HOUSE Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Friday said the bicameral conference committee’s approval of the proposed Private Basic Education Voucher Program brings the government a step closer to expanding access to quality basic education, giving more Filipino families greater educational choices while reinforcing the vital role of private schools as partners in nation-building.
The bicameral conference committee approved the reconciled version of House Bill No. 4744 and Senate Bill No. 1981, harmonizing the provisions of both measures even after the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress had adjourned sine die.
“Education remains the best investment we can make for our country’s future. By strengthening the voucher program, we are giving more Filipino families meaningful educational choices while supporting the important role that private schools play in our education system,” said the Speaker.
Dy said the measure underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Filipino child has access to quality education regardless of economic circumstance.
“Layunin ng panukalang ito na bigyan ng mas maraming pagpipilian ang mga magulang at mas maraming pagkakataon ang kanilang mga anak na makatanggap ng dekalidad na edukasyon. Walang batang Pilipino ang dapat mapagkaitan ng pagkakataong matuto dahil lamang sa kakulangan sa kakayahang pinansyal,” Dy said.
The House contingent to the bicameral conference committee was led by Committee on Basic Education and Culture Chairperson and Pasig City Lone District Rep. Roman Romulo. Also representing the House were Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, Valenzuela City 1st District Rep. Kenneth Gatchalian, Sorsogon 1st District Rep. Bernadette Escudero, and Akbayan Party-list Rep. Jose Manuel Tadeo “Chel” Diokno.
Representing the Senate were Senators Bam Aquino and Camille Villar, together with officials of the Department of Education.
The House approved House Bill No. 4744 on third and final reading on October 13, 2025. It is one of the 26 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority measures approved by the House before the First Regular Session formally adjourned.
According to Dy, “every reform we pursue is ultimately about creating better opportunities for every Filipino. Our goal is to ensure that government works better for our people today while building stronger institutions for generations to come.”
The bicameral conference committee report will be submitted to both the House of Representatives and the Senate for ratification before it is transmitted to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signature into law.
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