Politics · Philippines Bureau
Philippines strengthens free college access law to help low-income students
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed legislation expanding free tertiary education, with lawmakers hailing the measure as a significant step toward keeping disadvantaged students in school. The new law enhances the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education program.
LSN Philippines ·
Senator Loren Legarda on Monday welcomed the enactment of Republic Act No. 12325, which expands free college access for Filipino students from low-income families. The measure, signed by President Marcos on September 4, strengthens the existing Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education program by broadening its scope and benefits.
Legarda emphasized that the enhanced law would enable more economically disadvantaged students to remain enrolled and complete their tertiary education without financial hardship. The senator highlighted the legislation as a crucial intervention in addressing educational inequality in the country.
The new law represents the government's commitment to improving access to higher education amid rising costs of college tuition and living expenses. By strengthening the free college program, policymakers aim to reduce barriers that prevent low-income Filipinos from pursuing post-secondary studies.
Education advocates have long pushed for expanded support mechanisms to help deserving but financially constrained students access quality tertiary education. The enactment of the strengthened law addresses longstanding concerns about educational accessibility and equity in the country's higher education system.