REPUBLIC ACT NO.

896 - AN ACT TO DECLARE THE POLICY ON ELEMENTARY EDUCATION IN THE

PHILIPPINES

Section 1. This Act shall be known as the "Elementary Education Act of 1953."

Sec. 2. In pursuance of them of all schools expressed in section five, Article XIV of the Constitution, and as
amplified by subsequent legislation, it shall be the main function of the elementary school to develop healthy citizens
of good moral character, equipped with the knowledge, habits, and ideals needed for a happy and useful home and
community life.

Sec. 3. To put into effect the educational policy established by this Act, the Department of Education is hereby
authorized to revise the elementary-school system on the following basis: The primary course shall be composed of
four grades (Grades I to IV) and the intermediate course of three grades (Grade V to VII). Pupils who are in the sixth
grade of the time this Act goes into effect will not be required to complete the seventh grade before being eligible to
enroll in the first year of the secondary school: Provided, That they shall be allowed to elect to enroll in Grade VII if
they so desire.

Sec. 4. The Secretary of Education may, with the approval of the President, authorize, in the primary grades, the
holding of one class, morning and afternoon, under one teacher. In the intermediate grades, classes may be
authorized on the basis of two classes under three teachers or of three classes under five members. Where there is
not enough number of children to meet the minimum requirements for organizing one-grade or two-grade combined
classes, the Secretary of Education may authorize the organization of classes with more than two grades each.

Sec. 5. It shall be compulsory for every parent or guardian or other person having custody of any child to enroll
such child in a public school, the next school year following the seventh birthday of such child, and such child shall
remain in school until the completion of an elementary education: Provided, however, That this compulsory
attendance shall not be required in any of the following cases: First, when the child enrolls in or transfers to a private
school; Second, when the distance from the home of the child to the nearest public school offering the grade to
which he belongs exceeds three kilometers or the said public school is not safely or conveniently accessible to the
child: Third, when such child is mentally or physically defective in which case a certificate of a duly licensed physician
or competent health worker shall be required; Fourth, when, on account of indigence, the child cannot afford to be in
school; Fifth, when the child cannot be accommodated because of excess enrolment; and Sixth, when such child is
being regularly instructed by its parent or guardian or private tutor, if qualified to teach the several branches of study
required to be taught in the public schools, under conditions that will be prescribed by the Secretary of Education.

Sec. 6. There is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of any funds in the National Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.

Sec. 7. All acts or parts of acts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed.

Sec. 8. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: June 20, 1953

Republic Act No. 6655 May 26, 1988
AN ACT ESTABLISHING AND PROVIDING FOR A FREE PUBLIC SECONDARY EDUCATION AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled::

Section 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988."

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to provide for a free public secondary education to
all qualified citizens and to promote quality education at all levels.

Section 3. Definitions. — For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall mean:

a) Free Public Secondary Education. — Means that the students enrolled in secondary course offerings in
national high schools, general comprehensive high schools, trade, technical, vocational, fishery and
agricultural schools, and in schools established, administered, maintained and funded by local government
units, including city, provincial municipal and barangay high schools, and those public high schools which
may be established by law, shall be free from payment of tuition and other schools fees;
b) Tuition Fee. — Refers to the fee representing direct costs of instruction, training and other related
activities and for the students' use of the instruction and training facilities;
c) Other School Fees. — Refer to those fees which cover the other necessary costs supportive of
instruction, including but not limited to medical and dental, athletic, library, laboratory and Citizens Army
Training (CAT) fees.

However, fees elated to membership in the school community such as identification cards, student organizations
and publications may be collected, provided that nonpayment to these fees shall not in any case be a bar to the
enrollment or graduation of any student.

Section 4. Implementation of Free Public Secondary Education. — The system of free public secondary
education as provided in this Act shall commence in School Year 1988-1989, and that the students enrolled in
secondary course offerings in national and general comprehensive high schools, state colleges and universities,
specialized schools, trade, technical, vocational, fishery and agricultural schools and in schools which may be
established by law, shall be free from payment of tuition and other school fees, except fees related to membership in
the school community such as identification cards, student organizations and publication which may be collected:
provided, that nothing in this Act shall cause or authorize the reduction or removal of any benefit which the national
or local government may have granted to the students, teachers and other school personnel of these public high
schools prior to the enactment of this Act.

Section 5. Formulation of a Secondary Education Curriculum. — The Department of Education, Culture and
Sports shall formulate a secondary education curriculum in order to upgrade its quality, efficiency and access.n
addition to providing the high school students with general skills, knowledge and values, such a curriculum must
include vocational and technical courses that will give the students gainful employment.

