The University of the Philippines-Mindanao and its student council are pushing for higher funding for the UP system as they expressed alarm over budgetary cuts in the education sector, particularly in UP-Mindanao. The 2026 National Expenditure Program approved $25.82 billion for the UP system, which is way below the $46.85 billion proposed by the UP Board of Regents, resulting in a $21 billion deficit that compromises basic student services and the welfare of constituents across UP campuses. The budget allotted for UP-Mindanao is among the lowest in the UP system, with only $16.18 million approved for 2026, a sharp drop from $140 million allotted last year, hindering institutional development and resulting in inadequate student services, insufficient campus amenities, and constrained research capabilities.
