Education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for personal and societal development. Yet, financial barriers often prevent deserving students from accessing higher education. To address this, the Philippine government enacted the Free College Entrance Examinations Act, a key law aimed at democratizing access to higher education.
On June 14, 2024, a significant piece of legislation lapsed into law in the Philippines. This law mandates private higher education institutions to waive college entrance examination fees for qualified students.
This new regulation is known as Republic Act (RA) 12006 or the Free College Entrance Examinations Act. The primary goal of this law is to support disadvantaged Filipino students who demonstrate strong academic potential.
By eliminating entrance exam fees for qualified low-income students, this law aims to level the playing field, ensuring financial constraints do not hinder academic excellence and future opportunities.
Key Provisions of the Free College Entrance Examinations Act
What the Act Entails
The Free College Entrance Examinations Act exempts eligible graduates and graduating students from paying entrance examination fees at private higher education institutions (HEIs).
This is an important step in making higher education more accessible to students from low-income families.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from this act, students must meet five specific conditions:
- Natural-born Filipino Citizen: The student must be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines.
- Top 10 Percent of Class: The student must be in the top 10 percent of their graduating class.
- Income Threshold: The student’s family must have a combined household income below the poverty threshold as defined by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
- Application Requirement: The student must apply for college entrance exams at any private higher education institution in the Philippines.
- School Requirements: The student must fulfill all other requirements set by the private institution.
Implementation and Oversight
Role of CHED
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is tasked with enforcing this law.
CHED has the authority to impose sanctions on private schools that fail to comply with the provisions of the act.
Additionally, CHED will develop and implement the law’s rules and regulations within 60 days from its enactment, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other relevant bodies.
Coordination with Private Educational Associations
The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines, or its equivalent, will be consulted during the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
Legislative Process and Effectivity
Presidential Action
Under the Philippine Constitution, the President has 30 days to sign or veto a bill after it is transmitted to their office.
If the President does not act within this period, the bill automatically lapses into law.
This was the case with RA 12006, which became law without presidential action.
Publication and Effectivity
The new law took effect immediately following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.
Impact and Importance of the Act
Breaking Financial Barriers
The Free College Entrance Examinations Act is a landmark legislation aimed at democratizing access to higher education in the Philippines.
By eliminating entrance exam fees for qualified low-income students, the law removes a significant financial barrier, making college more accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to afford it.
Promoting Academic Excellence
This law not only supports students financially but also encourages academic excellence.
By targeting the top 10 percent of graduating classes, the act ascertains that the most academically capable students, regardless of their financial background, have the opportunity to pursue higher education.
Steps for Students to Apply for the Waiver
Application Process
Students who wish to take advantage of this waiver may need to follow these steps:
- Eligibility Verification: Make sure that they meet all eligibility criteria, including citizenship, academic standing, and family income.
- Documentation: Gather necessary documents such as a certificate of good moral character, Form 138 (report card), and proof of family income.
- Application Submission: Apply for the college entrance exam at any private higher education institution in the Philippines and submit the required documents.
- Confirmation: Await confirmation from the institution that the entrance exam fee has been waived.
Disclaimer: These are simply general guidelines as to how students may avail of this benefit to participate in entrance exams in their preferred universities. We will update the article with the specific guidelines once the IRR of the law has been officially released. Stay tuned.
Future Directions and Considerations
Online Application Platforms
As of now, there is no specific mention of centralized online portals for applying for the waiver.
The specific application procedures may vary between institutions.
Students are encouraged to check with their target private schools for detailed application guidelines.
The CHED’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) may provide further clarity on this process.
Continued Advocacy
The enactment of the Free College Entrance Examinations Act represents a significant step toward educational equity.
Continued advocacy and support are essential to make sure that the benefits of this law reach all eligible students across the country.
Recent Updates
House Speaker Romualdez Champions Free College Entrance Examinations Act
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez advocates for the implementation of the Free College Entrance Examinations Act to provide equal educational opportunities and alleviate financial burdens on deserving students. The new law aims to level the playing field and support access to quality education for all, regardless of economic status. (The Inquirer)
Video: Free College Entrance Examinations Act, naisabatas na | Saksi
The Free College Entrance Examinations Act has been successfully enacted, offering students the opportunity to take entrance exams at no cost. This initiative aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education and promote equal access to college for all.
Conclusion
The Free College Entrance Examinations Act is a progressive law that aims to level the playing field for disadvantaged but academically talented students in the Philippines.
By waiving entrance exam fees, the law helps remove financial barriers, allowing more students to pursue their dreams of higher education.
This legislation is a testament to the country’s commitment to promoting equal educational opportunities for all.