Makabayan bloc seeks P10-k aid for students amid pandemic

The House Makabayan bloc on Friday filed a measure seeking to provide financial aid to subsidize education costs as well as to provide additional relief for students amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The still unnumbered bill aims to institutionalize an emergency student aid and relief system during times of national emergency or crisis to assist Filipino students in their expenses related to alternative modes of learning, such as tuition and other school fees.

Section 10 of the proposed Emergency Student Aid and Relief Law states the provision for the financial assistance for tuition, other education-related expenses, as well as subsidy for online and modular learning expenses.

"For immediate relief under the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill contains a one-time cash subsidy of P10,000 for each student as well as those who dropped out of the pandemic," the bloc said.

The bill said a total of P217 billion is hereby appropriated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the implementation of the said section.

The measure is also pushing for a moratorium on tuition and other school fee increases to further mitigate the impact of the health crisis.

It also aims to waive student loans as well as waive of interest on unpaid balances incurred during emergencies or crises. — RSJ, GMA News