SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano vowed to address issues directly related to post-secondary and tertiary education, technical education, distance learning, and vocational training.

This was after the Senate elected Cayetano as the new chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education replacing Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero.

In this committee, Cayetano said his agenda includes enhancing the welfare of teachers and students by managing scholarships, grants, and incentives.

For his part, Escudero said that he is confident that Cayetano will push for timely legislation for the welfare of students as well as faculty members.

He also reminded Cayetano of the pending payables to State Universities and Colleges.

“Alam naman ni Sen. Cayetano ‘yon. Halimbawa, iyong bayarain ng pamahalaan na humigit kumulang pitong bilyon, hindi pa kasama itong taon na ito, sa mga in-enroll ng SUCs na sumobra sa budget sa Free Tertiary Education, una,” Escudero said.

“Pangalawa, ‘yong nakabinbing pag-increase ng tuition ng mga SUCs na hindi na-factor in sa ginawang budget this year at next year. At pangatlo, ‘yong mismatch sa mga kursong kinukuha ng mga estudyante sa pangangailangan ng mga kumpanyang pagta-trabahuhan nila. Pero kabisado na rin ni Sen. Cayetano ‘yon,” he added.