Section 6. Limitation. — The right of any student to avail of free public high school shall terminate if he fails for two
(2) consecutive school years in the majority of the academic subjects in which he is enrolled during the course of his
study unless such failure is due to some valid cause.

Section 7. Nationalization of Public Secondary Schools. — To effectively implement the system, the
establishment, renaming, conversion, integration, separation, administration, supervision and control of all public
secondary schools and public secondary school teachers and other school personnel, including the payment of their
salaries allowances and other fringe benefits as well as those already provided by local governments are hereby
vested in the Department of Education, Culture and Sports.

Section 8. Priority in Admission. — Graduates of public elementary schools in a municipality shall be given
priority in admission when the present facilities in the same municipality cannot accommodate all of those applying
for enrollment in the public high schools.

Section 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports shall issue
the necessary rules and regulations to implement this Act.

Section 10. Funding. — The President is hereby authorized to realign or transfer any item of appropriation within
the Department of Education, Culture and Sports. and/or utilize any savings therein to carry out the purposes of this
Act. Whatever additional amount as may be needed for its implementation shall be included in the General
Appropriations Acts for the ensuing fiscal years.

Section 11. Repealing Clause. — All laws or parts thereof, inconsistent with any provision of this Act shall be
deemed repealed or modified as the case may be.

Section 12. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect upon its approval. Approved: May 26, 1988.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9155 August 11, 2001

AN ACT INSTITUTING A FRAME WORK OF GOVERNANCE FOR BASIC EDUCATION, ESTABLISHING

AUTHORITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY, RENAMING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, CULTURE AND
SPORTS AS THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001."

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and promote the right of all
citizens to quality basic education and to make such education accessible to all by providing all Filipino children a
free and compulsory education in the elementary level and free education in the high school level. Such education
shall also include alternative learning systems for out-of-school youth and adult learners. It shall be the goal of basic
education to provide them with the skills, knowledge and values they need to become caring, seIf-reliant, productive
and patriotic citizens.

The school shall be the heart of the formal education system. It is where children learn. Schools shall have a single
aim of providing the best possible basic education for all learners.

Governance of basic education shall begin at the national level it is at the regions, divisions, schools and learning
centers herein referred to as the field offices - where the policy and principle for the governance of basic education
shall be translated into programs, projects and services developed, adapted and offered to fit local needs.

The State shall encourage local initiatives for improving the quality of basic education. The State shall ensure that
the values, needs and aspirations of a school community are reflected in the program of education for the children,
out-of-school youth and adult learners. Schools and learning centers shall be empowered to make decisions on
what is best for the learners they serve.

Section 3. Purposes and Objectives. - The purposes and objectives of this Act are:

(a) To provide the framework for the governance of basic education which shall set the general directions for
educational policies and standards and establish authority, accountability and responsibility for achieving higher
learning outcomes;

(b) To define the roles and responsibilities of and provide resources to, the field offices which shall implement
educational programs, projects and services in communities they serve;

(c) To make schools and learning centers the most important vehicle for the teaching and learning of national values
and for developing in the Filipino learners love of country and pride in its rich heritage;

(d) To ensure that schools and learning centers receive the kind of focused attention they deserve and that
educational programs, projects and services take into account the interests of all members of the community;

(e) To enable the schools and learning centers to reflect the values of the community by allowing teachers/learning
facilitators and other staff to have the flexibility to serve the needs of all learners;

(f) To encourage local initiatives for the improvement of schools and learning centers and to provide the means by
which these improvements may be achieved and sustained; and

(g) To establish schools and learning centers as facilities where schoolchildren are able to learn a range of core
competencies prescribed for elementary and high school education programs or where the out-of-school youth and
adult learners are provided alternative learning programs and receive accreditation for at least the equivalent of a
high school education.

Section 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the terms or phrases used shall mean or be understood
as follows:

(a) Alternative Learning System -is a parallel learning system to provide a viable alternative to the existing formal
education instruction. It encompasses both the nonformal and informal sources of knowledge and skills;

(b) Basic Education - is the education intended to meet basic learning needs which lays the foundation on which
subsequent learning can be based. It encompasses early childhood, elementary and high school education as well
as alternative learning systems four out-of-school youth and adult learners and includes education for those with
special needs;

(c) Cluster of Schools - is a group of schools which are geographically contiguous and brought together to improve
the learning outcomes;
(d) Formal Education - is the systematic and deliberate process of hierarchically structured and sequential learning
corresponding to the general concept of elementary and secondary level of schooling. At the end of each level, the
learner needs a certification in order to enter or advance to the next level;

