Legarda files bill seeking equity and inclusivity in Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Program

Senator Loren Legarda has filed Senate Bill No. 2905 aimed at reinforcing the principles of equity and inclusivity in the allocation of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) under Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) refers to a program established to support the cost of tertiary education or any part or portion thereof, for all eligible Filipino students who shall enroll in undergraduate post-secondary programs of state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), private higher education institutions (HEIs) and all 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,” said Legarda.

“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.”

Senate Bill No. 2905 addresses these 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 emphasized.

“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 concluded. (30)

Legarda, naghain ng panukalang batas para sa mas makatarungang Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)

Naghain si Senador Loren Legarda ng Senate Bill No. 2905 upang tiyakin ang makatarungan at maayos na pamamahagi ng Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) sa ilalim ng Republic Act No. 10931 o ang Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

Ang TES ay sa isang programang naitatag upang suportahan ang gastusin ng pangkolehiyong edukasyon, o bahagi nito, para sa lahat ng kuwalipikadong estudyanteng Pilipino na nag-aaral sa undergraduate programs ng mga state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), private higher education institutions (HEIs), at mga technical vocational institutions (TVIs).

Bilang isa sa mga may-akda at co-sponsor ng RA 10931, at Komisyoner ng Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), binigyang-diin ni Legarda ang pangangailangang bigyan ng prayoridad ang mga estudyanteng nagmula sa mga pinakamahihirap na pamilya.

“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,” pahayag ni Legarda.

“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.”

Sa ilalim ng Senate Bill No. 2905, awtomatikong kuwalipikado sa TES ang mga estudyanteng kabilang sa 4Ps households na nakapagtapos ng senior high school at tinanggap sa isang CHED-accredited na kolehiyo o unibersidad. Ang natitirang TES slots ay ilalaan sa mga estudyanteng may mababang kita, batay sa per capita income ng kanilang pamilya. Ang mga natitirang TES slots ay ilalaan sa mga aplikante batay sa kanilang per capita income household.

Matutugunan ng Senate Bill No. 2905 ang mga hamon ng mga pamilyang nasa ilalim ng 4Ps, sa kondisyong nakapagtapos sila ng senior high school at nakapasok sa kolehiyo. Ang nalalabing puwesto sa TES ay ibabase sa kita ng pamilya.

Dagdag pa rito, iminumungkahi ng panukala ang masusing pag-monitor at quality assurance upang matiyak na maayos ang pagpapatupad ng TES at tunay na naabot nito ang mga pinaka-nangangailangan.

“Education remains the most effective tool in breaking the cycle of poverty,” giit ni Legarda.

“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.” (30)