Students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) staged a protest against budget cuts, calling for increased funding and improved university facilities.
Through a flash mob dance, they decried the worsening conditions on campus and the government’s continued reduction of education funds.
“As scholars of the people, we can no longer stomach the long-standing poor conditions at the [university]. We cannot study properly—there are always disruptions! There are no adequate facilities and equipment, frequent power outages, and no proper means to combat the extreme heat this summer,” said Yell Teresa, Chairperson of Bahaghari PUP.
PUP is among the state universities affected by the continued reduction of the national education budget. The P2 billion cut for 2025 impacts more than 20 campuses across Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and South Luzon.
“For years, construction projects within the university have remained unfinished, affecting the quality of our education. For us, education means engaging with our fellow students and having face-to-face discussions with our professors,” Teresa said.
She pointed out that despite moving past the pandemic and hybrid classes, the situation at PUP remains dire. Many students from the provinces have relocated to Manila in pursuit of free and quality education, yet financial burdens continue to fall on them.
Expenses for internet, electricity, and water are shouldered by students, and the lack of proper classrooms and disorganized faculty schedules have forced many to stay in dorms or at home for online classes.”
Teresa criticized the PUP administration’s priorities, particularly its focus on the National Polytechnic University (NPU) Bill.
“The PUP administration should not be prioritizing the NPU (National Polytechnic University) Bill. What we need is an increased budget, not funds for corruption. They should demand the removal of Marcos Jr.’s Confidential and Intelligence Funds and redirect it toward education,” she said.
