THE Senate on Thursday ratified the bicameral conference committee report on a measure institutionalizing presidential merit scholarship programs for outstanding Filipino students, with proponents saying the law would ensure sustained government support for academic and technical excellence.
Sen. Joel Villanueva, lead conferee of the Senate panel, sponsored the report on Senate Bill (SB) 2410 and House Bill (HB) 8477, or the proposed Presidential Merit Scholarship Programs Act, before the chamber.
The measure establishes the Presidential Merit College Scholarship Program under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Presidential Merit Technical Scholarship Program under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).
Villanueva said putting the scholarship programs into law would make government support for Filipino talent a continuing national commitment regardless of changes in administration.
“Administrations may change, but support for Filipino talent and competence must endure,” Villanueva said.
He noted that the financial burden on students goes beyond tuition, with scholars also needing assistance for food, transportation, books and other educational expenses.
The measure allows assistance to cover these costs and other educational needs to help qualified students complete their studies, he said.
Villanueva also highlighted provisions requiring clear and definite timelines for the processing and release of scholarship benefits, saying delays in financial assistance could undermine a student's ability to stay in school.
“It is difficult to study when you are constantly worrying about whether you will have enough money for fare the next day,” he said.
Villanueva said the investment in scholars would ultimately benefit the country, as graduates could become teachers, professionals and skilled workers who contribute to national development.
“Every scholar we help graduate could become a teacher who shapes the next generation, a professional who cares for our fellow citizens, or a skilled worker who drives our economy forward,” he said.
