Higher ed committee chair files bill expanding tertiary subsidy to cover private schools, students

December 12, 2020 Community Billboard

Students of private schools may soon be eligible for subsidies after the Chairman of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and Baguio City Representative Mark Go has filed a bill that seeks to expand the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) coverage in RA 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. House Bill (HB) 8137 aims to include students in private higher educational institutions under the TES coverage, allowing more underprivileged students to seek higher education in private colleges and universities.
Rep. Mark Go said the bill’s passage will further realize the goals outlined in RA 10931 to provide higher quality and inclusive education that is accessible to all. According to the Baguio lawmaker, there are only 242 public higher educational institutions catering to over 1.5 million students across the country. The limited number of institutions, degree programs, and geographical constraints hinder students from enjoying the benefits of the law.
Meanwhile, there are 1,721 private institutions that serve 1.6 million students. Rep. Mark Go mentioned that the expanded TES coverage will allow students the option to study in private colleges and universities, which have the capability to accommodate more learners.
According to Rep. Mark Go, the private sector is an invaluable partner in seeking sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and in equipping our youth to become globally competitive and productive.