SAN Juan Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada urged leaders of the House of Representatives to fast-track the passage of a measure that seeks to provide a comprehensive and unified student financial assistance system for poor students.
Known as the United Financial Assistance System for Higher and Technical Education Bill (UniFAST), it consolidates 53 House bills and is aimed at expanding the access of poor students to quality college education.
Ejercito Estrada appealed to House leaders to hasten the passage of the bill as Congress is set to adjourn on Feb. 8. The measure is still awaiting the approval of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education.
“We only have a few days left for plenary sessions and committee hearings. I hope we can maximize this by approving important measures such as the UniFAST bill,” the young lawmaker said.
The UniFAST Bill seeks to give poor students a chance to pursue their college education through harmonized government scholarships and grant-in-aid programs.
It also aims to address concerns related to the targeting of beneficiaries, administration of government programs related to student scholarships, as well as the allocation and use of government resources.
“The passage of this landmark measure is a wonderful legacy the 15th Congress can leave behind to poor but deserving Filipino students want to have a college degree,” the San Juan solon said.
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Press Release
January 29, 2013
