By Liza Soriano
About 98 percent of Filipinos favor free tuition in public universities, according to a Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Senator Win Gatchalian.
The survey was conducted from September 10 to 14 with 1,200 respondents.
According to the survey, this extends across all economic classes: 99 percent in Classes ABC, 97 percent in Class D, and 100 percent in Class E; as well as across geographic regions such as the National Capital Region (NCR) at 98 percent, Balance Luzon at 96 percent, Visayas at 99 percent, and Mindanao at 100 percent.
When asked why they support free college tuition, more than half (51%) of the survey’s 1,200 adult respondents said that it results in more graduates.
“Of the 1 % who are not in favor of free tuition in public universities, nearly half expressed concerns about the quality of education, while another 47% mentioned the issue of underfunding in public universities,” Gatchalian said.
The lawmaker also said that it is vital to continue free education to students to help them in their future.
“Marami na sa ating mga kababayan ang nakinabang sa libreng kolehiyo, at mahalagang tiyakin nating patuloy nating mabibigyan ng dekalidad at abot-kayang edukasyon ang ating mga kabataan. Titiyakin nating matatanggap ng ating mga SUCs ang suportang kinakailangan nila upang makapaghatid ng dekalidad na edukasyon,” said Gatchalian.
(ai/mnm)