Manila, Aug. 16 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P9.753 billion to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to address funding deficiencies in the implementation of the Free Higher Education (FHE) Program in 108 state universities and colleges (SUCs) nationwide.

The release covers validated arrears incurred during Academic Years 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025, providing funding support for costs previously absorbed by the beneficiary SUCs.

CHED, through the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), will facilitate the corresponding release of funds to the concerned SUCs in accordance with applicable guidelines.

DBM Acting Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said the relea...