Senator Loren Legarda has filed a bill seeking to reinforce the principles of equity and inclusivity in the allocation of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program.

The TES program, which is mandated under Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, was established to support the cost of tertiary education or any part or portion thereof, for all eligible Filipino students who shall enroll in undergraduate post-secondary programs of state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), private higher education institutions (HEIs) and all technical vocational institutions (TVIs).

Legarda, in filing Senate Bill No. 2905, note there have been concerning trends in the TES program that have been observed over time, citing findings by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) which reveal that the share of TES grantees from the poorest households (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps and Listahanan) has dramatically decreased—from 74.24% in Academic Year (A.Y.) 2018-2019 to only 30.74% in A.Y. 2022-2023.

As a co-author and co-sponsor of RA 10931 and Commissioner of EDCOM II, Legarda said she is committed to ensuring accessible and equitable higher education for all Filipino students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged households.

“Conversely, students from PNSLs (place with no SUCs/LUCs) have received the majority of subsidies, increasing their share from 25.76% to 69.26% during the same period," said Legarda.

"This shift warranted careful reassessment, as it challenges the intent of R.A. No. 10931, which was crafted to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our society are given priority and support,” she pointed out.

The senator said Senate Bill No. 2905 seeks to address these disparities by guaranteeing automatic TES eligibility for students from 4Ps households, provided they have successfully completed senior high school and gained admission to a CHED-recognized higher education institution.

The remaining TES slots will be allocated based on the ranking of applicants based on their per capita income household to ensure equitable distribution.

Legarda also said the measure ensures implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance mechanisms for the TES, requiring periodic evaluations, institutional and program performance assessments, and stronger quality assurance processes to ensure that the TES effectively bridges the gap between poverty and opportunity.

"Education remains the most effective tool in breaking the cycle of poverty,” the lawmaker emphasized.

"By ensuring targeted assistance and enhancing student financing schemes, we place those most in need at the forefront of our relentless pursuit of universal and equitable access to education. In doing so, we not only empower individuals to realize their full potential but also drive forward the social and economic development of our nation,” she reiterated.