President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is steadily building his legacy as an “education president,” Speaker Faustino G. Dy III said, after the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading two measures expanding government support for Filipino students.
The Speaker said this as the House approved House Bills 8476 and 8477, which seek to expand the Tertiary Education Subsidy and institutionalize the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program (PMSP), respectively.
Both measures are among the administration’s priority bills under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
Dy said the bills’ passage reflects Congress’ commitment to support the administration’s push to widen access to higher education and invest in the country’s future workforce.
“President Bongbong Marcos is clearly cementing his legacy as an education president—one who believes that the future of the nation depends on how we educate and empower our young people today,” Dy said.
Dy said the reforms complement the P1.345-trillion allocation for the education sector under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, the largest in Philippine history.
“With the record education budget and these reforms expanding scholarships and subsidies, we are reinforcing the country’s commitment to invest in the potential of every Filipino student,” he said.
HB 8476 expands the coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy under Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, to allow more financially disadvantaged students to complete college.
The subsidy would cover additional qualified students in state and local universities and other eligible institutions, helping pay for tuition, books, transportation, and other essential expenses.
Dy said strengthening student assistance programs is key to ensuring poverty does not prevent capable Filipino youth from pursuing higher education.
“Behind every student who wants to go to college is a family hoping for a better future. Expanding the Tertiary Education Subsidy means we are helping thousands more Filipino families send their children to school and pursue their dreams,” he said.
HB 8477, meanwhile, institutionalizes the PMSP by creating a national framework to support academically outstanding senior high school graduates.
The measure integrates the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program into a permanent system to help top-performing students pursue college and contribute to national development.
Dy said recognizing and nurturing academic excellence is essential to building a more competitive Philippines.
“Our country has no shortage of talented young people. What we must do is ensure that excellence is supported and that these students are given the opportunity to develop their potential for the benefit of the nation,” he said.
The Speaker said the House will continue working with the Senate and the Executive branch to ensure the swift passage of reforms that expand access to quality education and help prepare the next generation of Filipino leaders, professionals, and innovators.