(e) Informal Education - is a lifelong process of learning by which every person acquires and accumulates
knowledge, skills, attitudes and insights from daily experiences at home, at work, at play and from life itself;

(f) Integrated School. - is a school that offers a complete basic education in one school site and has unified
instructional program;

(g) Learner - is any individual seeking basic literacy skills and functional life skills or support services for the
improvement of the quality of his/her life;

(h) Learning Center - is a physical space to house learning resources and facilities of a learning program for out-of-
school youth and adults. It is a venue for face-to-face learning and activities and other learning opportunities for
community development and improvement of the people's quality of life;

(i) Learning Facilitator - is the key learning support person who is responsible for supervising/facilitating the learning
process and activities of the learner;

(j) Non-Formal Education - is any organized, systematic educational activity carried outside the framework of the
formal system to provide selected types of learning to a segment of the population;

(k) Quality Education - is the appropriateness, relevance and excellence of the education given to meet the needs
and aspirations of an individual and society;

(I) .School - is an educational institution, private and public, undertaking educational operation with a specific age-
group of pupils or students pursuing defined studies at defined levels, receiving instruction from teachers, usually
located in a building or a group of buildings in a particular physical or cyber site; and

(m) .School Head - is a person responsible for the administrative and instructional supervision of the school or
cluster of schools.

CHAPTER 1
GOVERNANCE OF BASIC EDUCATION

Section 5. Principles of Shared Governance. - (a) Shared governance is a principle which recognizes that every unit
in the education bureaucracy has a particular role, task and responsibility inherent in the office and for which it is
principally accountable for outcomes;

(b) The process of democratic consultation shall be observed in the decision-making process at appropriate levels.
Feedback mechanisms shall be established to ensure coordination and open communication of the central office
with the regional, division and school levels;

(c) The principles of accountability and transparency shall be operationalized in the performance of functions and
responsibilities at all levels; and

(d) The communication channels of field offices shall be strengthened to facilitate flow of information and expand
linkages with other government agencies, local government units and nongovernmental organizations for effective
governance.

Section 6. Governance. - The Department of Education, Culture and Sports shall henceforth be called the
Department of Education. It shall be vested with authority, accountability and responsibility for ensuring access to,
promoting equity in, and improving the quality of basic education. Arts, culture and sports shall be as provided for in
Sections 8 and 9 hereof.

Section 7. Powers, Duties and Functions. - The Secretary of the Department of Education shall exercise overall
authority and supervision over the operations of the Department.

A. National Level In addition to his/her powers under existing laws, the Secretary of Education shall have authority,
accountability and responsibility for the following:

(1) Formulating national educational policies;

(2) Formulating a national basic education plan;

(3) Promulgating national educational Standards;

 (4) Monitoring and assessing national learning outcomes;

(5) Undertaking national educational research and studies;

(6) Enhancing the employment status, professional competence, welfare and working conditions of all
personnel of the Department; and

(7) Enhancing the total development of learners through local and national programs and/or projects.

The Secretary of Education shall be assisted by not more than four (4) undersecretaries and not more than four (4)
assistant secretaries whose assignments, duties and responsibilities shall be governed by law. There shall be at
least one undersecretary and one assistant secretary who shall be career executive service officers chosen from
among the staff of the Department.

B. Regional Level

There shall be as many regional offices as may be provided by law. Each regional office shall have a director, an
assistant director and an office staff for program promotion and support, planning, administrative and fiscal services.

Consistent with the national educational policies, plans and standards, the regional director shall have authority,
accountability and responsibility for the following:

(1) Defining a regional educational policy framework which reflects the values, needs and expectations of
the communities they serve;

(2) Developing a regional basic education plan;

(3) Developing regional educational standards with a view towards bench-marking for international
competitiveness;

(4) Monitoring, evaluating and assessing regional learning outcomes;

(5) Undertaking research projects and developing and managing region wide projects which may be funded
through official development assistance and/or or other finding agencies;

(6) Ensuring strict compliance with prescribed national criteria for the recruitment, selection and training of
all staff in the region and divisions.

(7) Formulating, in coordination with the regional development council, the budget to support the regional
educational plan which shall take into account the educational plans of the divisions and districts;

(8) Determining the organization component of the divisions and districts and approving the proposed
staffing pattern of all employees in the divisions and districts;

(9) Hiring, placing and evaluating all employees in the regional office, except for the position of assistant
director;

(10) Evaluating all schools division superintendents and assistant division superintendents in the region;

(II) Planning and managing the effective and efficient use of all personnel, physical and fiscal resources of
the regional office, including professional staff development.;

(12) Managing the database and management information system of the region;

(13) Approving the establishment of public and private elementary and high schools and learning centers;
and

(14) Preforming such other functions as may be assigned by proper authorities.

