Sen. Loren Legarda
Senator Loren Legarda has filed Senate Bill No. 2905 which aims to reinforce equity and inclusivity in the allocation of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) under Republic Act No. 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
The TES program supports the cost of tertiary education, or any part thereof, for eligible Filipino students who shall enroll in undergraduate programs of state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), private higher education institutions (HEIs), and technical vocational institutions (TVIs).
As a co-author and co-sponsor of RA 10931 and Commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), Legarda is committed to ensuring accessible and equitable higher education for all Filipino students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged households.
“Over the years, concerning trends have been observed. Findings by the Second Congressional Commission on Education reveal that the share of TES grantees from the poorest households (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps and Listahanan) has dramatically decreased—from 74.24% in Academic Year (A.Y.) 2018-2019 to only 30.74% in A.Y. 2022-2023. Conversely, students from PNSLs have received the majority of subsidies, increasing their share from 25.76% to 69.26% during the same period,” Legarda said.
“This shift warranted careful reassessment, as it challenges the intent of R.A. No. 10931, which was crafted to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our society are given priority and support,” she added.
SB No. 2905 addresses the disparities by guaranteeing automatic TES eligibility for students from 4Ps households, provided they have successfully completed senior high school and gained admission to a CHED-recognized higher education institution.
The Remaining TES slots will be allocated based on the ranking of applicants based on their per capita income household to ensure equitable distribution.
The bill also introduces implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance mechanisms for the TES. It requires periodic evaluations, institutional and program performance assessments, and stronger quality assurance processes to ensure that the TES effectively bridges the gap between poverty and opportunity.
“Education remains the most effective tool in breaking the cycle of poverty,” Legarda said.
“By ensuring targeted assistance and enhancing student financing schemes, we place those most in need at the forefront of our relentless pursuit of universal and equitable access to education. In doing so, we not only empower individuals to realize their full potential but also drive forward the social and economic development of our nation,” the four-term senator added.