Cut in DPWH budget for projects pushed to boost funds for students

A move to reduce the proposed budget for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects and utilize the amount slashed for scholarship or educational assistance funds for all college students next year is being proposed in the House of Representatives.

- By ELLSON QUISMORIO

Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste made the pitch during the marathon budget hearing of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) on Sept. 11 before the House Committee on Appropriations.

"This is a very good program, but at the moment, because of budgetary constraints, we are selecting only certain beneficiaries for this program," Legarda Leviste said in his interpellation of CHEd Chairperson Shirley Agrupis. The neophyte lawmaker was referring to CHEd's Tulong Dunong Program.

"More students would benefit if all qualified students are automatically given Tulong Dunong assistance, budget permitting. Would you agree, Madame Chair?" Legarda Leviste asked.

Agrupis replied: "If there is a budget, who would say 'no' to helping students in need?" Legarda Leviste then laid out his plan on tapping the DPWH funds for education.