The Senate has recently passed two significant education-related measures that aim to support deserving students and improve the land use development law for state universities and colleges (SUCs). These measures, sponsored by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, have the potential to make higher education more accessible and enhance the resources available to SUCs.
The first measure, Senate Bill (SB) 2441, known as the “Free College Entrance Act,” mandates private higher education institutions (HEIs) to waive entrance examination fees for qualified students applying for college admission. This bill seeks to provide an opportunity for thousands of deserving young Filipinos from low-income backgrounds to pursue a college degree and create a brighter future for themselves.
To be eligible for the waiver, graduating high school students must meet certain qualifications. They must be natural-born Filipino citizens, belong to the top 10 percent of their graduating class, and come from families with a combined household income below the poverty threshold defined by the National Economic and Development Authority.
By exempting these students from entrance examination fees, SB 2441 aims to remove financial barriers and ensure that deserving individuals have equal access to higher education. This measure aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable education opportunities.
The second measure, Senate Bill 1470, seeks to amend the “State Universities and Colleges Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (Ludip) Act.” This bill aims to strengthen the mechanism for land use development and infrastructure planning and budgeting for SUCs.
Under SB 1470, SUCs will be required to prepare and implement a comprehensive Ludip to optimize their resources and improve their overall development. This Ludip will serve as a blueprint for progress, identifying key result areas and setting priorities for resource allocation. It will enable SUCs to channel their resources to areas where they can have the most significant impact and measure their progress effectively.
Moreover, the bill emphasizes the importance of including all land use and priority infrastructure projects within the Ludip. This requirement ensures that SUCs have a comprehensive plan in place for the next five years, aligning their development efforts with the national agenda.
To support the implementation of the land use and infrastructure projects outlined in the Ludip, the government has allocated a budget of P25 billion over the next five years. This financial commitment demonstrates the government’s dedication to enhancing the resources available to SUCs and promoting their overall development.
The passage of these education-related measures signifies the Senate’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for deserving students and strengthening the educational infrastructure in the country. By waiving entrance examination fees for qualified students and improving the land use development law for SUCs, these measures contribute to a more inclusive and progressive education system.
As these measures move forward, it is essential to ensure their effective implementation and monitoring. By doing so, the government can guarantee that deserving students have access to quality higher education, and SUCs have the necessary resources to fulfill their mandate of providing excellent academic programs and services.
Through these legislative efforts, the Senate demonstrates its dedication to the advancement of education in the Philippines, paving the way for a brighter future for all students and the continued growth of state universities and colleges.
Source: The Manila Times
