By Francis Allan L. Angelo
Despite free tuition in state universities and colleges, Western Visayas has emerged as one of the top regions with high college dropout rates, with about 50.2% of students failing to complete their degrees, according to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) Year Two Report released on Jan. 27, 2025.
The report highlights that Western Visayas is among the regions most affected by this educational crisis, alongside Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which leads with a staggering 93.4% attrition rate, followed by Central Visayas (60.7%), Zamboanga Peninsula (59.5%), Cordillera Administrative Region (54.9%), Metro Manila (52.4%), and Soccsksargen (51.2%).
Why Are Students Dropping Out?
The rising dropout rates come despite the implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act 10931), which provides free tuition in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs).
Nationally, the dropout rate stands at 39%, or nearly 4 in every 10 college students failing to complete higher education.
According to EDCOM 2, while financial constraints remain a significant factor, they are no longer the primary reason students are leaving school.
The commission’s findings suggest that lack of personal interest has emerged as a major reason for student attrition, with 10.28% of students citing it as their motivation for dropping out.
A growing number of students are also prioritizing employment over education, with 12.59% leaving school in favor of finding jobs.
Many students also feel discouraged by the mismatch between their courses and job market demands, believing that their degrees do not guarantee employment opportunities.
The quality of education in some institutions remains a concern, as many schools still lack accreditation and qualified faculty, further diminishing student engagement.
Some students, particularly in local universities and colleges (LUCs), have limited course options, as many institutions primarily offer programs in education and business administration, restricting their academic and career prospects.
Financial Aid Failing to Reach Poorest Students
One of the key challenges highlighted in the report is the inefficiency of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program, which is supposed to provide financial support to underprivileged students.
While the TES program aims to prioritize students from low-income families, a significant portion of funds is allocated to those included in the Prioritizing Need-Based Student List (PNSL), which does not always include the poorest of the poor.
The standardized TES grant of PHP 10,000 per student is often insufficient to cover living expenses, school materials, and transportation costs, leading some students to abandon their education.
Data also shows that a substantial number of students under the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) discontinued their college education, raising concerns about the TES program’s effectiveness in keeping students in school.
Long-Term Impact
The rising attrition rates in Philippine higher education pose serious economic and social consequences.
The high dropout rates result in a loss of skilled workers, as fewer students complete their degrees and enter the professional workforce.
A less educated workforce weakens the country’s economic growth, productivity, and global competitiveness, making it harder for the Philippines to attract investments and create high-quality jobs.
The dropout crisis also worsens social inequality, as students from low-income families are disproportionately affected, limiting their chances of economic stability and social mobility.
Government spending on education is also being wasted, as billions of pesos are allocated for free tuition, yet many students fail to finish their courses, rendering these funds ineffective.
What Needs to Change?
To address the dropout crisis, EDCOM 2 is calling for stronger interventions and policy reforms.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) must take a proactive approach in monitoring the factors leading to high dropout rates and implement targeted solutions to reduce student attrition.
The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program must be revised to ensure that financial aid is directed toward the most economically disadvantaged students, preventing them from leaving school due to financial constraints.
A Labor Market Information System (LMIS) should be established to help students make informed choices about their courses, ensuring that their education aligns with job market demands.
Higher education institutions should improve accreditation, enhance faculty qualifications, and update their curricula to provide better educational outcomes and increase student retention.
The government must also review the sustainability of free tuition policies, as the current system may need better-targeted funding mechanisms to ensure that students are not just enrolling in college but completing their degrees.
Vocational and technical education should be promoted as an alternative pathway for students who may not wish to pursue traditional four-year degrees, allowing them to develop practical skills that lead to employment.
The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) was established by the Philippine Congress to conduct a comprehensive review of the country’s education system. Through this initiative, the government seeks to identify persistent challenges, propose meaningful reforms, and develop policies aimed at improving both the quality and accessibility of education across the nation.
Created through Republic Act No. 11899, which was signed into law in July 2022, EDCOM II is tasked with addressing systemic issues that hinder the effectiveness of the education sector. These challenges include concerns over learning outcomes, teacher quality, governance structures, funding mechanisms, and infrastructure development. By assessing these key areas, the commission aims to lay the groundwork for sustainable and impactful reforms.
The commission is composed of representatives from the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as experts specializing in education, policy, and governance. Their combined expertise is expected to guide the formulation of evidence-based solutions that will shape the future of the Philippine education system.
Operating over a three-year period (2023-2025), EDCOM II is set to deliver a final report containing its findings and legislative recommendations. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the country’s education system remains aligned with national development priorities while equipping Filipino learners with the skills needed to compete in an increasingly globalized world.
