SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
) 
) 
Senate Bill No. 
18 ? 6 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
'13 
IIJV 11 P 3 :zs 
The 1987 Philippine Constitution states 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." (Sec .. 2 (3), Article XIV). 
But although there are a number of scholarship grants offered by the 
government, both local and national, catering to financial needs of students 
coming from various sectors and categories, there still exists serious need to 
further extend monetary aid to students belonging to economically disadvantaged 
families. 
Considering that fact that these underprivileged students also belong to the 
majority group of our youth, it is but necessary to provide them with added 
assistance if not absolute access to quality tertiary education, despite their being 
financially incapable. 
And it is for this reason that the passage of this legislation is earnestly 
sought because extending these underprivileged students more access to quality 
education is empowering them, thus making them an integral part of nation 
building. 
Senator 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
) 
First Regular Session 
13 Il\V 21 P3:25 
. 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 19'? 6 
RECEIVED BY:. r 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A "TULONG-DUNONG PROGRAM" FOR STUDENTS OF 
UNDERPRIVILEGED FAMILIES AND AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION 
OF ONE HUNDRED MILLION PESOS (P100,OOO,OOO.OO) FOR THE PURPOSE 
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 2013". 
SEC. 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. 
SEC. 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. 
SEC. 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 A.uthority (NEDA), who possesses the ability to 
continue and finish a degree course. 
SEC. 5. Monthly Allowance. - The qualified beneficiaries of this program 
shall be entitled to a monthly allowance of three thousand pesos (P3,OOO.OO), 
tuition assistance, book allowance and other monetary assistance to be 
determined by the administering agency. 
SEC. 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. 


SEC. 7. Appropriations. - The sum of one hundred million pesos 
(P100,OOO,OOO.OO) is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of the funds in the 
National Treasury not otherwise appropriated to finance this program. 
SEC. 8. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen days from the date of 
its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of 
general circulation. 
Approved,