Tertiary Student Welfare and Development Act of 2025

Sellate Difice of the Sercretarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session NOV 18 • P3:50 RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 1536 Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE TERTIARY STUDENT WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, ENSURING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. EXPLANATORY NOTE Republic Act No. 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, ushered in a historic era of free tuition and broader financial aid for Filipino students. It enabled thousands of young Filipinos to pursue higher education regardless of income, reducing inequality and building a more competitive workforce. Nearly a decade later, however, persistent gaps threaten these gains: inconsistent and delayed allocations of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) create financial uncertainty; mental-health concerns, such as anxiety, stress, and burnout, undermine learning as many graduates remain underemployed, revealing a weak bridge from education to meaningful work. This bill establishes a Comprehensive Tertiary Student Welfare and Development Program that builds on, but stands independent of, RA 10931. It rests on three key pillars: 1) Expanded and equitable financial support through an enhanced TES; 2) Institutionalized mental-health and wellness services in all higher-education institutions; and 3) Structured education-to-employment pathways, including government- supported internships, licensure-exam assistance, and career placement.

By aligning financial assistance with mental-health care and concrete career opportunities, this measure ensures that free education is not merely an end, but a pathway to dignity, well-being, and productive national service. Immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. RAFFY T. TULFO fur

Sentate Office of the garretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 NOV 18 P3:51 RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 1536 Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE TERTIARY STUDENT WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, ENSURING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Tertiary Student

Welfare and Development Act of 2025".

SEC. 2. Statement of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

recognize education as a fundamental human right and a vital social investment 5 essential to national development. The State shall ensure universal and equitable access to quality tertiary education for all Filipino students, regardless of socio- 7 economic status, geographic location, or circumstance. Building upon earlier efforts to expand educational access through measures such as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, the government now seeks to broaden and modernize this commitment by addressing the evolving needs of students in today's context.

SEC. 3. Expansion of the Tertiary Education Subsidy. - The TES shall be

expanded to provide more comprehensive and equitable financial assistance to Filipino students enrolled in SUCs, LUCs, and duly recognized private Higher Education Institutions. a) Coverage. - The TES shall include, but not be limited to, support for the following:

a) Coverage. - The TES shall include, but not be limited to, support for the following: 1. Books, learning materials, and digital resources necessary for academic instruction; 2. Reasonable allowance for food, and transportation, with adjustments based on regional cost-of-living differences; 3. Boarding or dormitory expenses, especially for students from geographically isolated areas or those displaced by calamities; 4. Internet connectivity and technological requirements essential for blended or online learning; and 5. Other education-related expenses as may be determined by CHED in consultation with SUCs, LUCS, HEIs, and student representatives. b) Prioritization. - In the allocation of TES funds, priority shall be given to the following: 1. Students belonging to the lowest income deciles and marginalized sectors, including indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and victims of displacement due to conflict or disaster; 2. Students enrolled in programs aligned with national development priorities and labor market demands; and 3. Students in regions or institutions with demonstrable resource gaps. c) Implementation. - CHED, in coordination with the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), shall issue updated guidelines to ensure transparent, efficient, and needs-based distribution of TES funds. All disbursements shall be subject to audit by the Commission on Audit (COA). d) Funding. - The annual budget for the TES shall be incorporated into NEP prepared by the DBM, taking into account inflation, projected student enrollment, and the evolving needs of higher education. e) Ineligibility. - The following shall not be eligible for the TES: 1. Students who have already completed a bachelor's degree or comparable undergraduate program;

2. Students who fail to meet the admission, retention, or residency requirements of their institution; 3. Students who are beneficiaries of other full government scholarships or financial assistance programs that already cover tuition, fees, and living expenses; 4. Students found guilty of academic dishonesty or serious disciplinary violations, as defined by CHED and the institution's student code; and 5. Such other categories as may be determined by CHED and UniFAST to prevent duplication of benefits and ensure equitable distribution of funds.

