SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has called on government agencies, schools, and lending institutions to ensure the clear and effective implementation of the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, saying students affected by calamities should be able to easily access the relief guaranteed under the law.

Go, an author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12077, stressed that the law’s implementing guidelines must be communicated in simple and accessible language so students and their families can understand who qualifies, what loans are covered, and how to avail themselves of the temporary payment suspension.

“It is important that our students and their families clearly understand how they can avail themselves of this benefit. This is the law, and they should truly feel its assistance, especially during disasters and emergencies,” Go said.

RA 12077, signed into law on December 6, 2024, temporarily suspends student loan payments during a declared state of calamity or state of emergency and for 30 days after the declaration is lifted.

The measure has gained renewed significance as several provinces and local government units—including Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Cavite, as well as affected areas in Pangasinan, Rizal, Zambales, and Batangas—remain under states of calamity due to widespread flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon and recent tropical cyclones.

The law covers qualified students enrolled in state and local universities and colleges, private higher education institutions, and public and private technical-vocational schools whose residences are located in disaster-declared areas.

It also applies to student loans administered by educational institutions, the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and other government agencies providing higher education and technical-vocational loan programs.

Go emphasized that families recovering from disasters should not be burdened with complicated requirements while coping with damaged homes, lost livelihoods, displacement, and other hardships.

Under RA 12077, deferred loan payments will not incur penalties or interest, while students who avail themselves of the moratorium cannot be denied re-enrollment or graduation because of the temporary suspension. The law also allows schools to provide more favorable payment relief beyond the minimum protections established under the measure.

The senator urged CHED, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), UniFAST, and educational institutions to actively inform students about their rights and the procedures for accessing the benefit.

Go reiterated that the law aims to help students continue their education despite financial difficulties brought about by disasters, calling for a straightforward, transparent, and responsive implementation of the loan moratorium.