Manila: Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre has called on the Senate to prioritize the approval of a bill passed by the House of Representatives that aims to provide students from low and middle-income families with enhanced access to private education. House Bill No. 4744, originally filed by former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, was approved by the House on its third and final reading last October and has now been forwarded to the Senate for consideration.

According to Philippines News Agency, the bill seeks to expand financial aid to deserving students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through the establishment of a private education voucher program under Republic Act 6728, also known as the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act. This program is designed to cover all years of basic education, from kindergarten through high school.

In a statement, Rep. Acidre expressed his hope that the Senate will prioritize the measure, emphasizing that it would enable more children from financially distressed families to attend private schools via a government-funded voucher initiative. Acidre highlighted the potential of education to empower students and their families to rise out of poverty.

The bill stipulates that voucher assistance may be provided to students from middle-income families and below, as determined by the Philippine Statistics Authority. Eligible students would include those attending public schools identified by the Department of Education (DepEd) as overcrowded, or those residing in areas with no nearby public schools who wish to enroll in private basic education institutions.

Additional provisions in the bill allow for higher aid amounts for students from the "most vulnerable" and "underprivileged" families, with these terms to be defined by the DepEd in the implementing rules and regulations. The DepEd will also select participating schools based on criteria outlined in the proposed legislation.

Parents and students may choose their preferred schools from a list provided by the DepEd, subject to the availability of slots. The DepEd is required to reimburse participating schools within 60 days following the submission of complete supporting documents.

The bill also proposes support for teachers in participating schools, including training, scholarships, research grants, and professional development programs. Additionally, it grants the DepEd the option to suggest a government-funded salary subsidy for these teachers.

Furthermore, the legislation calls for the establishment of the Bureau of Private Education under the DepEd to manage all programs and issues related to basic education. HB 4744 was co-authored by Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos and Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo, who chairs the House Committee on Basic Education.