Co-Sponsorship Speech of Senator Loren Legarda for SBN 1981, under Committee Report No. 47 (Basic Education Voucher Program Act) | March 16, 2026

Mr. President, distinguished colleagues,

I rise to co-sponsor the Basic Voucher Education Act under Committee Report No. 47, which seeks to establish the Basic Education Voucher Program and strengthen government assistance to students and teachers in private basic education institutions.

Across the country, many public schools continue to struggle with overcrowded classrooms, limited facilities, and steadily increasing enrollment. In numerous communities, particularly in urban and rapidly growing areas, students are compelled to learn in congested conditions that strain teachers, classrooms, and learning resources. At the same time, many private schools possess available capacity but remain inaccessible to families who cannot afford tuition and other school fees. This gap between available learning spaces and financial access remains a persistent challenge in our education system.

The Basic Education Voucher Program Act responds to this challenge by providing targeted government vouchers that enable qualified students, especially those from low-income households and disadvantaged communities, to enroll in recognized private schools. By expanding educational choice and making use of available school capacity, the measure helps ease congestion in public schools while ensuring that more Filipino learners can study in safe and conducive learning environments.

I commend the sponsor of this measure for advancing a reform that recognizes the complementary roles of public and private educational institutions in delivering quality education for every Filipino learner.

Thank you.