C. Division Level

A division shall consist of a province or a city which shall have a schools division superintendent, at least one
assistant schools division superintendent and an office staff for programs promotion, planning, administrative, fiscal,
legal, ancillary and other support services.

Consistent with the national educational policies, plans and standards the schools division superintendents shall
have authority, accountability and responsibility for the following:
 (1) Developing and implementing division education development plans;

(2) Planning and managing the effective and efficient use of all personnel, physical and fiscal resources of
the division, including professional staff development;

(3) Hiring, placing and evaluating all division supervisors and schools district supervisors as well as all
employees in the division, both teaching and non-teaching personnel, including school heads, except for the
assistant division superintendent;

(4) Monitoring the utilization of funds provided by the national government and the local government units to
the schools and learning centers;

(5) Ensuring compliance of quality standards for basic education programs and for this purpose
strengthening the role of division supervisors as subject area specialists;

(6) Promoting awareness of and adherence by all schools and learning centers to accreditation standards
prescribed by the Secretary of Education;

(7) Supervising the operations of all public and private elementary, secondary and integrated schools, and
learning centers; and

(8) Performing such other functions as may be assigned by proper authorities.

D. Schools District Level

Upon the recommendation of the schools division superintendents, the regional director may establish additional
schools district within a schools division. School districts already existing at tile time of the passage of the law shall
be maintained. A schools district shall have a schools district supervisor and an office staff for program promotion.

The schools district supervisor shall be responsible for:

(1) Providing professional and instructional advice and support to the school heads and teachers/facilitators
of schools and learning centers in the district or cluster thereof;

(2) Curricula supervision; and

(3) Performing such other functions as may be assigned by proper authorities.

E. School Level

There shall be a school head for all public elementary schools and public high schools or a cluster thereof. The
establishment of integrated schools from existing public elementary and public high schools shall be encouraged.

The school head, who may be assisted by an assistant school head, shall be both an instructional leader and
administrative manager. The school head shall form a them with the school teachers/learning facilitators for delivery
of quality educational programs, projects and services. A core of nonteaching staff shall handle the school's
administrative, fiscal and auxiliary services.

Consistent with the national educational policies, plans and standards, the school heads shall have authority,
accountability and responsibility for the following:

(1) Setting the mission, vision, goals and objectives of the school;

(2) Creating an environment within the school that is conducive to teaching and learning;

(3) Implementing the school curriculum and being accountable for higher learning outcomes;

(4) Developing the school education program and school improvement plan;

(5) Offering educational programs, projects and services which provide equitable opportunities for all
learners in the community;

(6) Introducing new and innovative modes of instruction to achieve higher learning outcomes;

(7) Administering and managing all personnel, physical and fiscal resources of the school;

(8) Recommending the staffing complement of the school based on its needs;
 (9) Encouraging staff development;

(10) Establishing school and community networks and encouraging the active participation of teachers
organizations, nonacademic personnel of public schools, and parents-teachers-community associations;

(11) Accepting donations, gifts, bequests and grants for the purpose of upgrading teachers' learning
facilitators' competencies, improving ad expanding school facilities and providing instructional materials and
equipment. Such donations or grants must be reported to the appropriate district supervisors and division
superintendents; and

(12) Performing such other functions as may be assigned by proper authorities.

The Secretary of Education shall create a promotions board, at the appropriate levels, which shall formulate and
implement a system of promotion for schools decision supervisors, schools district supervisors, and school heads.
Promotion of school heads shall be based on educational qualification, merit and performance rather than on the
number of teachers/learning facilitators and learners in the school.

The qualifications, salary grade, status of employment and welfare and benefits of school heads shall be the same
for public elementary, secondary and integrated schools.

No appointment to the positions of regional directors, assistant regional directors, schools division superintendents
and assistant schools division superintendents shall be made unless file appointee is a career executive service
officer who preferably shall have risen from the ranks.

CHAPTER 2
TRANSFER OF CULTURAL AGENCIES

SEC. 8. Cultural Agencies. - The Komisyon ng Wikang Pilipino, National Historical Institute, Records Management
and Archives Office and the National Library shall now be administratively attached to the National Commission for
Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and no loner with the Department of Education. The program for school arts and
culture shall remain part of the school curriculum.

CHAPTER 3
ABOLITION OF THE BUREAU OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SCHOOL SPORTS

Section 9. Abolition of BPESS. - All functions, programs and activities of the Department of Education related to
sports competition shall be transferred to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). The program for school sports
and physical fitness shall remain part of the basic education curriculum.

