Better PHL with free education beyond PRRD term

 By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

 Zamboanga Sibugay, Oct 01 (PIA) - Life was bleak when he was in high school, but rays of sunshine started to appear in 2018. “The money for my supposed tuition was converted to food on our table because of the free tertiary education.”

 

Twenty-two year old Louie Van Dalmacio recalled feeling anxious, more than excited after graduating from high school in 2017. “Will I be able to continue in my tertiary? can we afford it? Will I be one of the out-of-school youth unable to step into college?  These are some of the thoughts going in my mind that time,” he said.

 

But the rescue came in the nick of time, on August 3, 2017, when President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) No. 10931 otherwise known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, an act promoting universal access to quality tertiary education by providing free tuition and other school fees in State Universities and Colleges, local institutions, establishing the Tertiary Education Universities and Colleges, and State-Run Technical-Vocational Institutions, establishing the Tertiary Education Subsidy and Student Loan Program.

 

“I was very happy upon learning that I am one of the beneficiaries of this free tuition for tertiary education considering it’s only my mom who’s working to provide for the family,” Louie said. 

 

Because of the free tuition for tertiary students under the Duterte Administration, Louie was assured of his college education and he is now in his 4th year of college taking up Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the Jose Rizal Memorial  State University (JRMSU) in Zamboanga del Norte.

 

“Since first year college until now that I am about to graduate, we have not paid a single centavo for my tuition,“ he said. 

 

Having the RA No. 10931 is a blessing as this has brought a bright smile not only on Louie’s face but to his entire family as well, as the hardships previously experienced by his family has seldom brought them smiles.

 

“The money which is supposed to pay for my tuition is converted for the family’s food because of the free education. Now we can enjoy sumptuous food because my mom no longer worries for my tuition.”

 

The free tuition of the Duterte Administration is a game changer, a life changing event for his family as this has lifted them out the bondage of poverty.

 

“ I am spared from doing part time job to pay for by education, I was able to put full focus in my studies, thanks to this free tuition.” he added.

 

He said he wants to give back to the government for the privilege given not only to him but to the youth of the country to have equal access to quality education even in the midst of the pandemic situation. He said he is beyond grateful to the government for caring for the future generation-the youth. He lauded the present administration for looking into a better Philippines through better education. 

 

Louie said the president is a visionary leader as he sees and cares for the nation and its people beyond his term .

 

“I am beyond grateful for this opportunity. I thank the Philippine Government for this legacy. The Legislators, the Senators and Congressmen behind the Law, the Commission on Higher Education Commissioners headed by Chairman Prospero De Vera III, and the Office Of the President of the Philippines, His Excellency President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for passing the law without hesitation. Thank you for fulfilling the fundamental human right of every individual, the right to quality education. A clear manifestation of a government for the people,” he said.

 

Data from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-IX revealed that the total paid amount for Free Higher Education (State Universities and Local College and Universities) from 2019 to 2021 is PhP 1,420,204,488.21 for a total of 168,077 beneficiaries from all over Region 9, excluding Tertiary Education Subsidy (SUCs and Private HEIs). (RVC/JPA/ Zamboanga Sibugay)