CO-SPONSORSHIP SPEECH
An Act Enhancing the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 10931
Senate Bill No. 1894 under Committee Report No. 31
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
February 24, 2026
Mr. President, I rise to lend my full support for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 1894 under Committee Report No. 31, or “An Act Enhancing the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 10931” reported out by the Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education under the stewardship of our good Chairperson, Senator Loren Legarda.
As embodied in our Constitution, it is our aspiration as a nation to provide quality and accessible education to our youth. Indeed, the foundation of a progressive nation is educated and competent citizenry. Bilang mga mag-aaral minsan sa ating buhay, at bilang mga magulang, hangarin natin na matamo ng ating pamilya ang magandang antas ng pamumuhay sa pamamagitan ng magandang edukasyon. Kaya naman, ginagawa natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya upang ipadala sa mga respetadong pamatasan at unibersidad ang ating mga kabataan, kahit na ang katumbas nito ay pagsasakripisyo sa ibang pangangailangan ng ating pamilya.
Tunay nga na hindi madaling makapasok at makapagtapos sa kolehiyo, lalo na kung ang aspetong pinansyal ang isasaalang-alang. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is currently implementing various education assistance programs to college students including the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES). In fact, my office forged partnership with CHED to provide financial assistance to students in need under the Tulong Dunong Program. For the past three (3) years, we have seen that the amounts extended to the students under our existing scholarship and financial assistance programs are not enough. Sadly, this insufficient amount is coupled by very weak system characterized by delayed release or distribution of allowances, confusing procedures, and lack of communication with partner agencies, educational institutions and students.
Inihain ng inyong lingkod ang Senate Bill No. 1042 upang palawigin ang sakop ng Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. By amending Republic Act No. 10931, we intend to reach to more students and truly provide assistance that are responsive to their needs and will empower them to be productive, competitive and successful students.
I am thankful to the good Sponsor for swiftly acting on this measure and for immediately bringing it for deliberations in this august hall. I call on my colleagues to support its passage for our students, for the improvement of our education system, and for the development of our country.
Thank you, Mr. President.