PH Senate approves expansion of tertiary education subsidies

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda's Senate Bill No. 1894 on enhancing Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) has passed the third and final reading.

SB 1894 on Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act No. 10931) ensures that financial assistance is effectively directed to the most financially vulnerable students.

Legarda, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education and Co-Chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), emphasized the significance of the bill during her manifestation.

“EDCOM II revealed stark gaps in the implementation of student assistance programs. Many of our most vulnerable learners continue to struggle with the rising costs of transportation, food, housing, and school requirements, despite existing support mechanisms,” Legarda said.

“This bill ensures that limited government resources are directed first to those who need them most, aligns allocation strictly with household income, guarantees timely, inflation-adjusted support, and demands accountability for the use of public funds.”

Under this measure, priority is given to learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. This includes individuals from 4Ps households, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, solo parents and their dependents, and those residing in geographically isolated areas.

The bill expands the TES coverage to include allowances for books, supplies, transportation, laptops, and room and board, alongside other education-related expenses.

It also provides specific support for students in nursing and allied health programs by covering clinical internship and related learning experience (RLE) fees.

“Ang edukasyon ay hindi lang dapat libre; dapat ito’y makabuluhan at nagbubunga ng tunay na oportunidad, mula enrollment hanggang graduation at trabaho. This measure is for our students, especially the poorest, who now know that the government stands behind their dreams. Dapat laging patas ang pagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa bawat batang Pilipino na nangangarap,” Legarda said.

-Paraluman News