Senator Loren Legarda hailed the third-reading approval of Senate Bill No. 1894, a measure that seeks to strengthen the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, or Republic Act No. 10931, by improving the implementation of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES).

The proposed measure aims to ensure that government financial assistance is prioritized for students from the most financially disadvantaged households.

“This measure strengthens RA 10931 and ensures that the promise of free and equitable tertiary education truly reaches the poorest Filipino families,” Legarda said.

Legarda, who chairs the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education and serves as co-chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), underscored the need for reforms during her manifestation before the chamber.

“EDCOM II revealed stark gaps in the implementation of student assistance programs. Many of our most vulnerable learners continue to struggle with the rising costs of transportation, food, housing, and school requirements, despite existing support mechanisms,” Legarda said.

“This bill ensures that limited government resources are directed first to those who need them most, aligns allocation strictly with household income, guarantees timely, inflation-adjusted support, and demands accountability for the use of public funds,” she added.

Under the bill, priority beneficiaries include learners from disadvantaged sectors such as 4Ps families, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, solo parents and their dependents, and students living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

The measure also broadens TES benefits by covering expenses for books, school supplies, transportation, laptops, room and board, and other education-related costs. Students enrolled in nursing and allied health programs may also receive assistance for clinical internship and related learning experience (RLE) fees.

“Ang edukasyon ay hindi lang dapat libre; dapat ito’y makabuluhan at nagbubunga ng tunay na oportunidad, mula enrollment hanggang graduation at trabaho. This measure is for our students, especially the poorest, who now know that the government stands behind their dreams. Dapat laging patas ang pagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa bawat batang Pilipino na nangangarap (Education should not only be free; it must be meaningful and yield real opportunities, from enrollment to graduation and employment. This measure is for our students, especially the poorest, who now know that the government stands behind their dreams. Every Filipino child who dreams must always be given a fair chance),” Legarda said.

Legarda also thanked fellow senators for supporting the measure and helping secure its approval on third reading.