Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 4763

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Globally, millions of children have become orphans or have lost a caregiver
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.’ It is found that orphanhood among children
increases the likelihood of poverty and reduces children’s access to education.”

Currently, there is no definite number of children who were orphaned or lost a
caregiver during the pandemic in the Philippines. However, given the observed
impacts of orphanhood and loss of a caregiver to children worldwide, there is a need
for the government to address its possible effects on Filipino children.

This proposed bill seeks to provide an avenue for Filipino children affected by
the COVID-19 pandemic to reach their full potential and development by providing
them with scholarship opportunity. A fund shall be administered for this purpose in
order to assure that they have access to quality basic education until tertiary
education.

Thus, the passage of this bill is highly sought.

ERN NIX” M. DIGNISIO, JR.
Assistant Majority Floor Leader
Congressman

First Congressional District of Manila

* https:/Aww.cde. gov/globalhealth/topics/orphanhood/index. htm!
? Ibid


Tas
Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4763

Introduced by HONORABLE ERNESTO “ERNIX” M. DIONISIO, JR.

HOUSE BILL No.

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS TO CHILDREN
AFFECTED BY COVID-19 ORPHANHOOD AND CAREGIVER LOSS.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as "Educational
Scholarship for Children Affected by COVID-19 Orphanhood and Caregiver Loss.”

SECTION 2. Full Scholarship for Children Affected by COVID-19
Orphanhood. - Children who are affected by COVID-19 orphanhood and caregiver
loss shall be entitled to a full scholarship from basic education until their completion
of tertiary education subject to rules and regulations as mandated by this Act. The
benefits shall include all expenses for education, whether in public or private schools,
such as but not limited to tuition fees, miscellaneous and other fees and other, board
and lodging, transportation expense, clothing and food, and other similar expenses.

SECTION 3. Special Fund for Educational Benefits. - In order to carry out
the provisions of this Act, there is hereby established a Special Fund, to be known as
the "Educational Benefits for Children Affected by COVID-19 Orphanhood and
Caregiver Loss," in the amount of Fifty Million Pesos (P50,000,000.00). Such fund
shall be perpetually maintained and used exclusively for the benefit of children who
experienced orphanhood and caregiver loss due to COVID-19; Provided that not more
than 5% of this Fund shall be used for the administration of the Special Fund.

SECTION 4. Administration of the Fund. - The Unified Student Financial
Assistance System for Tertiary Education Governing (UniFAST) Board in consultation
with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department
of Education (DepEd) shall have the primary responsibility of managing and
supervising the Fund. It shall also formulate policies, and implement rules and
regulations, guidelines, and other related functions to oversee, manage and supervise
the operations of the Fund. It shall also be responsible in formulating the mechanics,


scope and limitations, and requirements for the scholarship program. The UniFAST
Secretariat shall serve as the Secretariat providing administrative support to the Board
and shall perform functions as authorized by the UniFAST Board.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the UniFAST Board In consultation with the DepEd shall
promulgate the Implementing rules and regulations for this act, in coordination with
the DSWD.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof. Is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary
to, or Inconsistent with the provisions of this Act Is hereby repealed, modified or
amended accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15)
days following its publication In the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.