MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law an act expanding the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, extending support to financially incapacitated students in their college degrees and technical-vocational programs.
Speaking at the signing in Malacañang on Friday, Marcos stressed the need for expanded government support, particularly for students coming from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We hope to see them grow and thrive, and reach their full potential. But even the strongest seeds cannot flourish without fertile ground,” said Marcos in his keynote address.
He recognized that while the free tuition for tertiary education removed financial barriers for learners to pursue their college education, others such as books, transport, and other fees remain in place hindering students from finishing their chosen programs.
“While we have opened the doors of our public colleges, universities, and technical-vocational institutions, the responsibility of government does not end there,” the president said.
“We must help all our learners remain in school or training until they complete their studies and acquire the skills that they need to succeed,” he added.
