PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure expanding government assistance for Filipino students seeking affordable and quality higher education and technical-vocational training.
Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12325, or the enhanced Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, during a ceremony attended by key leaders of Congress and the education sector.
The new law gives top priority to qualified students from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households in accessing tertiary education subsidies.
It ensures that eligible 4Ps graduates admitted to government-recognized higher education institutions and technical-vocational institutions can receive government support for their studies.
The law also creates a Private Education Assistance Program, allowing the government to provide grants to students enrolled in priority programs at private higher education and technical-vocational institutions.
Officials said the measure is aimed at widening access to tertiary education and giving more Filipino students, particularly those from low-income families, a better chance to pursue college or technical-vocational training.
The signing was witnessed by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, Senate President Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, and other House leaders.
The expanded law is expected to provide more pathways for qualified students to pursue higher education and skills training without the full burden of tuition and other education costs.
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