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PARA tiyakin mas maraming estudyante ang matulungan makapagtapos ng kurso sa kolehiyo at maging sa larangan ng technical at vocational courses, inaprubahan ng House Committee on Higher and Technical Education ang isang panukalang batas na magbibigay sa reporma sa umiiral na sistema sa bansa.
Partikular na tinukoy ni Tingog partylist Rep. Jude Acidre ang House Bill 4270, na nagsusulong ng amyenda sa Republic Act No. 10931na mas kilala sa tawag na Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTE).
Ayon kay Acidre na tumatayong chairman ng nasabing komite, pangunahing nilalaman ng HB 4270 ang dalawang major reforms sa tertiary at tech/voc education sector ng bansa — ang pagpapalawig sa sakop ng education subsidy program at ang pagtatatag ng isang voucher system, na pangangasiwaan ng UniFAST Board.
Bukod kay Acidre, kabilang rin sa mga may-akda ng nasabing panukala sina Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez at Andrew Julian Romualdez
“It expands the coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy to include students in private higher education institutions located in cities and municipalities where a state or local university exists but does not offer comparable or equivalent programs. Beneficiaries will continue receiving support until completion of their degree or course, subject to academic and residency requirements,” paliwanag ng House panel head.
“The bill also establishes a voucher system administered by the UniFAST Board. The vouchers will help poor and academically qualified students study or transfer to private institutions. Eligibility will be determined before the academic year begins based on reasonable economic and academic qualifications. The UniFAST Board is further directed to commission a study within sixty days to determine tuition and miscellaneous fee levels in private institutions, which will set the value of the vouchers., dugtong ng partylist solon.
Ayon kay Acidre, binigyang halaga sa panukala ang natukoy ng Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) na pangangailangang magpatupad ng malaking pagbabago sa sektor ng kolehiyo at technical-vocational education.
“Data presented showed a sharp decline in the share of the poorest Tertiary Education Subsidy beneficiaries: from over 74% in Academic Year 2018 to 2019, to only 30.74% in Academic Year 2022 to 2023. At the same time, most subsidies shifted to students in private institutions with no state or local university presence. This demonstrated that the existing prioritization system has not consistently favored the poorest learners.”
“EDCOM 2 also noted that only 1.53% of Grade 12 completers from 4Ps families received Tertiary Education Subsidy support for Academic Year 2024 to 2025. Despite being among the intended priority groups, the overwhelming majority received no financial assistance to continue their studies,” aniya pa.
“The House has been consistent in advancing reforms that expand access, strengthen equity, and support students who rely on public assistance to complete their education. Our review of RA 10931 builds on that commitment by ensuring that the law works as effectively as intended.”
Samantala, co-authors naman ng nabanggit na proposed measure sina Reps. Jaime Fresnedi (Muntinlupa City), Ernesto Dionisio Jr. (Manila 1st Dist.), Roman Romulo (Pasig City), Marcelino Teodoro (Marikina City 1st Dist.), Midy Cua (Quirino), Walfredo Dimaguila Jr. (City of Biñan), Iris Demesa Montes (4K Partylist), Antolin Oreta III (Malabon City), Dante Garcia (La Union 2nd Dist.), Kenneth Paolo Tereng (KM Ngayon Na PL), Jan Padiernos (Galing sa Puso PL), Juan Carlos Atayde (Quezon City 1st Dist.), Benjamin Agarao Jr. (Laguna 4th Dist.), Ricardo Cruz (Taguig City 1st Dist.-Pateros), at Mikaela Angela Suansing (Nueva Ecija 1st District.) (ROMER R. BUTUYAN)
