The House of Representatives Committee on Higher and Technical Education on Tuesday approved House Bill 4270, a measure that amends the implementation of Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, by establishing a voucher system for poor and academically qualified students enrolled in private higher education institutions (HEIs) and private technical vocational institutions (TVIs).
Principally authored by Tingog party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre, the bill is touted as making free education in private colleges possible.
Although Republic Act 10931 expanded free tuition and created the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), many students who rely on private institutions because of distance, admissions capacity, or program availability have remained at a disadvantage.
Acidre, who is also EDCOM 2 co-chairperson, said the bill is designed to correct these disparities.
“We cannot uphold the spirit of universal access while leaving the poorest learners stranded at the gates of opportunity. The data presented to us is clear. The system must do better at reaching those who need the most assistance. House Bill 4270 provides a more equitable, evidence-based approach that ensures support follows the student, whether the available and appropriate program is in a public or private institution,” Acidre said.
The said bill expands the coverage of the TES to include students in private HEIs 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.
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 60 days to determine tuition and miscellaneous fee levels in private institutions, which will set the value of the vouchers.
