Gatchalian files bill to expand gov’t aid for private schools

MANILA, (PIA) — Senator Win Gatchalian has introduced Senate Bill No. 2911, aimed at expanding government assistance to private schools in the country.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act (GASTPE) to include learners from kindergarten through Grade 6.

The bill builds upon Republic Act No. 6728 and its subsequent amendment, Republic Act No. 8545, known as the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act (E-GASTPE).

If passed, Gatchalian’s measure would implement a uniform tuition subsidy through a voucher system, similar to that already in use in the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS-VP).

The SHS-VP was developed by the Department of Education (DepEd) following the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, which added Grades 11 and 12 to the basic education system.

The program provides financial assistance to qualified senior high school learners from participating private schools, addressing classroom shortages caused by the expansion.

Currently, GASTPE assists private education through the Educational Service Contracting (ESC), which grants slots in certified private junior high schools to students who would otherwise attend public schools.

However, Gatchalian’s inquiry into the E-GASTPE Program last year revealed that the ESC has not effectively decongested public schools or prioritized low-income learners.

In light of these findings, Gatchalian argues that replacing the ESC with a voucher system would be more efficient and cost-effective.

He believes it would stimulate competition among private schools, encouraging them to improve educational quality while keeping tuition affordable.

The proposed legislation outlines criteria for assistance, including classroom congestion and private school performance.

Additionally, the DepEd would be required to establish standards for the accreditation and quality assurance of recipient institutions.

The bill also emphasizes prioritizing learners from low-income households and those who have completed the Alternative Learning System.

Gatchalian’s initiative aims to enhance access to quality education for a broader range of students while supporting the private education sector.

The senator’s commitment reflects ongoing efforts to address educational disparities and improve the overall quality of schooling in the Philippines. (JCO/PIA-NCR)

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