Manila, September 04, 2026 – The Europe Today: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12325, strengthening government support for students and expanding access to quality and affordable tertiary education across the country.
Marcos signed the measure, officially titled the “Act Enhancing the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act,” in the presence of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, Senate President Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, and leaders of the House of Representatives.
Under the new law, students from households enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will receive priority in accessing tertiary education subsidies.
The measure ensures that qualified 4Ps graduates who gain admission to government-recognized higher education institutions and technical-vocational institutions can receive financial assistance to support their studies.
The law also establishes a Private Education Assistance Program, under which the government will provide grants to students enrolled in priority programs at eligible private higher education and technical-vocational institutions.
The program is intended to broaden educational opportunities for students who pursue priority academic and technical-vocational programs, while helping make tertiary education more affordable.
The legislation represents a significant step in the government’s efforts to strengthen universal access to higher education and skills development, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged households.
By prioritizing beneficiaries of the 4Ps program and extending assistance to students attending qualified private institutions, the new law seeks to reduce financial barriers and provide more Filipinos with opportunities to obtain higher education and technical-vocational qualifications.
The measure is also expected to support the development of a more skilled workforce by encouraging students to pursue programs identified as national priorities.
The enactment of Republic Act No. 12325 underscores the administration’s commitment to making quality tertiary education more accessible while expanding financial support mechanisms for students across both public and private educational institutions.
