The Senate of the Philippines on Wednesday approved on second reading Senate Bill No. 1981, or the proposed “Private Basic Education Voucher Program Act,” aimed at providing financial assistance to students seeking education in private schools.

The measure seeks to expand access to quality education by offering vouchers to qualified learners, particularly those from indigent and low-income families, allowing them to enroll in government-recognized private basic education institutions. The bill also includes provisions for support to teachers in participating schools.

Authored and strengthened under the leadership of Bam Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, the proposed law enhances existing voucher systems by institutionalizing long-term assistance programs and ensuring sustained government support for private education.

Lawmakers said the bill forms part of a broader legislative push to assist vulnerable sectors, especially families struggling with rising education costs. By easing financial burdens, the Senate aims to decongest public schools while giving students more options for quality learning environments.

Once enacted into law, the measure is expected to complement existing education assistance programs and reinforce public-private partnerships in the Philippine education sector.