The Bureau of Physical Education and School Sports (BPESS) is hereby abolished. The personnel of the BPESS,
presently detailed with the PSC, are hereby transferred to the PSC without loss of rank, including the plantilla
positions they occupy. All other BPESS personnel shall be retained by the Department.

CHAPTER 4
SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE OF OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Section 10. The Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Budget and Management shall, within ninety (90) days
from the approval of this Act, jointly promulgate the guidelines on the allocation, distribution and utilization of
resources provided by thenational government for the field offices, taking into consideration the uniqueness of the
working conditions of the teaching service.

The Secretary of the Department of Education shall ensure that resources appropriated for the field offices are
adequate and that resources for school personnel, school desks and textbooks and other instructional materials
intended are allocated directly and released immediately by the Department of Budget and Management to said
offices.

Section 11. The Secretary of the Department of Education, subject to civil service laws and regulations, shall issue
appropriate personnel policy rules and regulations that will best meet the requirements of the teaching profession
taking into consideration the uniqueness of the working conditions of the teaching service.

Section 12. The Commission on Audit, in the issuance of audit rules and regulations that will govern the utilization
of all resources as well as the liquidation, recording and reporting thereof, shall take into account the different
characteristics and distinct features of the department's field offices, its organizational set up as well as the nature of
the operations of schools and learning centers.

CHAPTER 5
FINAL PROVISIONS
Section 13. Governance in the ARMM; - The Regional Education Secretary for the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM) shall exercise similar governance authority over the divisions, districts, schools and learning
centers in the region as may be provided in the Organic Act. without prejudice to the provisions of Republic Act No.
9054, entitled "An Act to Strengthen and Expand tile Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,
Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No.6734, entitled' An Act Providing for the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao, as amended"'.

Section 14. Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of Education shall promulgate the implementing rules and
regulations within ninety (90) days after the approval of this Act: Provided, That the Secretary of Education shall fully
implement the principle of shared governance within two (2) years after the approval of this Act.

Section 15. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any portion or provision of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional, other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and
effect.

Section 16 Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, part or parts thereof,
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 17. Effectivity Clause. - This Act. shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in at least two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.
REPUBLIC ACT No. 10931

AN ACT PROMOTING UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO QUALITY TERTIARY EDUCATION BY PROVIDING FOR

FREE TUITION AND OTHER SCHOOL FEES IN STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES, LOCAL
UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES AND STATE-RUN TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS,
ESTABLISHING THE TERTIARY EDUCATION SUBSIDY AND STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM, STRENGTHENING
THE UNIFIED STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION, AND
APPROPRIATING FUND THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate House of Representatives of Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared that quality education is an inalienable right of all Filipinos
and it is the policy of the State to protect and promote the rights of all students to quality education at all levels.
Therefore, the State shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.

Likewise, the State hereby recognizes the complementary roles of public and private higher education institutions
and technical-vocational institutions in the educational system and the invaluable contribution that the private tertiary
schools have made and will make to education. For these intents, the State shall:

(a) Provide adequate funding and such other mechanisms to increase the participation rate among all
socioeconomic classes in tertiary education;

(b) Provide all Filipinos with equal opportunity to quality tertiary education in both the private and public
educational institutions;

(c) Give priority to students who are academically able and who come from poor families;

(d) Ensure the optimized utilization of government resources in education;

(e) Provide adequate guidance and incentives in channeling young Filipinos in their career choices and
towards the proper development and utilization of human resources; and

(f) Recognize the complementary roles of public and private institutions in tertiary educational system.

Section 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

(a) Cost of Tertiary Education refers to (1) tuition and other school fees, (2) educational expenses and (3)
the cost of living allowance;

(b) Graduate courses refers to higher education programs leading to a certificate, diploma, master's or
doctorate degrees, as may be authorized and recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED);

(c) Higher education refers to the stage of formal education, or its equivalent, requiring completion of
secondary education and covering programs of study leading to bachelor and advanced degrees, including
associate degrees;

(d) Higher Education Institution (HEI) refers to an education institution authorized and recognized by the
CHED to offer bachelor's degree or graduate courses;

(e) Local universities and colleges (LUCs) refers to CHED-accredited public HEIs established by local
government units (LGUs) through an enabling ordinance, financially supported by the LGU concerned, and
complaint with the policies, standards and guidelines of the CHED;

(f) National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) or Listahanan 2.0 refers to the
information management of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that identifies who
and where the poor are in the country. The system makes available to national government agencies and
other social protection stakeholders a database of poor families as reference in identifying potential
beneficiaries of social protection programs;

