Marcos signs into law amendments to Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act 

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday signed into law the amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), which expands the government assistance for disadvantaged college students.

In his speech during the ceremonial signing, the President said that the amendments ensure that government assistance reaches “those who need it most,” particularly students from poor and disadvantaged families, including qualified beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“This Act reflects what our Bagong Pilipinas should always be: a country where every young Filipino, especially the most disadvantaged, has an equal chance at a quality tertiary education,” Marcos said.

“It is a measure that builds on the government's promise and strengthens it for the years to come—bringing us closer to a future where every Filipino family has at least one child who completes a bachelor's degree or a technical-vocational education and training (TVET) program,” he added.

The original law or Republic Act No. 10931, granted free tuition and other school fees for students at state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), and state-run technical-vocational institutions.

It also offered financial assistance through the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP).

The amendments, meanwhile, expanded the TES coverage and provided additional assistance to students from disadvantaged and underserved groups, including qualified 4Ps beneficiaries.

“Poor and deserving students taking priority programs who are not covered by existing grants may also receive government support to pursue their studies in qualified private higher education and technical-vocational institutions," Marcos said.

"This expands the opportunities for more Filipinos to earn a degree, a diploma, or skills qualification,” he added.

The President likewise committed to sustain the support for college students in the years to come.

“Because every learner who completes a college degree or TVET program brings greater opportunity to a family and strengthens our nation with a more skilled, productive, and empowered citizenry,” he explained.

The law amending the UAQTEA was one of the priority legislative measures of the Marcos administration.

The ceremonial signing held at the Malacañan Palace was witnessed by members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as Cabinet secretaries and other government officials. — RSJ, GMA News