President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted major milestones in the Philippine education sector on Friday, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to raising academic standards and building a better future for Filipino youth during the ceremonial signing of amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) at Malacañang Palace.
The newly signed amendments expand government financial assistance for college and vocational students across the country.
“We have increased Free Higher Education beneficiaries from two million students to now 2.6 million students in the first semester of this academic year,” President Marcos announced during the ceremony, citing expanded access as a core driver of national progress.
The President emphasized that investing in higher education and technical-vocational tracks provides the necessary foundation for youth development.
“We often speak of our youth as the seeds of our nation’s future. We hope to see them grow and thrive, and reach their full potential. But even the strongest seeds cannot flourish without fertile ground,” the President said.
President Marcos detailed key initiatives designed to ease the financial burden on students.
Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program, launched in January of this year, specifically supports high-achieving Senior High School graduates pursuing priority degree programs or priority Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) diploma courses.
Meanwhile, DOST Undergraduate Scholars, through the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), has grown from approximately 45,000 in School Year 2022–2023 to 48,520 in School Year 2025–2026.
In addition to expanding access, the Chief Executive noted significant improvements in the international standing of Philippine higher education institutions. While only 12 local colleges made it into the World University Rankings for Innovation in 2022, that figure has risen to 140 colleges today.
“This is a result of deliberate choices that have been made by government,” President Marcos stressed. “Tulad lang ng nabanggit ko sa aking SONA ngayong taon, ang edukasyon pa rin ang pangunahing nagtataguyod ng kakayahan, kung kaya ito ang nangunguna sa listahan ng aking administrasyon. At patuloy nating tutuparin ang pangakong ito.”
Strengthening TVET and Tertiary Pathways
The President emphasized that completing higher education or TVET tracks brings long-term economic stability to families and strengthens the national workforce.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) said TVET encompasses both formal and non-formal practical training, equipping students with technical sciences and practical skills for various economic sectors.
Addressing current and future student beneficiaries directly, President Marcos pledged continuous state assistance throughout their educational journey, “at sa ating mga benepisyaryo, ang mahabang landas ay nasa inyong harapan, ngunit hindi ninyo kailangan maglakad nang nag-iisa. Narito ang inyong pamahalaan upang tulungan kayong makapasok, manatili, at makatapos sa paaralan o pagsasanay.”
President Marcos expressed his gratitude to lawmakers for passing the measure and directed CHED, TESDA, the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) and other partner agencies to promptly complete the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) within the period required by law.
“Today we make good on our promise of quality education by strengthening its foundation and expanding opportunities for millions of Filipino learners,” President Marcos concluded. “May we continue to give every Filipino learner not only the chance to begin, but also the support needed to finish what they have begun.”