In celebration of the International Day of Education on January 24, CIBAC Party-list Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva renewed his call to strengthen access to higher and technical education.
The CIBAC solon called support for his House Bill 7160 which expands the coverage and benefits of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTE).
HB 7160 seeks to clarify and expand TES coverage to include all state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), public and private higher educational insitutions (HEIs), and public and private technical vocational institutions (TVIs).
The bill also broadens the allowable use of TES to cover essential education-related expenses such as transportation, learning materials, digital equipment, room and board, internship and related learning experience fees, and one-time costs for licensure and professional certification.
The measure further ensures continuity of TES support until program completion, subject to reasonable retention and residency requirements, shifting the focus from mere access to actual completion.
Rep. Villanueva said the observance of International Day of Education is a timely reminder that education must go beyond enrollment and address the real barriers that prevent students from completing their studies.
“Education is a fundamental right and a powerful equalizer. But for many Filipino students, especially the poor and near-poor, hidden and out-of-pocket costs continue to stand in the way of finishing college or skills training,” he said.
The CIBAC solon emphasized that the bill strengthens TES as both a social protection mechanism and a long-term investment in human capital. The bill counterparts a similar measure filed by Senator Joel Villanueva at the Senate.
“As we mark International Day of Education, we affirm that no student should be forced to abandon their dreams due to financial hardship. Investing in education is investing in justice, opportunity, and the future of our nation. This bill is our commitment to make education truly accessible, inclusive, and transformative for every Filipino learner,” Rep. Villanueva ended. #