SENATOR Loren Legarda has expressed support for Senate Bill No. 1894, a measure seeking to amend the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, saying it would strengthen government assistance for students from the country’s poorest families.

In her manifestation before the Senate, Legarda said the bill aims to reinforce Republic Act No. 10931 and make the promise of free and equitable tertiary education more accessible to disadvantaged Filipino learners.

The senator cited findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which she said highlighted significant gaps in the implementation of student assistance programs.

According to Legarda, many vulnerable students continue to struggle with transportation, food, housing, and other school-related expenses despite existing government support.

Under the proposed measure, government resources for tertiary education assistance would be prioritized for students most in need, with allocations based strictly on household income.

The bill also seeks to ensure timely and inflation-adjusted support, while strengthening accountability in the use of public funds.

Legarda stressed that education should not only be free but also meaningful and capable of creating real opportunities from enrollment to employment.

“Education should not only be free; it must also be meaningful and lead to real opportunities,” she said, underscoring the need to ensure equal opportunities for all Filipino students aspiring to finish college.

She also thanked her fellow EDCOM II commissioners, including Senators Bam Aquino, Joel Villanueva, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, for supporting the measure.

Legarda likewise acknowledged the backing of Senators Pia Cayetano, Bong Go, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Risa Hontiveros, JV Ejercito, Raffy Tulfo, Robin Padilla, and Kiko Pangilinan for their continued support of the proposal.