Press Release - Jinggoy backs waiving of college entrance exam fees for indigent and deserving students

SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is backing efforts of his colleagues to pass a law that would require private universities and colleges to waive entrance examination fees for underprivileged graduating high school students and those who rank in the top 10 percent of their graduating class.

Estrada noted the increasing number of high school graduates in the country, as indicated by the 2020 census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which represents a significant milestone in terms of access to the country's secondary education.

"Ang pagdami ng bilang ng mga high school graduates ay marapat lamang na suportahan ng ating pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng pagsisiguro ng patuloy na pag-aaral nila sa kolehiyo. Isang paraan upang makamit ito ay ang pagsasabatas ng 'Free College Entrance Examinations Act,'" Estrada said, referring to Senate Bill 2441, which he co-authored and co-sponsored.

According to the 2020 PSA census, over 21% of Filipinos have attained at most a high school diploma, which is higher than the 19% recorded in 2010 and 13.5% in 2000.

"Ang hindi pagbayad sa entrance exam fee lamang na nakapaloob sa panukalang ito ay malaking bagay na para sa mga mag-aaral natin, lalo na para sa kanila na nasa pribadong paaralan ang mga napupusuang kurso o para sa mga mag-aaral na ang pinakamalapit na paaralan sa kanilang tahanan ay pribadong institusyon," Estrada said in his co-sponsorship speech.

The proposed legislation offers mutual benefits for both students and schools, the veteran lawmaker said.

As it broadens students' options for colleges and universities to pursue their studies, it also opens the doors of private higher education institutions (PHEIs) to high-achieving students who will undoubtedly contribute to their reputation and performance, Estrada pointed out.

Under the bill's provisions, eligible students must come from families whose parents live below the poverty line or belong to the poorest of the poor, as determined by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and must belong to the top 10 percent of their graduating class.

Libreng college entrance exam para