MANILA, Philippines – After the nationwide protest of state colleges and universities or SUC's Friday, the students reminded the government that no Philippine schools broke in the top 300 World University Rankings this year of QS, a London-based research institute.

The University of the Philippines (UP) even dropped further in the ranking.

In Asia, UP is ranked 62nd, a far jump from rank 48 a decade ago, in Asiaweek's list of best universities.

The UP student council blames their budget.

“Kung ang katapat namin ay Massachusetts Institute of Technology at Harvard University na talagang well-funded ang kanilang research, e talagang talo tayo,” said UP student regent Krissy Conti.

According to university officials, more than a billion was slashed from their budget since 2009.

Based on the 2012 budget, this will be further reduced by half a billion.

Because of budget cuts, they say fewer students are getting free tuition.

A number of professors have also left the national university for far better financial packages from other institutions.

"Mayroong mga UPCAT topnotchers na hindi pumupunta ng UP dahil wala kaming maalok na full scholarship,” said Conti.

If their budget won't be increased, they fear that the quality of education in the country would further lag behind.

Students are planning another protest action on October 4 in the Senate, when the budget of the SUC's will be discussed.