A bill that seeks to grant discounts on books, school supplies and other basic services to underprivileged students in all levels in the country comes as timely, according to Senator Sonny Angara.
With 28-million students about to go to school, Angara said the Senate is proposing the giving of discounts to reduce a family’s burden in terms of school expenses.
Under Angara’s Senate Bill 134, underprivileged students, including those enrolled in technical-vocational institutions, will be entitled to a 5-percent discount on textbooks and school supplies, food establishments, medicines, and on museums, theaters, and cultural events.
To qualify, the parents of the student should have a gross annual income of not more than P150,000. Working students can also be qualified if their income combined with their parents’ annual gross income would not exceed P150,000.
Student discount cards, which will be valid anywhere in the country, will be issued as proof of eligibility.
All qualified students will also be granted a 5-percent discount on tuition fees, miscellaneous and other school fees by both public and private schools where they are enrolled in, Angara said.
Such discount would not preclude underprivileged students from availing other educational assistance provided by the school and the government.
“While tuition in high school and college is free, expenses on books, school supplies, and uniform are also a big part of the daily expenses such as fare and foods, said Angara.
The senator is one of the authors of the Free College Law. His late father was the principal author of the Free High School Law.
While those that would refuse to give discounts would be penalized.