SENATOR Richard Gordon lauded the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations for helping the government in the continued delivery of education.

Gordon, one of the co-authors of Republic Act 11635, said that all sectors must join hands in the education of the youth to prepare them in their roles as future leaders.

“I thank you because you are not mere spectators. You are not outsiders, you are not watchers, but active in the role not just as educators but making sure to protect your culture of outstanding achievement para nang sa ganoon our country will be a lot brighter, safer, healthier,” he said.

RA 11635 reduced the preferential tax rate of private educational institutions from 10 percent to 1 percent, which will remain in effect until June 30, 2023. The law was crafted to relieve the financial burden on schools that were severely hit by the pandemic.

“Papaano tayo makakalikha ng opportunities for the young people of this country if we are hamstrung by all kinds of taxes that limit our capability to expand our universities and colleges so that we could better come out with the products of the Filipinos that can analyze the problems of our country?” Gordon asked.

“Definitely we must not forget that universities and colleges, especially the private ones, have their roles to play to make sure na makaabante ang mga tao natin sa tulong ng private education,” he added.

COCOPEA is an umbrella organization of private higher education associations composed of around 1,900 schools.