done something about it say three years back it might not have seemed so bad now. But now they are doing it all now and rushed this has made everyone angry and more stressed out. I can well understand how they feel no one is really defending them. Its about the same as other causes really everything is going to pot. Like you say the holes in the Roads are just getting bigger and the Traffic Fines are getting higher and more frequent Hope you are well I have not been able to get back to you for a while xxx

Yes, I agree with this! Education is the key to produce good, disciplined and well bred individuals for the nation. I am a product of the University of the Philippines and with what I encountered during my university years I can say that UP is a great ground to educate and train students to develop their potentials. But sadly, the budget cuts and tuition fee increase really hit the education system. Equipment and other essentials to build a great university is now lacking which explains the lagging behind of the Philippines compared to our neighboring countries. But still, I am very proud that even with all the issues regarding the education system in the Philippines, the UP students still find ways to put up excellence and show their skills which gives a great sign of hope for the Philippines.