Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT PROVIDING FREE DORMITORIES FOR STUDENTS IN STATE 
UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (SUCS), AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In the Philippines, many students from low-income families face significant financial 
challenges when pursuing higher education. The majority of colleges and universities are located 
in dense metropolitan areas, creating a high demand for student accommodation. Students who 
cannot afford to live nearby often have to rent private accommodations such as apartments, 
boarding houses, or dormitories. However, these privately owned housing options are often 
inadequately regulated, leading to poor living conditions that further burden students financially 
and academically. 
For students coming from other municipalities, and sometimes, provinces, the cost of 
housing can consume a large portion of their limited budget, making it even more difficult to 
focus on their studies. These students are often forced to choose between basic necessities or 
affordable accommodation, putting their academic success at risk. By providing free dormitory 
rentals, the government would ensure that deserving, low-income students can live in safe, 
regulated spaces that allow them to focus on their education rather than their living conditions. 
Offering free dormitory rentals to low-income students would significantly reduce the 
financial strain on their families and help create a more equitable educational environment. This 
measure would also promote academic success by providing students with a stable and 
supportive living situation, thereby enabling them to thrive in their studies. Ultimately, the bill 
would foster a more inclusive and accessible higher education system for all Filipinos, regardless 
of their economic background. 
11237
December 18, 2024
6:44 pm


In view of the foregoing, the urgent passage of this bill is sought. 
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT PROVIDING FREE DORMITORIES FOR STUDENTS IN STATE 
UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (SUCS), AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF 
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 "Free Dormitory Act". 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It shall be the policy of the State to protect and promote the right 
of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such 
education accessible to all. The State shall establish and maintain a system of education that 
caters to the needs of the people and society. 
SEC. 3. Coverage. This Act covers Filipino students enrolled in duly recognized State 
Universities and Colleges in the country pursuing any degree at the time or after the passage of 
this Act, subject to the qualifications provided herein. 
SEC. 4. Qualifications. The student must be enrolled in any recognized State University or 
College in the country. 
The State University or College shall take into consideration the students’ household income as 
well as distance of the student’s permanent residence for dormitory rentals in the course of their 
studies in the college or university. The State University or College shall take household income 
11237


as the primary consideration, prioritizing those belonging to lower-income classes, in the 
determination of students qualified for dormitory rentals.  
 
SUCs may provide other rules as it may deem necessary for the effective implementation of this 
Act. 
 
SEC. 5. Establishment. The State Universities and Colleges, in close coordination with the 
Local Government Unit concerned, shall identify an idle land within or outside the school 
premises for the establishment of dormitories. 
 
SEC. 6. Administration. All recognized State Universities and Colleges shall establish at least 
(1) dormitory building with a total housing capacity of a minimum of 150 students. The school 
shall supplement the necessary technical and administrative aspects of the establishment. 
 
The State Universities and Colleges shall also establish and maintain a system which should 
have, at the minimum, the following services: 
 
A. Beddings; 
B. Comfort Rooms; 
C. Cabinets/Lockers; 
D. Electricity and Water Supply; 
E. Basic First-Aid Medicine and Equipment; and 
F. Wireless high-speed internet access 
 
SEC. 8. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the implementation of the provisions of this 
Act shall be included in the regular appropriations of the Department of Education. 
 
SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The DepEd shall, within thirty (30) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, issue the necessary rules and regulations for its effective 
implementation. 
 
SEC. 10. Separability Clause. In the event that any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected by such declaration. 
 
SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, or portions thereof, 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 12. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or the Official Gazette. 
 


Approved,