Expanded Free College Law to Boost Graduation Rates for Impoverished Filipino Youth

MANILA, Philippines — Amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act will give more Filipino students opportunities to enter college or technical-vocational training and support them in completing their education. Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III said Friday. Dy joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Senate President Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez and other congressional leaders at the ceremonial signing of Republic Act No. 12325, or the Act Enhancing the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. “For many families, it is not enough for their child to simply enter college. The real success is seeing them graduate, find a decent job and improve the life of the entire family,” Dy said. Under the law, qualified students from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program households will receive priority in the grant of tertiary education subsidies. This will provide support for qualified 4Ps graduates admitted to government-recognized higher education and technical-vocational institutions. RA 12325 also establishes a Private Education Assistance Program that will provide government grants to poor and deserving students pursuing priority programs in qualified private higher education institutions and technical-vocational institutions. “When worries about transportation, books, food and other education expenses are reduced, students can focus more on their dreams. This assistance is not only for the student; it is an investment in the future of their family,” Dy said. The Isabela lawmaker thanked House members and leaders for acting urgently on the measure, which was among the priority bills identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, and for working with the Senate to reconcile and pass the legislation. “I thank our leaders and members of the House who acted promptly and united to pass this important measure. We have shown that Congress responds immediately when the future of Filipino youth is at stake,” Dy said. Dy said Congress’ responsibility does not end with the enactment of the law, adding that the House will exercise oversight and closely monitor the formulation of its implementing rules, distribution of subsidies and concerned agencies’ compliance with its provisions. “The House will monitor the implementation of this law to ensure that the funds reach students who truly need them properly and quickly. This law will only be meaningful when our people feel its benefits,” he said. Information Source: Inquirer NewsInfo