Legarda Secures Senate Approval of Expanded Tertiary Education Subsidy

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda has successfully authored and steered the passage on third reading of Senate Bill No. 1894, enhancing the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act No. 10931). The measure strengthens the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) to ensure that financial assistance is directed to the most financially vulnerable students.

“This measure strengthens RA 10931 and ensures that the promise of free and equitable tertiary education truly reaches the poorest Filipino families,” Legarda said.

Legarda, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education and Co-Chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), emphasized the importance of the bill during her manifestation.

“EDCOM II revealed stark gaps in the implementation of student assistance programs. Many of our most vulnerable learners continue to struggle with the rising costs of transportation, food, housing, and school requirements, despite existing support mechanisms,” Legarda said. “This bill ensures that limited government resources are directed first to those who need them most, aligns allocation strictly with household income, guarantees timely, inflation-adjusted support, and demands accountability for the use of public funds.”

Learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, including 4Ps households, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, solo parents and their dependents, and those in geographically isolated areas, are prioritized under the measure.

The bill further expands TES coverage to include allowances for books, supplies, transportation, laptops, room and board, and other education-related expenses. It also provides support for students in nursing and allied health programs through coverage of clinical internship and related learning experience (RLE) fees.

“Ang edukasyon ay hindi lang dapat libre; dapat ito’y makabuluhan at nagbubunga ng tunay na oportunidad, mula enrollment hanggang graduation at trabaho. This measure is for our students, especially the poorest, who now know that the government stands behind their dreams. Dapat laging patas ang pagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa bawat batang Pilipino na nangangarap,” Legarda said.

Legarda also conveyed her appreciation to her colleagues in the Senate, recognizing their steadfast support in advancing the measure and highlighting the collective effort that ensured its passage on third reading.