SEC. 4. Student Welfare and Mental Health Support. - All SUCs and LUCs shall

11 establish or strengthen Student Wellness Centers within their respective campuses to provide free and accessible mental health services, including but not limited to counseling, therapy, and psychosocial support. HEIs and TVIs that benefit from government subsidies under this Act shall likewise provide mental health support services, either directly or through partnerships with accredited mental health professionals and facilities, in accordance with guidelines to be issued by CHED and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The Commission on Higher Education, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd), shall issue implementing rules and guidelines to standardize the provision of mental health programs, ensure quality and professional accreditation of service providers, and integrate such services into existing student support programs. The amount necessary for the implementation of this Section shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

SEC. 5. TES-to-Jobs Pathway. - To ensure that higher education leads to

meaningful employment and sustainable livelihoods, the State shall establish a structured TES-to-Jobs pathway for all beneficiaries of the TES and free tuition programs under this Act. Provided, That national government agencies, GOCCs, and GFIs shall allocate not less than five percent (5%) of their internship slots annually for TES beneficiaries, subject to their operational capacity as certified by the CSC and DBM. This pathway shall provide opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, career

development, and eventual entry into the labor market, whether in government service or the private sector. 3 a) Internship Opportunities. -CHED, in coordination with the Civil Service Commission 4 (CSC, TESDA, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and concerned 5 government agencies, shall design and implement a National Internship Program for 6 TES beneficiaries. 1. All national government agencies, local government units, government-owned or controlled corporations, and government financial institutions shall allocate not less than five percent (5%) of their internship slots annually for TES beneficiaries. 2. Such internships shall, whenever feasible, be paid, and shall provide creditable hours for academic requirements, as certified by the student's institution. 3. Internship placements shall prioritize fields aligned with the student's academic program and national development priorities. (b) Career Placement and Job Fairs. - CHED and DOLE shall organize regular government-sponsored career fairs, apprenticeship programs, and industry linkages for TES beneficiaries. Career counseling and job-matching services shall be institutionalized in SUCs and LUCs, with TES beneficiaries receiving priority assistance. (c) Civil Service Eligibility Support. - The CSC, in consultation with CHED and DOLE, shall establish programs to assist TES beneficiaries in obtaining civil service eligibility, including review classes, subsidies for examination fees, and recognition of government internship experience as equivalent to the required work experience for certain eligibility categories. (d) Private Sector Partnerships. - CHED and DOLE shall encourage partnerships with private corporations, industry associations, and non-government organizations to create apprenticeship opportunities, on-the-job training programs, and entry-level employment slots for TES beneficiaries. Tax incentives and recognition mechanisms may be recommended to encourage private sector participation. (e) Monitoring and Evaluation. - CHED, in coordination with DOLE and CSC, shall submit to Congress an annual report on the employment outcomes of TES beneficiaries, including data on internship participation, job placement rates, and career development programs.

1 f) Funding. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this Section shall be included in the GAA.

SEC. 6. Professional Review and Graduate Assistance. - To ensure that

4 education leads not only to graduation but also to professional and lifelong success, 5 the State shall provide comprehensive support for students and graduates in preparing 6 for licensure examinations, pursuing advanced studies, and undertaking technical- 7 vocational training. All SUCs shall establish or designate professional review centers within their 9 campuses to provide quality and accessible review classes for their graduates who wish to take licensure examinations. These centers shall be equipped with competent faculty, updated learning materials, and digital platforms to allow both face-to-face and online review sessions. Graduates of SUCs shall be entitled to access these services free of charge, subject to reasonable guidelines to be issued by CHED. Graduates of SUCs, LUCs, and duly recognized private HEIs who are beneficiaries of the TES shall also be eligible for a one-time financial grant not exceeding Thirty Thousand Pesos (P30,000.00) to cover expenses directly related to licensure examinations, including registration, travel, lodging, and review materials. To further encourage advanced education, TES beneficiaries who pursue graduate studies shall be entitled to financial assistance consisting of: 1. a subsidy of up to Thirty Thousand Pesos (P30,000.00) per semester for master's or doctoral degree programs; and 2. a one-time thesis or dissertation grant not exceeding Forty Thousand Pesos (P40,000.00)- Graduates who choose to pursue Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs in TESDA-accredited institutions shall be eligible for subsidies of up to Eighty Thousand Pesos (P80,000.00) per course, depending on the duration and resource requirements of the program. CHED, in coordination with TESDA, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and relevant professional organizations, shall formulate the implementing guidelines for this Section, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability.

The amount necessary for the implementation of this Section shall be charged against the annual appropriations of CHED and TESDA and shall thereafter be included in the annual GAA.

SEC. 7. Transparency and Accountability. - To safeguard public trust and

ensure the effective use of public funds, transparency and accountability mechanisms shall be institutionalized in the implementation of this Act. CHED, in coordination with 7 UNIFAST and other implementing agencies, shall adopt clear, accessible, and 8 participatory measures to guarantee that subsidies and benefits reach their intended 9 beneficiaries. All allocations and disbursements for the TES, free tuition programs, mental 11 health services, professional review assistance, and other benefits under this Act shall be made available to the public through annual reports, online portals, and other accessible platforms. These reports shall be disaggregated by institution, geographic region, type of subsidy, and number of beneficiaries, subject to applicable data privacy laws. To strengthen oversight, COA shall conduct independent audits of UniFAST and other implementing agencies on an annual basis. All audit results shall be made accessible through an online transparency portal to strengthen public trust and citizen oversight. For the protection of student beneficiaries, a grievance redress and feedback mechanism shall be established in every SUC, LUC, and participating private HEI and TVI. This mechanism shall include dedicated offices or help desks to receive, address, and resolve complaints on the timely release of subsidies, eligibility disputes, and other implementation concerns. CHED, in consultation with student representatives, faculty organizations, and civil society groups, shall formulate detailed guidelines for the effective implementation of this Section. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section shall be charged against the annual appropriations of CHED and UniFAST and shall thereafter be included in the GAA.

SEC. 8. Congressional Oversight and Reporting. - The Commission on Higher

Education (CHED), in coordination with the Unified Student Financial Assistance

1 System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), the Department of Labor and Employment 2 (DOLE), the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Department of Health (DOH), and 3 the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), shall submit to 4 Congress, within ninety (90) days after the close of every fiscal year, a comprehensive 5 annual report containing, at a minimum: 1. total appropriations and actual disbursements under this Act; 2. the number and geographic distribution of beneficiaries; 3. key performance metrics, including graduation rates, licensure-examination results, utilization of mental-health services, and TES-to-Jobs employment outcomes; and 4. the audit findings of the Commission on Audit (COA).

SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - In drafting the IRR, CHED shall

ensure budget feasibility by proposing a phased implementation plan, prioritizing vulnerable groups and resource-poor regions in the first three (3) years, before expanding coverage nationwide. Additionally, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, CHED, in coordination TESDA, DOLE, DOH, CSC, DBM, UniFAST, and other concerned agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. In the formulation of the implementing rules and regulations, CHED shall ensure broad stakeholder participation by consulting representatives from SUCs, LUCs, recognized private HEIs, TVIS, student organizations, faculty associations, professional groups, and relevant civil society organizations. The implementing rules and regulations shall, at a minimum, define the specific procedures for application, prioritization, disbursement, monitoring, and reporting of all subsidies and benefits provided under this Act, as well as the mechanisms for grievance redress, transparency, and accountability.

SEC. 10. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation

of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), and other concerned agencies. Thereafter, the amounts needed for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General

1 Appropriations Act (GAA) as a distinct budget item and shall be in addition to, and not 2 in lieu of, appropriations provided under Republic Act No. 10931.

SEC. 11. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared

4 unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall 5 continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,

7 rules and regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes earlier. Approved,