SENATOR Loren Legarda is pushing for a measure reinforcing the principles of equity and inclusivity in the allocation of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) under Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

The Tertiary Education Subsidy is a program that supports the cost of tertiary education, or any part of it, for all eligible Filipino students enrolled in undergraduate post-secondary programs at state universities and colleges, local universities and colleges, private higher education institutions, and technical vocational institutions.

As a co-author and co-sponsor of RA 10931 and Commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, Legarda is committed to ensuring accessible and equitable higher education for all Filipino students, especially those from economically disadvantaged households.

“Over the years, concerning trends have been observed. Findings by the Second Congressional Commission on Education reveal that the share of TES grantees from the poorest households or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Listahanan has dramatically decreased—from 74.24% in Academic Year 2018-2019 to only 30.74% in A.Y. 2022-2023. Conversely, students from PNSLs have received the majority of subsidies, increasing their share from 25.76% to 69.26% during the same period,” said Legarda.

“This shift warranted careful reassessment, as it challenges the intent of R.A. No. 10931, which was crafted to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our society are given priority and support.”

Senate Bill No. 2905 addresses these disparities by guaranteeing automatic TES eligibility for students from 4Ps households, provided they have successfully completed senior high school and gained admission to a CHED-recognized higher education institution.

The remaining TES slots will be allocated based on applicants’ per capita income, ensuring equitable distribution.

The bill also introduces implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance mechanisms for TES. It requires periodic evaluations, institutional and program performance assessments, and stronger quality assurance processes to ensure that TES effectively bridges the gap between poverty and opportunity.

“Education remains the most effective tool in breaking the cycle of poverty,” Legarda emphasized.

“By ensuring targeted assistance and enhancing student financing schemes, we place those most in need at the forefront of our relentless pursuit of universal and equitable access to education. In doing so, we not only empower individuals to realize their full potential but also drive forward the social and economic development of our nation,” the four-term senator concluded.