Manila: The Senate on Monday approved a bill establishing a nationwide basic education voucher program seen to decongest public schools and widen access to quality education.

According to Philippines News Agency, Senate Bill No. 1981, or the Basic Education Voucher Program Act, was passed with 22 affirmative votes and no negative or abstention votes, positioning it as a key intervention to address overcrowding in the public school system. 'This is an important step toward addressing the crisis in our education system. Let us ensure that no child is left behind in our country,' Senator Bam Aquino, the measure's author and sponsor, said.

The bill allows students from congested public schools to transfer to participating private schools using government-funded vouchers, easing pressure on classrooms while giving families more schooling options. Aquino said the measure responds to a shortage of at least 165,000 classrooms nationwide, which has led to shifting schedules and overcrowded learning environments.

'This program is important because it directly helps families. especially students who need Special Education,' he said. The program prioritizes learners from low-income households, 4Ps families, GIDAs (geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas), Indigenous Peoples communities, and other vulnerable sectors, including students with disabilities.

It also introduces safeguards against fraud and abuse, including penalties and tighter monitoring systems, to ensure that assistance reaches intended beneficiaries and prevent ghost recipients. The measure is expected to complement ongoing classroom construction efforts while strengthening the role of private schools in delivering basic education services.