THE STUDENT First Coalition wants the government to expand the coverage of the voucher subsidy program to include those in elementary and Kindergarten.

The Senior High School Voucher Program being implemented by the Department of Education provides students in public schools who wish to enroll in private schools a subsidy ranging from P17,500 to P22,500, depending on the region and location of the schools.

Students in state and municipal universities and colleges who are in Grade 11 receive scholarships ranging from P8,750 to P11,250.

Dr. Victor Limlingan of the SFC said that the “neediest” students should be prioritized.

“What we want to do is really to expand it, so that it includes, at least, basic education, especially actually the lower grades,” Limlingan said.

The group said that 620,629 kindergarten and elementary students can benefit if the voucher program is expanded.