SENATOR Bam Aquino said the newly enacted Republic Act No. 12325 strengthens the country’s free college program by expanding assistance for students beyond tuition support.

In a social media post, Aquino recalled championing the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, or RA 10931, in 2017 to ensure that financial hardship would not prevent deserving Filipinos from earning a college degree.

While free tuition has opened the doors of higher education to millions of students, Aquino said many continue to struggle with everyday educational expenses that can affect their ability to stay in school and complete their degrees.

He said RA 12325 enhances the provisions of RA 10931 by providing additional forms of assistance aimed at helping more students continue and complete their tertiary education.

Aquino reiterated his commitment to pursuing reforms that strengthen the country’s free college program, saying no young Filipino should be denied the opportunity to achieve their dreams simply because of financial constraints.