SENATOR Bam Aquino has called for stronger alignment between free college education and employment opportunities, stressing that access to higher education must be matched with clear pathways to decent jobs to deliver long-term benefits for Filipino families.

In a statement, Aquino emphasized the sacrifices of parents who work hard to send their children to college, noting that every diploma reflects not only academic achievement but also a family’s shared struggle and hope for a better future.

“For many families, a diploma is more than just a piece of paper—it is a symbol of dreams slowly realized despite hardships,” Aquino said, reiterating his support for the government’s free college education program.

Aquino, one of the principal authors of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, said that while the law has significantly expanded access to higher education, many graduates continue to face difficulties in securing stable and meaningful employment.

He warned that completing college is not enough if graduates remain unable to find secure jobs, calling for a more comprehensive approach that integrates education with job creation, fair wages, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The senator stressed that improving employment outcomes would create a ripple effect, benefiting not only individuals but also their families, communities, and the broader economy.

“When we give students the right opportunities, it’s not just them who rise—whole families, communities, and the nation progress together,” Aquino said.