‘Why not invest in the youth?’

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By Prince Golez, Manila Reporter
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Monday, February 13, 2017
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MANILA – “If we have the money, why not invest in the future of our youth?”

The proposed free tuition in state colleges and universities (SUCs) will benefit students from financially challenged families the most, according to Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV.

A report by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges said that 77 percent of students enrolled in SUCs come from low-income families.

Their families earn a monthly income of only P29,000 or less, the 2014 Annual Poverty Indicator Survey added.

“Parents of these students are regular employees, who are having a hard time making ends meet for the needs of their families due to meager salaries,” said Aquino, who is the principal sponsor of Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1304.

Also, the chairman of the Senate education committee lamented that some students work part-time to fund their studies.

Citing the high student’s risk of dropping out due to financial difficulties, Aquino urged the government to invest in education for the youth.

It is the “best” investment for high returns, the senator said. “If we are willing to spend over P15 billion to host the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) anniversary this year, why shouldn’t we spend roughly the same amount to make tuition free for our students in SUCs,” he pointed out.

Other solons who either authored or co-sponsored the measure are senators Sonny Angara, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Richard Gordon, Loren Legarda, Francis Pangilinan, Ralph Recto, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

SBN 1304 is also known as the “Free Higher Education for All Act.”/PN

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