Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 2874

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.

DIOSDADO 'AGAL ARROYO. GL RIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO.
Second District, Camarines Sur Second District, Pampanga


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BillNo. _ 2874

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 2013."

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,