ANG Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Alfred Delos Santos has filed a measure seeking to grant discounts on basic goods and education-related services to underprivileged students across all levels, including those enrolled in technical-vocational institutions.

Under House Bill 8362, or the proposed Underprivileged Student Discount Act, Delos Santos emphasized that education is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution.

Despite this, the lawmaker noted that many Filipino families continue to face financial barriers that limit their access to and participation in education.

The proposed bill aims to ease these challenges by providing discount privileges on essential commodities such as food, medicine, school supplies, and other basic necessities for qualified students.

By lowering daily expenses, the measure seeks to create a more supportive environment that encourages school attendance and completion, while also reducing the economic strain on low-income families.

“Education remains one of the most powerful instruments for social mobility, poverty reduction, and national development,” Delos Santos said in his explanatory note.