SENATOR Erwin Tulfo has filed Senate Bill No. 248, also known as the Student Assistance Fund for Emergencies or SAFE Act, which seeks to provide immediate financial support to students affected by emergencies that threaten their ability to continue their education.

The proposed legislation aims to institutionalize a special fund that will offer quick-response financial aid to students facing crises such as natural disasters, medical emergencies, displacement, or other unforeseen events.

“In the Philippines, pursuing an education is not only a right but, more importantly, a dream,” Tulfo stated in the bill’s explanatory note. “But for countless young Filipinos, especially from low-income families, this dream comes at a cost — one that becomes harder to bear in times of crisis.”

While existing government scholarship and aid programs are in place, the bill notes that they are often inaccessible during emergencies due to bureaucratic delays and documentation requirements. The SAFE Act seeks to address this gap by establishing a simplified, real-time assistance mechanism.

Under the bill, eligible students may receive financial support to cover essential needs such as transportation, food, temporary lodging, school fees, and medical expenses.

The application process will be streamlined to ensure swift aid delivery. To prevent misuse, the bill includes post-submission documentation requirements, verification systems, and safeguards against abuse.

“This bill affirms the State’s duty to make education genuinely accessible — even when life becomes hardest,” Tulfo said. “SAFE is not just a temporary lifeline; it’s a long-term investment in our youth and the future of our nation.”

If passed into law, the SAFE Act will provide a vital safety net for students and reinforce the country’s commitment to inclusive and resilient education. The measure is currently pending deliberation in the Senate.