Students from state universities and colleges (SUCs) all over the country will no longer pay tuition fees and miscellaneous expenses as the Republic Act 10931 or Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act will be implemented earlier than expected, Senator Bam Aquino said.
Aquino, the principal sponsor and co-author of the bill, said that he was informed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) that 112 SUCs will not collect tuition and miscellaneous fees from students starting this semester.
“Kahapon, kinumpirma ko na implemented na po ito this second semester. So lahat ng mag-e-enrol this second semester, dapat wala nang kinokolektang tuition at miscellaneous expenses [Yesterday, I just confirmed that it (law) was already implemented this second semester. To students who will enroll this second semester, no tuition fees and miscellaneous expenses should be collected],” Aquino said in a radio interview.
“Iyong mga staff natin at mga partners sa iba’t ibang lugar, tinitingnan na ang mga SUCs kung wala silang kokolektahing tuition at miscellaneous expenses [Our staff and partners throughout different areas are already monitoring SUCs if they will collect tuition and miscellaneous expenses],” Aquino added.
Initially, the government said the law will be implemented starting the school year 2018-19. The law provides free education to students in SUCs, local universities and colleges (LUCs) and TESDA-run vocational schools.
Scholarship grants will be made available to students of both public and private colleges and universities. It also provides a new and improved student loan program, where students can apply for financing for other education expenses.
The senator also announced that lawmakers have allocated P40 billion in the 2018 national budget for the implementation of the law for school year 2018-2019.
Meanwhile, Aquino encouraged student who failed to finish their college courses to inquire with SUCs if they wish to return to school and finish their studies for free.
“Natutuwa kami dahil ang batas na ito ay hindi lang para sa kasalukuyang naka-enroll pero sa mga nag-drop-out dahil puwede nilang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang pag-aaral nang libre [We are pleased because the law is not only intended for those who are currently enrolled but for the drop-outs (as well) because they can still continue with their studies for free],” he said.
In addition, post-graduate students can avail of the new and improved student loan program and scholarships under the law.