SENATOR Bam Aquino on Monday filed 10 education-related bills, including measures aimed at bridging the education-to-employment gap and strengthening the implementation of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) under the Free College Law.

“We are currently facing an education crisis that must be addressed urgently. We hope these bills help improve the situation and respond to other pressing needs of our education system, so every Filipino student can enjoy the quality education they rightfully deserve,” said Aquino, a former chairperson of the Senate Committee on Education.

Leading Aquino’s priority measures is the proposed School-to-Employment Program Act, which seeks to establish Job Placement Offices in all public senior high schools, state universities and colleges (SUCs), and local universities and colleges (LUCs).

The bill also proposes the creation of a National Industry-Academe Council, along with corresponding local councils, to address job-skills mismatch and promote decent employment opportunities.

Aquino likewise filed a bill to amend Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, to ensure that all 4Ps beneficiaries who finish senior high school and are accepted into CHED-recognized higher education institutions will receive TES support.

The proposed amendment also establishes clearer prioritization mechanisms for TES recipients, ensuring preference is given to the most economically disadvantaged students.

“This legislation affirms and renews that promise, with a sharper focus on equity, clarity, and compassion for Filipino youth. It ensures that public investment in higher education becomes a bridge to opportunity, social mobility, and national development,” Aquino said.

Other proposed bills include the Bayanihan Work Program Act, Adopt-A-School Act of 2025, Classroom-Building Acceleration Program Act, Angat Sweldo Para sa Guro Act, Libreng RLE Act, E-Textbook Para sa Lahat Act, Student Discount Para sa Load Act, and Private Education Voucher Expansion Act.