Angara hails ratified voucher bill, boosting private school subsidy reforms

MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Wednesday lauded Congress for ratifying the Basic Education Voucher Assistance Act, a move he said would strengthen the Department of Education’s private school assistance framework. “This legislation provides a pragmatic solution to public school constraints while giving families more equitable access to quality schooling,” Angara said in a statement. The newly ratified act aims to enhance the subsidy program for private schools, thereby addressing the limitations and overcrowding often seen in public educational institutions. It is expected to alleviate the financial burden on families seeking private education for their children. In the Philippines, access to quality education remains a significant challenge, particularly for students from low-income families and in rural areas. The expansion of the education voucher system is anticipated to improve this situation, offering parents a wider range of choices for their children's learning environment and potentially elevating the overall quality of education. Furthermore, the bill is seen as a way to promote the efficient use of public funds in the education sector. By subsidizing private schools, the government hopes to encourage improvements in educational infrastructure and teacher quality, ultimately aiming to uplift the entire education system.