Legarda moves to strengthen free college education law with equity reforms

Senator Loren Legarda, Co-Chair of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), sponsored Senate Bill No. 1894 before the plenary on February 24 to strengthen Republic Act No. 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, introducing reforms to ensure equity, accountability, and sustained support for the poorest Filipino students.

“We are a nation that tells its children: Ang edukasyon ang pinakadakilang daan tungo sa pagkakapantay pantay,” Legarda said, underscoring that education must remain the country’s most powerful tool for equality and opportunity.

She cited EDCOM II’s findings showing that the share of Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) grantees from the poorest households collapsed from 74% in 2018 to just 30% in 2022, while beneficiaries from private institutions in areas without state universities rose to 69%.

“Isang porsyento lamang, mga kasama,” Legarda stressed, referring to EDCOM II’s data that in 2024, only 1% of 4Ps Senior High School graduates were able to access the TES as first year college beneficiaries.

The bill mandates guaranteed TES slots for 4Ps secondary education completers admitted to recognized institutions, income-based allocation for remaining slots, and inclusive admissions criteria for disadvantaged learners.

“Kung patas ang talino, dapat patas din ang pagkakataon,” she emphasized, highlighting the need for fair access to higher education.

Legarda explained that TES amounts will be reviewed every two years to keep pace with inflation and may not be reduced once granted. Coverage will expand to include clinical internships and Related Learning Experience (RLEs) fees for nursing and allied health students.

“Dahil ang ating pangako ay hindi natatapos sa enrollment, kundi sa graduation,” she said, stressing that support must carry students through completion.

To strengthen accountability, the measure requires the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) to establish monitoring and sanctions systems, with regular quality assessments of institutions.

“Ang pondo ng taumbayan ay may katumbas na pananagutan,” Legarda declared, pointing to the need for transparency in public spending.

The bill also addresses employability by mandating career guidance and differentiated TES support for students in priority programs aligned with national development needs.

“Ang tunay na tagumpay ay ang makita ang ating mga kabataan na nakapagtapos, at nakahanap ng landas tungo sa isang marangal na buhay,” she added, emphasizing the importance of linking education to livelihood.

Legarda concluded with a call for full funding to ensure the law’s promise is realized.

“Kung walang pondo, walang pagbabago. At ang katumbas na halaga ng tamang pagpopondo nito ay higit na mas mababa sa kabayarang dulot ng kakulangan—hindi lamang sa mga pangarap na naudlot, kundi sa kinabukasan ng ating inang bayan,” she said, urging colleagues to prioritize education in the national budget. (30)