(g) Other education-related expenses refers to expenses related to the education of a student such as
books, school supplies, uniforms, reproduction of materials, electronic devices necessary for education and
other fees such as for practical teaching devices student publication, yearbook, insurance and student trust
funds:

(h) Other school fees refers to fees charges by HEIs and technical-vocational institutions which cover other
necessary costs supportive of instructions, specifically the following: library fees, computer fees, laboratory
 fees, school ID fees , athletic fees, admission fees, development fees, guidance fees, handbook fees,
entrance fees, registration fees, medical and dental fees, cultural fees and other similar or related fees;

(i) Private higher education institution refers to HEI not not owned and controlled by the government or its
instrumentalities;

(j) Private technical-vocational institution refers to post-secondary technical-vocational institution run by the
private sector offering programs registered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA);

(k) Qualified student refers to any student who possesses all the qualifications under Section 4 and 5 and
none of the disqualifications under Section 6 hereof;

(l) State-run technical-vocational institutions refers to technical-vocational institutions operated by the

TESDA or LGUs: Provided, That in the latter case, the same should be accredited by the TESDA;

(m) State universities and colleges (SUCs) refers to public HEIs established by national government and are
governed by their respective independent boards of trustees or regents;

(n) Student loan program for tertiary education refers to a loan program established under Section 8 of this
Act;

(o) Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) refers to the education process designed a post-
secondary and lower tertiary levels, officially recognized as nondegree programs aimed at preparing
technicians, paraprofessionals and other categories of middle-level workers by providing them with a board
range of general education, theoretical, scientific and technological studies, and related job skills training;

(p) Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs) refers to learning institutions offering post-secondary (TVET;

(q) Tertiary education refers to the stage of education following the secondary cycle which covers post-
secondary nondegree diploma, TVET, and higher education programs, including graduate education;

(r) Tertiary education subsidy (TES) refers to a subsidy established under Section 7 of this Act;

(s) Tuition fees refer to fees or school charges for subjects or course enrolled in by a tertiary eduaction
student;

(t) Undergraduate courses refers to any program leading to a degree as may be authorized and recognized
by the CHED; and

(u) Unified StudentFinancial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) refers to the harmonized,
state-run and administered system of higher education and technical-vocational scholarships, grants-in-aid,
student loans, and other modalities of student financial assistance program under Republic Act No. 10687.

Section 4. Free Higher Education in SUCs and LUCs. - All Filipino students who are either cirrently enrolled at the
time of the effectivityof this Act, or shall enroll at any time thereafter, in courses in pursuance of a bachelor's degree,
certificate degree, o any comparable undergraduate degree in other school fees for units enrolled in: Provided, That
they pass the entrance examination and other admission and rentention requirements of the SUCs and
LUCs: Provided. Further, That all SUCs and LUCs shall create a mechanism to enable students with the financial
capacity to pay for their education in the SUC and LUC to voluntarily opt out of the tuition and other school fees
subsidy or make a contribution to the school. SUCs and LUCs must report the tuition payments and contributions
collected from these students to the CHED: Provided, finally, That the amount required to implement the free tuition
and other school fees in SUCs and LUCs shall be determined by the respective governing boards of SUCs and
LUCs based on the projected number of enrollees for each academic years, which shall be the primary factor in
computing the annual proposed budget of SUCs and, in the case of LUCs, the CHED for such purpose. This shall in
turn serve as the baseline during the preparation of the annual National Expenditure Program (NEP) by the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Section 5. Free TVET in Post-Secondary TVIs. - All Filipino students who are currently enrolled at the time of the
effectivity of this Act, or shall enroll at any time thereafter in any post-secondary TVET leading to nondegree
certificate or diploma programs offered by any state-run TVI under the TESDA shall be exempt from paying tuition
and other school fees: Provided, That all state-run TVIs shall create a mechanismto enable students with the
financial capacity to pay for their education in the TVI to voluntarily opt out of the tuition and other school fees
subsidy or make a contribution to the TVI. TVIs must report the tuition payments and contributions collected from
these students.

The amount required to implement the free tuition and other school fees in state-run TVIs shall be determined by the
governing board of the TESDA based on the projected number of enrollees for each course, which shall be primary
factor in computing for the annual proposed budget of the TESDA for such purpose. This shall in turn serve as the
baseline during the preparation of the annual NEP by the DBM.

