SENATOR Mark Villar underscored the urgent need to strengthen financial support for Filipino students pursuing higher education following the Senate’s approval of Senate Bill No. 1894, or the proposed Enhanced Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE) Act.

Villar said that while the country’s free tertiary education law has widened access to college education, many students still face difficulties in covering everyday school-related expenses, forcing some to postpone or discontinue their studies.

“Marami pa ring kabataang Pilipino ang nangangarap makapagtapos ng kolehiyo ngunit hirap na hirap matustusan ang kanilang pang-araw-araw na gastusin sa pag-aaral,” Villar said.

“Hindi lamang tuition ang problema ng ating mga estudyante—malaking hamon din ang gastos sa pagkain, pamasahe, school requirements, at iba pang pangangailangan habang nag-aaral,” he added.

According to Villar, the proposed measure aims to bridge the gap between the goals of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and the realities faced by economically disadvantaged students.

Among the key provisions of the bill is the expansion and strengthening of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program for indigent and deserving students through a more transparent and targeted selection process.

The measure also seeks to ensure the timely release of financial assistance, protect scholars from subsidy reductions while completing their studies, and mandate periodic adjustments in TES benefits to keep pace with rising educational and living expenses.

“Kaya mahalagang maisabatas agad ang panukalang ito upang mas maraming estudyante ang makapagtuloy at makatapos ng kanilang pag-aaral. Nais nating mabawasan ang bilang ng mga kabataang napipilitang huminto sa pag-aaral dahil lamang sa kakulangan sa pera,” Villar said.

“Kapag sapat ang suporta sa edukasyon, mas makakapagpokus ang ating mga estudyante sa pag-abot ng kanilang mga pangarap at sa pagtataguyod ng mas maayos na kinabukasan para sa kanilang sarili at kanilang pamilya,” he added.