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[av_heading heading=’Lawmakers approve P40B for free college ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY PRINCE GOLEZ
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MANILA – Congress approved the P40-billion budget for Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
The law would provide free education to students enrolled in state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges, and vocational schools run by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
“Ngayon na may pondo na ng 40 bilyong piso para sa libreng kolehiyo, maaasahan ng mga estudyante na magiging libre na ang tuition at miscellaneous fees sa mga pampublikong unibersidad at kolehiyo,” said Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, principal sponsor and coauthor of the law.
The Senate ratified on Tuesday the bicameral conference committee report on the P3.767-trillion 2018 General Appropriations Act.
Under the budget, each SUC shall receive P10 million for capital outlay to address their infrastructure and equipment needs.
Another P327 million was allotted for free Wi-Fi in SUCs and public places.
The Commission on Higher Education will also get P250 million for free tuition and the medical needs of students enrolled in SUCs.
“We must ensure that the law is implemented properly for the benefit of our students,” said Aquino.
Under the law, students may avail themselves of a new and improved student loan program.
“Now that more Filipinos have access to a college education, let’s work on improving the quality of public education in the country,” said the senator./PN
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