Section 6. Exceptions to Free Tertiary Education. - The following students are ineligible to avail of the free tertiary
education:

(a) In SUCs and LUCs:

(1) Students who have already attained a bachelor's degree or comparable undergraduate degree
from any HEI, whether public or private:

(2) Students who fail to comply with the admission and retention policies of the SUC or LUC;

(3) Students who fail to complete their bachelor's degree or comparable undergraduate degree
within a year after the period prescribed in their program; and

(b) In State-Run TVIs:

(1) Students who have obtained a bachelor's degree, as well as those who have received a
certificate or diploma for a technical-vocational course equivalent to at least National Certificate III
and above:

(2) Students who fail in any course enrolled in during the course of the program.

Students ineligible to avail of the free tertiary education shall be charged the tuition and other school fees, as
determined by the respective boards of the SUCs and LUCs, and in the case of the state-run TVIs, to be determined
by the TESDA.

Section 7. TES for Filipino Students. - To support the cost of tertiary education or any part or portion thereof, a TES
is hereby established for all Filipino students who shall enroll in undergraduate-post-secondary programs of SUCs,
LUCs private HEIs and all TVIs. The TES shall be administered by the UniFAST Board and the amount necessary
to fund the TES shall be included in the budgets of the CHED and the TESDA: Provided, That prioritization shall be
given to students in the following order: (a) students who are part of households included in the Listahanan 2.0,
ranked according to the estimated per capita household income; and (b) students not part of the Listahanan 2.0,
ranked according to estimated per capita household income based on submitted documentation of proof of income
to be determined by the UniFAST Board: Provided, further, That such prioritization shall not apply to Filipino
students in cities and municipalities with no existing SUC or LUC campus.

The TES may, among others, and to support the cost of tertiary education or any part or portion thereof, cover the
following:

(a) Tuition and other school fees in private HEIs, and private or LGU-operated TVIs, which shall be
equivalent to the tuition and other school fees of the nearest SUC or state-run TVI in their respective areas;

(b) All allowance for books, supplies transportation and miscellaneous personal expenses including a
reasonable allowance for the documented rental or purchase of a personal computer or laptop and other
education-related expenses:

(c) An allowance for room and board costs incurred by the student;

(d) For a student with a disability, an allowance for expenses related to the student's disability, an allowance
for expenses related to the student's disability including special services, personal assistance,
transportation, equipment, and supplies that are reasonably incurred: and

(e) For a student in a program requiring professional license or certification, the one (1)-time cost of
obtaining the first professional credentials or qualifications, which may include the following: application fees,
notarial fees, review classes fees, insurance premium fees and documentation fees: Provided, That the
amount of subsidy shall be based on the guidelines set forth by the UniFAST Board and on the annual
budgetary appropriation for this purpose.

Section 8. Student Loan Program for Tertiary Education. - To support further the cost of tertiary education or any
part or portion thereof, a student loan program for tertiary education is hereby likewise established for all Filipino
students who shall enroll in SUC, LUC, private HEI and TVET program in all TVIs registered under the TESDA. The
Loan program shall be administered by the UniFAST Board and the amount necessary to fund the program shall be
included in the budgets of the CHED and the TESDA: Provided, That the UniFAST may offer short-term or long-term
loans: Provided, further, That those who availed of the loan during their undergraduate degree may still avail of
another cycle of student loan for their pursuit of graduate studies, including medicine and law after they have fully
paid the previously availed loan: Provided, furthermore, That those who did not avail of the loan program during their
undergraduate studies may avail of it to pursue graduate studies including medicine and law: Provided, finally, That
those who did not avail of the loan program during their undergraduate studies may avail of the loan program for
their review expenses for licensure examinations administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Repayment shall be effected by the incorporating a portion of the loan amount or a percentage thereof in the
employee's monthly Social Security System (SSS) or Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) contribution,
as the case may be based on a reasonable schedule of repayment and interest rates. As may be formulated by the
UniFAST Board.

Payment of the loan amount will commence once the beneficiary secures any gainful employment with
compensation, remuneration or earnings that reaches the Compulsory Repayment Threshold (CRT). For purposes
of this Act, the CRT shall be set and reviewed by the UniFAST Board, and adjusted when necessary.

The UniFAST Board, in consultation with relevant agencies, shall formulate loan payment guidelines for loan
beneficiaries whose earnings are not covered by the GSIS or the SSS programs, including those of overseas
Filipino workers (OFWs), emigrants, and self-employed persons and professionals (SEPs).

Section 9. Requirements for SUCs and LUCs. - SUCs and LUCs are hereby mandated to:

(a) Establish a learner information system in accordance with the guidelines to be developed by the CHED
in order to facilitate the tracking of students and their performance;

(b) Submit relevant information as determined by the CHED on school quality and performance; and

(c) Formulate and submit to the CHED and to the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Universal
Access to Tertiary Education created under Section 17 of this Act, a detailed SUC development plan
updated every ten (10) years which shall included plans for facilities and infrastructure development and
expansion.

