The University of Panama has requested authorization from the Ministry of Economy and Finance to use $30 million of its own funds to meet commitments and carry out institutional projects this year. This request comes in an unprecedented scenario for the state university: for the first time in its 91-year history, the institutional budget is lower than the previous year's, a situation that, according to the rector, has generated strong limitations for the university's operation and academic expansion. Flores explained that the university has approximately $100 million in funds generated by the institution itself, mainly through graduate programs, master's degrees, doctorates, and other academic services. However, the use of these resources requires the approval of the Executive branch and subsequently the Budget Commission of the National Assembly of Panama. Last September, the rector justified before the Budget Commission of the National Assembly the need for a $410 million budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal period; however, the Ministry of Economy and Finance recommended allocating only $317 million, stating that this adjustment responds to the country's economic reality, where authorities explained that entities must prioritize the resources they receive. "We hope that the Ministry of Economy and Finance can listen to this urgent need and approve the use of those resources to be able to meet institutional responsibilities," he indicated. Impact of the cut The rector warned that the budget reduction is affecting the university's ability to execute infrastructure projects, expand its academic offerings, and strengthen regional centers in the interior of the country. Among the initiatives that have been limited is the opening of new careers and the creation of university annexes in indigenous comarcas, requests that have had to be postponed due to financial constraints. He also noted that the lack of resources directly impacts students' access to higher education. For the next academic period, which will begin next week, around 15,000 new students will enter, raising the total enrollment to nearly 90,000 students nationwide.
