SENATOR Christopher ‘Bong’ Go has filed a bill to amend the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act in order to expand the coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES).

While the landmark law has already benefitted millions of students since its enactment in 2017, Go stressed that more needs to be done to address inequities and improve access to quality education in both public and private institutions.

“Education is undeniably essential to inclusive growth,” Go said in his explanatory note.

“Children who are not in school are likely to be disadvantaged, and their situation may only reinforce or even worsen existing socio-economic inequalities,” he added.

Go highlighted that most out-of-school youth come from low-income families, calling it a “persistent irony,” given that education is meant to be a great equalizer.

The proposed amendment aims to include qualified students from private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs) in the TES program, particularly those in areas without accessible public institutions or equivalent programs.

The bill introduces an expanded prioritization system, extending TES eligibility to students in private HEIs and TVIs under specific conditions. It also ensures continued support for TES recipients, provided they meet retention and residency requirements.

One key provision is the introduction of a voucher system for poor and academically qualified students enrolled in private institutions, even in areas where public schools are present.

The UniFAST Board will determine eligibility based on academic and financial qualifications. To prevent duplication of benefits, students already receiving TES will not qualify for the voucher system.

If enacted, the measure will require the UniFAST Board to conduct a study within 60 days of the bill’s effectivity to determine appropriate voucher values based on prevailing tuition rates, with adjustments every three years.

“Ang kabataan ang future leaders natin. Sila ang pag-asa ng bayan. At edukasyon po ang susi para sa mas magandang kinabukasan,” Go emphasized.