THE HOUSE of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure that will establish a voucher program for poor and academically qualified students in private higher educational institutions and technical-vocational schools.

With a vote of 265, lawmakers passed House Bill 7922 that mandates the revision of some provisions of Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, particularly the Tertiary Education Subsidy for students.

“We are confident that with this proposed legislation, we will be able to help poor but deserving students to continue and finish their tertiary education. The House of Representatives has always committed
and will stay committed to passing bills that will best serve our youth,” House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said.

Under the measure, the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Board will administer a portable voucher system that will allow beneficiaries to study in private HEIS and TVIs in cities and municipalities where there are existing state universities and colleges, local universities and colleges, and public TVIs.

UniFAST will also determine the eligibility of students under the voucher system, provided that students of private HEIs and TVIs who are TES grantees can no longer qualify for the voucher system.