Jinggoy

Jinggoy bats for waiving of test fees for poor HS students

October 9, 2023 PS Jun M. Sarmiento 196 views

SEN. Jinggoy Estrada is backing efforts of his colleagues to pass a law requiring private universities and colleges to waive entrance examination fees for underprivileged graduating high school students and those who rank in the top 10 percent of their graduating class.

Estrada noted the increasing number of high school graduates in the country, as indicated by the 2020 census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which represents a significant milestone in terms of access to the country’s secondary education.

“Ang pagdami ng bilang ng mga high school graduates ay marapat lamang na suportahan ng ating pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng pagsisiguro ng patuloy na pag-aaral nila sa kolehiyo.

Ang pagsasabatas ng ‘Free College Entrance Examinations Act ang isang paraan upang makamit ito,” Estrada said, referring to Senate Bill 2441, which he co-authored and co-sponsored.

According to the 2020 PSA census, over 21% of Filipinos have attained at most a high school diploma, which is higher than the 19% recorded in 2010 and 13.5% in 2000.

The proposed legislation offers mutual benefits for both students and schools, the veteran lawmaker said.

As it broadens students’ options for colleges and universities to pursue their studies, it also opens the doors of private higher education institutions (PHEIs) to high-achieving students who will undoubtedly contribute to their reputation and performance, Estrada pointed out.

Under the bill’s provisions, eligible students must come from families whose parents live below the poverty line or belong to the poorest of the poor, as determined by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and must belong to the top 10 percent of their graduating class.