A proposed measure strengthening the country’s free college law has secured bicameral conference committee approval, bringing expanded education aid closer to implementation for poor and vulnerable Filipino students.
The panel adopted and signed the reconciled version of Senate Bill No. 1894 and House Bill No. 8476, which seek to strengthen the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, or Republic Act No. 10931.
The measure aims to improve the Tertiary Education Subsidy program by ensuring that government aid reaches students who need it most.
Under the reconciled bill, senior high school graduates from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program households will be automatically prioritized for TES eligibility.
The proposed law also expands education-related allowances to cover books, transportation, laptops and housing, addressing costs that often force students from low-income families to stop schooling even when tuition is free.
Learners with disabilities will also receive additional support under the measure.
State universities and colleges, local universities and colleges, and technical-vocational institutions will be required to adopt Equity and Inclusion Plans to help widen access for disadvantaged students.
The bill also mandates regular reviews of TES grant amounts to ensure that financial assistance keeps up with rising education costs.
Supporters said the expanded subsidy would give more young Filipinos a realistic chance to finish college, especially those from families struggling with poverty.
The signed bicameral report will be transmitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives for ratification before it is sent to Malacañang for the President’s action.