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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lawmakers urged to 'expedite' passage of expanded GASTPE to decongest public schools

Lawmakers urged to 'expedite' passage of expanded GASTPE to decongest public schools

Published Jan 18, 2024 10:49 am

To ensure learning continuity for senior high school (SHS) students and to serve as a more sustainable solution to classroom congestion, the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) urged lawmakers to fast-track the passage of the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (E-GASTPE).

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(MARK BALMORES / MANILA BULLETIN / FILE PHOTO)

In a statement, PBEd Executive Director Justine Raagas said the potential beneficiaries of E-GASTPE extend beyond the Grade 11 learners from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) that may be displaced to “encompass numerous current and incoming senior high school students nationwide.”

PBEd noted that several bills such as House Bill Nos. 928, 1723, and 5589 have been filed in the Lower House which seek to broaden the voucher system, encompassing 13 years of basic education, and offering support to students, teachers, and formal private basic education institutions.

Raagas also pointed out that even before the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) “closed its doors” to SHS students, there has been a shortage of classrooms.

“Hence, it is high time to expand the voucher system,” she said. “E-GASTPE will not just address the need for additional classrooms, but it will also focus on providing quality training for senior high students,” Raagas said.

In December, CHED issued a memorandum stating that it will discontinue the SHS program in SUCs and LUCs starting this school year (SY) 2024-2025 since its engagement is limited only to the K-12 transition period from SY 2016-2017 to SY 2020-2021.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/2/ched-confirms-discontinuation-of-shs-program-in-su-cs-lu-cs

Citing CHED data, PBEd noted that 53 out of 103 SUCs have stopped offering Grade 11, while 52 halted their Grade 12.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/8/closure-of-shs-programs-up-to-su-cs-lu-cs-de-vera

“By extending the voucher program, there is a potential to optimize the resources of private schools and we can alleviate congestion in public schools," she added.

Raagas stressed that E-GASTPE acknowledges the complementary roles of both public and private institutions in the education system.

Thus, strengthening the collaboration between them “will not only aid in curbing the learning crisis but also enhance the quality of education.”

RELATED STORIES:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/16/dep-ed-no-more-vouchers-to-grade-11-students-in-public-universities-colleges-starting-sy-2024-2025-1

https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/16/dep-ed-extends-shs-voucher-program-to-grade-11-learners-in-su-cs-lu-cs-for-sy-2023-2024

Related Tags

k to 12 program shs program PBEd DepEd ched
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