The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) signed a joint circular with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on the guidelines for the implementation of a P500-million program to boost academic programs under state universities and colleges (SUCs).
The fund will be used for maintenance and operating expenses, development of infrastructure and facilities, as well as the improvement of existing academic programs. 

Education was identified by the government as one of its high growth areas along with the Business Process Outsourcing, tourism industries, agriculture and fisheries. According to DBM, they support the government in providing jobs for graduates and strengthening the economy, writes Iris Gonzales for The Philippine Star.