SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. B. 298 
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA VILt:A:R 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
.irrtU1Tt' 
'!!>fh;. "I t~, ,~",rl" ~ 
'13 Jill -2 A9 :47 
The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines provides that the State 
shall establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan programs, 
subsidize and other incentives which shall be available to deserving students in both 
public and private school, especially to the underprivileged. 
While there are existing scholarship programs for the specially gifted students, a 
study grant for members of the National Cultural Communities, and the CHED 
Scholarship Program, these programs provide only limited slots. 
To date, there is no ambitious government program that takes care of the mass 
of secondary level graduates who want to pursue higher education, but fail to do so due 
to poverty or financial difficulties. 
For this reason, this bill on student financial assistance program is introduced to 
provide educational assistance to secondary graduates who, because of poverty or 
financial difficulties, could not pursue higher education. This educational assistance 
program is designated for students of financially disadvantaged families and is intended 
more as an economic aid rather than a merit award. 
In view of the foregoing, the early approval of this bill is requested. 


• 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. B. 298 
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA VILLAR 
AN ACT 
ii>pn.!ltt' 
lOff,;. "llIle ;i>t",.t.r~ 
'13 
JUL -2 A 9 :47 
ESTABLISHING A STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 
FOR STUDENTS OF ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED FAMILIES 
AND AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
1 
SECTION 1. 
There shall be established a student financial assistance program 
2 
in the collegiate level for poor but deserving students to be administered by arl 
3 
appropriate body to be determined by the Commission on Higher Education. 
4 
5 
SEC. 2. The term "economically disadvantaged but deserving students" who are 
6 
qualified under this program shall mean those students of underprivileged families 
7 
failing below the poverty line, as determined by the National Economic and 
8 
Development Authority (NEDA), who are able and willing to continue and finish a 
9 
degree course. 
10 
11 
SEC. 3. 
The beneficiaries under this program shall be entitled to a reasonable 
12 
monthly stipend depending on costs of living in a particular educational institution, free 
13 
tuition, book allowance and other miscellaneous fees to be determined by the 
14 
administering agency. 
15 
16 
Sec. 4. The sum of One Billion Pesos (P1,OOO,OOO,OOO.OO) is hereby authorized 
17 
to be appropriated initially from the General Appropriations Act of the year following the 
18 
enactment of this law. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued 
19 
implementation of the Program shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
20 
Act. 
21 
22 
23 
SEC. 5. 
The CommisSion on Higher Education, in consultation with the 
24 
Department of Education (DepEd), is hereby authorized to formulate the rules and 
25 
regulations to implement this Act. 
26 
27 
28 
SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least 
29 
two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
30 
31 
32 
Approved, 
33 
1