Manila:Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced a "timely relief" for Filipino households as the Department of Education (DepEd) secured an increase in tuition subsidies for learners in private Junior High Schools (JHS).

According to Philippines News Agency, the State Assistance Council approved the first adjustment of Educational Service Contracting (ESC) grant rates since 2017. The council includes the DepEd, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Angara emphasized the significance of this increase, noting that it comes at a crucial time when school expenses are rising. He stated that parents and partner private schools have long awaited this additional aid, which will help ensure that students can continue their education without financial interruptions.

The adjustment in subsidies is also expected to alleviate classroom congestion in public schools by providing families with more affordable private school options. This move is set to commence with incoming Grade 7 ESC grantees starting in the school year 2027 to 2028.

Under the new rates, ESC grants will see a PHP4,500 increase in the National Capital Region, PHP3,500 in highly urbanized cities (HUCs), and PHP3,000 in other areas. Specifically, in Metro Manila, annual ESC grants will rise to PHP17,500 from the current PHP13,000. Grantees in HUCs outside Metro Manila will receive PHP14,500, up from PHP11,000, while those in other regions will get PHP12,000, an increase from PHP9,000. The government subsidy will now cover approximately 34 percent to 50 percent of mandatory tuition and miscellaneous fees.