Bill for free college education pushed in Congress

MANILA, Philippines - A lady lawmaker has filed a bill seeking free public tertiary education for degree and non-degree programs to poor but qualified students.

Bulacan 1st District Rep. Ma. Victoria Sy-Alvarado said House Bill 3378 covers qualified students who are certified as indigent by the officials of the barangays, cities or municipalities where they reside.

The measure is pursuant to Section 1 Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that “the State shall protect and promote the rights of all citizen to quality education in all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make education available to all,” Sy-Alvarado said.

“Tertiary education is the key that allows our people to move up in the world, seek better jobs, and ultimately succeed fully in life," she said. “The importance of tertiary education cannot be underestimated."

“College education is not only major factor in the nation’s economic and social growth but also an important tool for human development. It is an instrument that gives young Filipinos the chance to realize their dreams,” the congresswoman added.

Under the bill, poor but qualified students may avail of the free tertiary education program provided they present the Certificate of Indigence issued by the barangay, municipality or city officials.

The bill provides that the right to avail of the free public tertiary education shall be terminated if the student failed majority of the academic subjects during the school year unless the failure has valid cause.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall be mandated to consult with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and barangay, municipal or city officials in issuing the implementing rules and regulations.