SENATOR Pia Cayetano has co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1894, a measure seeking to strengthen the implementation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), stressing that free tuition alone is not enough to ensure students finish their college degrees.

In her sponsorship speech, Cayetano underscored that while the landmark law removed tuition and other school fees in state universities and colleges, significant barriers remain that prevent students—particularly those from low-income families—from completing their education.

“Free tuition is a major step forward, but it does not automatically guarantee graduation,” she said, citing data showing a 39 percent national dropout rate in tertiary education.

A longtime advocate of quality education, Cayetano previously served as Senior Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, where she handled the higher education budget for six years.

Drawing from her experience, she noted the declining share of government subsidies reaching the poorest students and called for urgent reforms to address gaps in financial support.

The proposed measure seeks to enhance the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program and broaden assistance for indirect school costs such as transportation, food, learning materials, and other daily expenses that often force students to stop schooling despite free tuition.

Cayetano emphasized that strengthening financial aid mechanisms is crucial to ensuring that government investments in higher education translate into actual degree completion and improved life opportunities.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking, she added that expanding equitable access to higher education aligns with the country’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and quality education for all.

“Investing in our students is investing in the nation’s future,” Cayetano said, reiterating that inclusive access to higher education remains a cornerstone of sustainable and inclusive nation-building.