Cavite 1st district Rep. Jolo Revilla has filed House Bill (HB) No.85, or the “Baon Para sa Iskolar ng Bayan Act” which seeks to provide a regular stipend for all public school students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 .

This, as the lawmaker acknowledged that many young learners can hardly keep up with their lessons due to hunger and malnutrition.

Under HB No.85, students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 will receive ₱1,000 annually, while Grades 9 to 12 students will receive ₱2,000 annually. The Department of Education (DepEd) will lead the program and establish a monitoring system to ensure proper distribution and compliance with the Data Privacy Act .

Revilla explained that the bill is a straightforward but meaningful intervention to help students concentrate better in school despite financial difficulties.

“Maraming estudyante ang pumapasok nang walang baon at nag-aaral nang gutom dahil sa hirap ng buhay. Ang panukalang ito ay magbibigay sa kanila ng sapat na tulong para matiyak na may lakas at konsentrasyon sila habang nag-aaral,” he said.

(Many students go to school without any food allowance and study while hungry because of poverty. This proposal will provide them with sufficient support to ensure they have the strength and focus while studying.)

Revilla noted that international studies, including reports from UNESCO, show how poverty-driven hunger directly impacts academic performance, classroom participation, and school retention.

He emphasized that small, consistent forms of government support can reduce dropout rates, particularly among children from poor households.

“Kung masiguro natin na may baon ang bawat estudyante, mas mababawasan ang bilang ng mga kabataang napipilitang huminto sa pag-aaral dahil sa kakulangan ng panggastos,” he added.

(If we can ensure that every student has food allowance, the number of young people forced to drop out of school due to lack of financial means will be reduced.)

On top of this, the measure seeks to complement other government programs such as the school-based feeding initiative and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Revilla stressed that the stipend is not meant to replace existing benefits but to reinforce them, creating a stronger safety net for families.

“Ito ay dagdag na tulong, hindi kapalit ng kasalukuyang mga programa. Ang mahalaga, mas marami pang estudyante ang makikinabang at makakapagtapos ng kanilang pag-aaral,” he said.

(This is additional support, not a replacement for existing programs. What matters is that more students will benefit and be able to finish their education.)

Revilla reiterated that investing in education is the most effective way to break the cycle of poverty and build a more equitable society.

“Education is the great equalizer, but hunger should never be a barrier to learning. Through the Baon Para sa Iskolar ng Bayan Act, we are investing in the dreams of our children and the future of our nation."