THE Committee on Appropriations has approved the proposed Private Basic Education Voucher Program which amends the E-GATSPE Law. KABAYAN Partylist Rep. Ron Salo, one of the bill’s principal sponsors, expressed gratitude for the committee’s support.
“The ultimate goal of education is educated and empowered citizenry,” Salo remarked. “It should not matter whether learning takes place in a public or private school. The government’s role is to ensure that every Filipino, regardless of background, has access to quality education. This is no different from universal health care, where the focus is on healthy Filipinos, not the type of facility where care is received.”
Salo emphasized that the voucher program aims to address critical challenges in the Philippine education system, including overcrowded classrooms and limited public resources. He noted that private schools have been essential partners in filling these gaps, accommodating over 25% of students nationwide, particularly in underserved areas. However, he raised concerns about the financial struggles faced by private schools, with more than 400 closures since 2020, affecting over 20,000 students.
Over 60% of private school teachers earn less than the entry-level salary of their public school counterparts, with many receiving only ₱8,000 to ₱12,000 monthly. This bill aims to address this disparity by establishing a Teachers’ Salary Subsidy Fund and providing additional support through scholarships, an in-service training fund, and access to government-funded training programs.
“This bill is not just about funding; it is about strengthening the entire education system,” Salo said. “Public and private education systems are not competitors but complementary partners. Together, they build a resilient educational landscape that prepares our children for the future.”
He also expressed gratitude to House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Chairperson Roman Romulo of the Committee on Basic Education and Culture, the members of the Committee on Appropriations, and other principal authors for their support and leadership in advancing this initiative.
Salo also urged his colleagues in Congress to support the bill, emphasizing that education is a universal right and an investment in the nation’s future. “Let us ensure that every Filipino child, no matter where they are, has access to the education they deserve. This is a commitment to both our children and our country’s future.”
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