Marcos signs amendments expanding gov't aid for disadvantaged college students

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed into law the amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), expanding government assistance for college students facing economic challenges. During the ceremonial signing, the President stated that the amendments ensure government aid reaches "those who need it most," particularly students from poor and disadvantaged families, including qualified beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). "This Act reflects what our Bagong Pilipinas should always be: a country where every young Filipino, especially the most disadvantaged, has an equal chance at a quality tertiary education," Marcos said. "It is a measure that builds on the government's promise and strengthens it for the years to come—bringing us closer to a future where every Filipino family has at least one child who completes a bachelor's degree or a technical-vocational education and training (TVET) program." The original law, Republic Act No. 10931, provided free tuition and other school fees for students at state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), and state-run technical-vocational institutions. It also offered financial assistance through the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP). The amendments, in turn, expand the TES coverage and provide additional assistance to students from disadvantaged and underserved groups, including qualified 4Ps beneficiaries. "Poor and deserving students taking priority programs who are not covered by existing grants may also receive government support to pursue their studies in qualified private higher education and technical-vocational institutions," Marcos said. "This expands the opportunities for more Filipinos to earn a degree, a diploma, or skills qualification." The President also committed to sustaining support for college students in the coming years. "Because every learner who completes a college degree or TVET program brings greater opportunity to a family and strengthens our nation with a more skilled, productive, and empowered citizenry," he explained. The law amending the UAQTEA was among the priority legislative measures of the Marcos administration. The signing ceremony at Malacañan Palace was attended by members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Cabinet secretaries, and other government officials. — RSJ, GMA News