Section 10. Quality Standard for SUC and LUC Budgets, TES and Student Loan Programs. - The CHED and the
TESDA shall ensure quality standards in the review and consequent endorsement of the budget of the SUCs, LUCs
abd state-run TVIs, respectively. The detailed design of the TES and student loan programs shall also be subject to
similar quality indicators defined by the UniFAST Board.

Section 11. Prohibited Act. - Upon effectivity of this Act, it shall be unlawful for any person, SUC and state-run TVI
to collect tuition and other school fees from qualified students who voluntarily opt out of the tuition and other school
fees subsidy or make a contribution to the school.

Section 12. Penalties. - A violation of the prohibited act under Section 11 of this Act shall be meted a penalty of
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than one (1) year or a fine of not less than Twenty
thousand pesos (?20,000.00) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos (?100,000.00), or both, at the
discretion of the court. In case of a university, college or any other judicial entity, the penalty shall be imposed on the
president, treasurer or the officer or person responsible for the violation.

Section 13. Expansion of the UniFAST Board. - The UniFAST Board shall be expanded to include the following:

(a) President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges as Member;

(b) Chairman of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations as Member;

(c) President of the Association of Local Colleges and Universities as Member;

(d) President of the GSIS as a nonvoting Member; and

(e) President of the SSS as a nonvoting Member.

The UniFAST Board is authorized to establish an enhanced organizational structure, staff development and
incentives and such other administrative measures needed for the efficient discharge of tasks and commensurate to
the level and scope of its responsibilities. It may tap the expertise and management services of eligible service
providers subject to the appropriate guidelines promulgated by the UniFAST Board.

Section 14. Reporting Requirements. - All SUCs, LUCs and state-run TVIs shall submit to the CHED and the
TESDA respectively, within five (5) days after the last day of late registration for each semester, a report detailing
the names of students eligible for the free tuition and other school fees in their institutions.

Section 15. Appropriations. - The amounts necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act, specifically Section 4,
5, 7 and 8 shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) and shall be appropriated under SUCs,
CHED and TESDA in accordance with the provisions of this Act: Provided, That an amount equivalent to not more
than three percent (3%) of the TES and student loan program for tertiary education provided under this Act may be
used as administrative cost under the UniFAST.

Section 16. Other Sources of Funds. The national government is hereby authorized to prioritize funding this
measure in negotiating and utilizing loan-term deeply concessional official development assistance (ODA). Other
sources of funds such as grants, donations, collections, and other forms of assistance from local and foreign donors
or other public or private entities, and other private domestic and international sources may be tapped and facilitated
by the UniFAST Board to support the programs under this Act, subject to the regular auditing guidelines and
procedures;

Provided, That in case of donations from foreign sources, acceptance thereof shall be subject to existing
government rules and regulations.

Section 17. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Universal Access to Tertiary Eduaction. There is hereby
created a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee to oversee, monitor and evaluate the implementation of this Act.

The Oversight Committee shall be composed of five (5) members each from the Senate and from the House of
Representatives, and shall include the following: Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and
Culture; Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education; Chairperson of the House
Committee on Higher and Technical Education by the Senate President and the House of Representatives and in
the Senate. Funding for the expenses of the Committee shall be taken from the appropriations of both the Senate
and the House of Representatives.

Section 18. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the
UniFAST Board, in consultation with the CHED, the TESDA, and other relevant stakeholders in higher and technical
education, shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulation necessary to ensure the efficient and effective
implementation of this Act: Provided, That the failure of the Board to promulgate the said rules and regulations shall
not prevent or delay the effectivity and implementation of this Act in accordance with Section 21 hereof.

Section 19. Separability Clause. - Should any part of this Act be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts
or provisions hereof not affected not thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 20. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, implementing rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby replealed or modified accordingly.

Section 21. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazzette or in a
newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

(Sgd.) PANTALEON ALVAREZ (Sgd.) AQUILINO "KOKO" PIMENTEL, III

Speaker of the House President of the Senate
of Representatives

This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 1304 and House Bill No. 5633 was finally passed by the Senate
and the House of Representatives on May 30, 2017 and May 29, 2017, respectively.

(Sgd.) CESAR STRAIT PAREJA (Sgd.) LUTGARDO B. BARBO

Secretary General Secretary of the Senate
House of Representatives

Approved: August 3, 2017

(Sgd.) RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE

President of the Philippines