THE SENATE on Wednesday ratified the bicameral conference committee report on a measure aimed at strengthening the country’s free college education program through expanded financial assistance and support for disadvantaged students.

The measure reconciles Senate Bill No. 1894 and House Bill No. 8476, enhancing the implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act No. 10931). The proposal was principally authored and sponsored by Senator Loren Legarda.

Among its key provisions is the strengthening of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program by institutionalizing the automatic eligibility of senior high school graduates from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households. The measure seeks to ensure that students from low-income families receive financial support as they pursue higher education.

The bill also expands TES benefits to cover essential student expenses and requires all state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), and technical-vocational institutions to adopt Equity and Inclusion Plans to improve access for marginalized and vulnerable learners.

“Walang kabataan ang dapat mapigil ng kahirapan sa pag-aaral. Ang batas na ito ay nagbibigay ng lakas ng loob at pantay na pagkakataon para sa bawat estudyante na makatapos nang may dangal,” Legarda said following the ratification.

Under the measure, students with disabilities will receive additional support, while TES grant amounts will be subject to regular review to ensure they remain responsive to rising education costs.

Legarda cited findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which showed a sharp decline in the proportion of TES beneficiaries coming from the poorest households.

According to the report, the share of TES recipients from the poorest families dropped from 70.73 percent in 2018 to 22.89 percent in 2022.

EDCOM II also reported that of the 384,388 senior high school graduates from 4Ps families, only 4,746 students—or 1.23 percent—received TES assistance as first-year beneficiaries during Academic Year 2024–2025.

The proposed legislation seeks to reverse this trend by improving beneficiary targeting and expanding coverage for financially disadvantaged students.

Another key provision establishes the Private Education Assistance Program, which extends government support to qualified students enrolled in private colleges and technical-vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, broadening educational opportunities regardless of where students choose to study.

Legarda, who previously chaired the Senate committees on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education and Basic Education and served as co-chairperson of EDCOM II, described the measure as a significant step toward a more equitable education system.

“Ang repormang ito ay patunay na may lugar ang bawat kabataan sa ating mga paaralan. Ipinapakita natin na may halaga ang kanilang pangarap at may suporta ang kanilang paglalakbay. Sa batas na ito, mas makatarungan na ang sistema ng edukasyon,” she said.