14/05/2025
Mahaba at mabusisi ang pinagdaanang proseso bago maisabatas ang libreng kolehiyo sa Pilipinas. This law has a special place in my heart, na hinding-hindi mabubura kailanman.
From the outset, we knew that free tertiary education was not just a dream, but a necessity. Paniniwala ko noon pa that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and providing a better life for all Filipinos, regardless of their economic status. Mula sa mahirap hanggang sa mayaman, walang may karapatang hadlangan ang isang taong gustong makapagtapos.
Nagsimula bilang Senate Bill 177 hanggang sa maging Republic Act 10931!
We pushed for Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act to expand access to state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), and technical-vocational institutions. The journey was long pero nanaig ang bayanihan noong isinusulong namin ito.
A significant part of our success came from the collaboration of various sectors of society. Students, teachers, parents, government institutions, and other stakeholders came together to support this endeavor. I am also deeply grateful to my colleagues in the Senate and House during that time who all worked hard to make everything possible. And of course, the President who signed the law even if he was advised by some sectors to veto it.
Alam naman natin that our journey did not end there. There is still much to be done to ensure that the quality of education continues to improve, and the process of obtaining a college degree becomes even more accessible.
Sa taong ito, ga-graduate ang batch na wala nang naranasang tuition fee na bayaran since first year. Marami nang nakapagtapos na libre ang kolehiyo sa Pilipinas. Kailangan na lang masiguro natin na magpapatuloy ito, lumago at lumawak pa, at syempre mas makahanap pa tayo ng paraan para mapagaan ang buhay ng mga kababayan natin.
Happy Anniversary sa Libreng Kolehiyo! Mabuhay ang Kabataang Pilipino!
