Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

ed

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House BillNo.__ 6122

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A "TULONG-DUNONG PROGRAM" FOR STUDENTS
OF UNDERPRIVILEGED FAMILIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE.
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In Section 2 (3), Article XIV, of the Philippine Constitution, it is expressly
‘stated that "the State shall establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants,
student loan programs, subsidies and other incentives which shall be available to
deserving students in both public and private schools, especially to the
underprivileged."

There are quite a number of scholarship grants offered by the
government, both local and national, which cater to the financial capacities of
students from various sectors and categories. But despite this, there is still an
urgent need to extend monetary assistance to poor students who are deserving
of an education.

The fact remains that underprivileged students belong to the majority
group of our youth making it more imperative that they be extended additional
assistance if not absolute access to quality tertiary education.

This humble proposal seeks to address this continuing problem of
inadequate access to quality education through legislation to empower our
underprivileged students and make them vital players towards nation-building.


In view of the foregoing, it is therefore imperative that this proposal is
expeditiously passed into law.

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Lit, he
DIOSDADO ‘-APAGAL ARROYO GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

Second District, Camarines Sur Second District, Pampanga


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6122

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A "TULONG-DUNONG PROGRAM" FOR STUDENTS
OF UNDERPRIVILEGED FAMILIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Tulong-Dunong
Program Act of 2011."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — In line with the Constitutional
mandate of providing quality education for all Filipinos at all levels, more
particularly at the college level, it is hereby declared a priority policy of the state
to institute measures that would assist students from disadvantaged families

SECTION 3. Institution of a Tulong-Dunong Program. — There is hereby
instituted a student financial assistance program known as the "Tulong-Aral
Program" with the end in view of allocating resources to augment the tuition
needs of students coming from disadvantaged families.

SECTION 4. Definition. — The term economically disadvantaged but
deserving students who are qualified under this program shall pertain to those
students of underprivileged families falling below the poverty line as determined
by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), who possesses the
ability to continue and finish a degree course.


SECTION 5. Monthly Allowance. - The qualified beneficiaries of this
program shall be entitled to a monthly allowance of three thousand pesos
(P3,000.00), tuition assistance, book allowance and other monetary assistance to
be determined by the administering agency.

SECTION 6. Lead Agency. — The Commission on Higher Education
(CHED) in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
shall be the lead agency tasked with the formation of the implementing rules and
regulations of this Act.

SECTION 7. Appropriations. - The sum of One Hundred Million Pesos
(P100,000,000.00) is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of the funds in the
National Treasury not otherwise appropriated to finance this program.

SECTION 8. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from

the date of its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2)
newspapers of general circulation

Approved,