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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Extend free tuition to more students –Gatchalian

Extend free tuition to more students –Gatchalian

Published Jan 5, 2020 12:00 am
By Hannah Torregoza Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to ensure that more students would be able to avail themselves of free tuition this year under the law that provides free quality tertiary education in the country. Sen. Sherwin T. Gatchalian (Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN) Sen. Sherwin T. Gatchalian
(SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Gatchalian said CHED should ensure that all 118 local universities and colleges (LUCs) in the country are eligible to offer free tuition under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 or Republic Act No. 10931. The law, which took effect in 2017, specifically covers the tuition and fees students enrolled in state universities and colleges (SUCs), LUCs and all technical-vocational education and training (TVET) that are registered under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Gatchalian, chair of the Senate committee on basic education, arts and culture, noted that CHED recently signed an agreement with the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFast) and 27 LUCs that will be offering free tertiary education for Academic Year 2019-2021. Aside from free tuition, the senator said CHED-accredited LUCs also offer subsidies. Previously, there were 76 LUCs that have started offering free tertiary education and subsidies. Under the law, LUCs are mandated to comply with certain policies, guidelines, and standards so they can offer free tuition. Gatchalian urged CHED to help the 15 more LUCs that have yet to be accredited and coordinate closely with these institutions to help them meet their prerequisites and become eligible to offer free tuition and subsidies. “Mahalaga ang papel ng mga lokal na pamantasan at mga kolehiyo upang gawing abot-kaya ang dekalidad na edukasyon (Local universities and colleges have a significant role in making quality education accessible),” said Gatchalian, co-author and co-sponsor of the law. “Kung masisiguro natin na may kakayahan ang lahat ng mga paaralang ito na magbigay ng libreng edukasyon, mas marami tayong matutulungan na mga kabataan sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa na makapagtapos at magkaroon ng maayos na kinabukasan (If we are able to ensure these schools can adequately provide free education, we will be able to help more young people in different parts of the country to finish their studies and have a better future),” he further said.
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