HOUSE of Representatives has passed on second reading a measure aiming to expand the Private Basic Education Vouchers Assistance Act.

House Bill 11214 seeks to repeal and replace various sections of Republic Act No. 8545, also known as the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, which itself amended the earlier Republic Act No. 6728.

The bill removes outdated provisions and integrates more dynamic, flexible approaches to funding and regulation of private education through vouchers.

Authored by Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, House Bill No. 11214 introduces a comprehensive voucher system aimed at aiding vulnerable and underprivileged students.

This government assistance in the form of educational vouchers enables some students to enroll in private schools, thereby helping to alleviate congestion in public schools.

By redistributing student populations, the measure not only enhances access to quality education but also addresses the critical issue of congestion in public schools.

The expanded government assistance will be prioritizing students from the lowest five income deciles as identified by the Philippine Statistics Authority, targeting those from economically, as well as students in geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict-affected areas.

In addition to supporting students, the bill emphasizes enhancing educational quality through stringent standards for private schools.

To further strengthen the framework, House Bill No. 11214 establishes the Bureau of Private Education under the Department of Education tasked with overseeing the implementation and regulation of the voucher program, ensuring that participating institutions adhere to the required standards of quality and efficiency.

The Department of Education is also empowered to assist in the modernization of school operations, including upgrading facilities and teaching methods.

The bill also supports teachers by providing in-service training funds, scholarships for advanced studies, and financial support for institutional enhancements in accredited private basic education schools.

Additionally, it establishes the Teachers’ Salary Subsidy Fund, within the DepEd aimed at offering direct financial subsidies to teachers.