Senator Win Gatchalian has filed legislation to ensure government college subsidies for senior high school graduates from the poorest households, strengthening access to free higher education.
Senate Bill No. 1894 proposes amending the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931) so that students from families enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) automatically receive the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) upon enrollment in a recognized college or technical-vocational institution.
“Habang pinatitibay natin ang libreng kolehiyo, titiyakin nating prayoridad ang mga tunay na nangangailangang estudyante bilang mga benepisyaryo ng TES. Dapat masigurong tuloy-tuloy ang edukasyon nila,” Gatchalian said Friday.
The TES covers expenses beyond tuition, including transportation, books, and living allowances.
Under the bill, eligibility is certified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and once admitted to an institution recognized by CHED or TESDA, the student automatically qualifies for the subsidy.
The measure builds on 2024–2025 budget provisions that prioritized 4Ps students for TES slots, addressing concerns that fewer grants were reaching the poorest households.
To ensure smooth implementation, the bill directs the UniFAST Board to coordinate with CHED, TESDA, DepEd, and other agencies to establish a monitoring system.