Sen. Bam: Free college law to help fulfill Filipino mothers' dream

In celebration of National Women's Month, the free college law is one of the best gifts to Filipino mothers as it can help fulfill their dream of seeing their children earn a college degree and have a bright future, according to re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino.

"Mga nanay ang naging inspirasyon ko sa pagsasabatas ng libreng kolehiyo upang maiangat ang buhay ng pamilyang Pilipino," said Sen. Bam, the law's principal sponsor.

In Batangas, Sen. Bam met Joana Amarillas, who said she had to obtain a loan for the college education of her children. In Zambales, Susana Tacasan told Sen. Bam that she had to tighten the family's budget to maximize her husband's income as fisherman so they save for the college education of their children.

"Dalawa lang sina Nanay Joana at Susana sa mga nanay na nakausap ko at nagsabing nangungutang sa 5-6 o di kaya'y doble kayod para maitawid lang ang pag-aaral ng kanilang anak. Tanong nila sa akin, mayroon ba kayong magagawa rito," added Sen. Bam.

Accepting the challenge, Sen. Bam said he requested for the chairmanship of the Committee on Education in the 17th Congress and pushed for the passage of the free college law.

"More than one year later, naging batas na ito at ngayon po, libre na ang kolehiyo sa lahat ng state universities and colleges (SUCs) at accredited local universities and colleges (LUCs) sa bansa," said Sen. Bam.

With the law's help, Sen. Bam said Filipino families will have a chance of achieving a bright future through education.

"Bawat pamilyang Pilipino, may sapat na pagkakataon na maiangat ang sarili sa kahirapan. At ang de-kalidad at abot-kayang edukasyon ay isang paraan para mangyari iyon," said Sen. Bam, who is running under the Otso Diretso slate.

Aside from free tuition and miscellaneous fees in SUCs and LUCs, the law provides scholarships to poor but deserving students who want to study in private universities through the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES).