Education is undeniably not entirely free. Although the government has made strides in ensuring accessible education for all, there are still financial burdens that students and their families must shoulder. While public schools are intended to be tuition-free, there are still additional expenses to consider, like transportation, books, school supplies, and uniforms. Moreover, private schools, renowned for their quality education, often come with hefty tuition that prove unaffordable for many Filipinos.
Although the government dedicates a substantial portion of the national budget to education, it may not always suffice to meet the needs of every student. Schools, especially those situated in remote areas, frequently suffer from insufficient resources and facilities, which ultimately impede the quality of education they offer. As stated earlier, the cost of education extends far beyond mere tuition; it encompasses a multitude of factors that restrict access and compromise the overall quality of education.
I propose that the government should introduce a comprehensive government scholarship program for the third child, and a partial scholarship for the fourth and subsequent children, provided that at least two siblings from each Filipino family have already completed their college education. This initiative aims to ensure that all children in the family have an equal chance to pursue higher education, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Under this program, the government will assume all nontuition-related expenses for the third and subsequent siblings until they successfully complete their college studies. This includes covering costs such as books, transportation, and other necessary school supplies. By alleviating the financial burden on families, we enable them to fully focus on their children’s education, without the constant worry of financial constraints.
The implementation of a comprehensive government scholarship program for the third and subsequent children, with the condition of prior college graduation by two siblings, is a crucial step toward creating a fair, equitable, and prosperous society. Finally, by investing in the education of our youth, the government invests in the future of our nation.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO,
Marikina City