President Rodrigo Duterte’s move to sign into law the bill that will provide free tuition in state universities and colleges is poised to ease financial burdens among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Migrant and Itinerant People, described the Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act as “a blessing to less fortunate Filipinos”, especially OFWs.
“The President did his best. What he signed is a blessing, very beneficial to all, especially to the poor and our OFWs,” Santos said.
The Bataan prelate added that the law will help Filipino workers who opt to be away from their families in a bid to earn a little bit higher to fund their needs in education.
“Our OFWs are willing to endure separation from their families, endure hardships and unfair treatments just for the betterment of their loved ones. They go abroad with the intention to send their children to school. [This] free tertiary education in state colleges and universities is a great help to our OFWs,” he said.
According to a study released by United Nations Children’s Fund, OFWs regard overseas employment as anchor of better income and better education opportunities for children left behind.
RA 10931 guarantees free tuition for students in 112 SUCs across the country.
Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the law covers subsidy for free tuition and other fees. Miscellaneous fees such as allowances for books and boarding should be covered by the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education.
Photo credit: PCOO, EDP, Wikipedia
