Senator Mark Villar voted in favor of and moved to co-author Senate Bill No. 1894, or the proposed Act Enhancing the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen financial support mechanisms for Filipino students pursuing higher education.
According to Villar, while the Free Tertiary Education Law has significantly expanded access to college education, many students continue to struggle with the daily costs associated with schooling, forcing some to delay or even abandon their studies.
“Marami pa ring kabataang Pilipino ang nangangarap makapagtapos ng kolehiyo ngunit hirap na hirap matustusan ang kanilang pang-araw-araw na gastusin sa pag-aaral.”
“Marami pa ring kabataang Pilipino ang nangangarap makapagtapos ng kolehiyo ngunit hirap na hirap matustusan ang kanilang pang-araw-araw na gastusin sa pag-aaral,” the legislator said.
“Hindi lamang tuition ang problema ng ating mga estudyante—malaking hamon din ang gastos sa pagkain, pamasahe, school requirements, at iba pang pangangailangan habang nag-aaral,” the lawmaker added.
The senator stressed that the measure seeks to bridge the gap between the objectives of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and the realities faced by economically disadvantaged students on the ground.
Among the salient features of the bill is the expansion and strengthening of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program for indigent and deserving students through a more transparent and targeted selection process.
The measure also ensures the timely release of financial assistance, protects scholars from reductions in subsidy during their studies, and mandates periodic adjustments in TES benefits to keep pace with rising educational and living costs.
“Mahalagang maisabatas agad ang panukalang ito upang mas maraming estudyante ang makapagtuloy at makatapos ng kanilang pag-aaral.”
“Kaya mahalagang maisabatas agad ang panukalang ito upang mas maraming estudyante ang makapagtuloy at makatapos ng kanilang pag-aaral. Nais nating mabawasan ang bilang ng mga kabataang napipilitang huminto sa pag-aaral dahil lamang sa kakulangan sa pera,” Villar said.
“Kapag sapat ang suporta sa edukasyon, mas makakapagpokus ang ating mga estudyante sa pag-abot ng kanilang mga pangarap at sa pagtataguyod ng mas maayos na kinabukasan para sa kanilang sarili at kanilang pamilya,” he concluded.
