DepEd says expanded voucher program beneficiaries to include middle-income families

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday welcomed Congress’ passage of a measure that seeks to expand the government’s basic education voucher program by institutionalizing tuition assistance from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and widening eligibility to include middle-middle-income families.Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the proposed Basic Education Voucher Assistance Act, which harmonizes Senate Bill No. 1981 and House Bill No. 4744, could help ease congestion in public schools while increasing access to private education.“This milestone legislation provides a pragmatic solution to the logistical constraints of our public school system while giving middle-middle-income and below families more equitable access to quality schooling,” Angara said.Under the measure approved by the bicameral conference committee, qualified learners from middle-middle-income households and below may receive tuition assistance to enroll in participating private schools.The bill also institutionalizes voucher assistance from Kindergarten to Grade 12, expanding the current subsidy framework, and extends support to students whose preferred Senior High School tracks or strands are unavailable in nearby public schools.Priority beneficiaries include learners from overcrowded public schools, areas without nearby public schools, and those from vulnerable or disadvantaged sectors.DepEd said qualified learners will enroll through a centralized registry to be managed by the department, which aims to improve monitoring, accountability, and program implementation.The measure still requires ratification by both chambers of Congress before it is transmitted to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his signature.If enacted, the proposed law will complement reforms introduced under DepEd Order No. 11, s. 2026, which strengthened the implementation of the Enhanced Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (E-GASTPE) program.Angara said the department is preparing for the possible enactment of the measure.“We must hit the ground running with our preparatory work so that the transition is seamless and the benefits reach our learners and teachers without delay once the bill is signed into law,” he said. —LDF, GMA News