Approved voucher program bill to expand access to education — Dy

MANILA, Philippines — The bicameral conference committee’s approval of the proposed Private Basic Education Voucher Program brings the government a step closer to expanding access to quality basic education, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III said in a statement on Thursday.

“Education remains the best investment we can make for our country’s future. By strengthening the voucher program, we are giving more Filipino families meaningful educational choices while supporting the important role that private schools play in our education system,” Dy said.

The bicam committee approved the reconciled version of House Bill No. 4744 and Senate Bill No. 1981, harmonizing the provisions of both measures even after the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress had adjourned sine die.

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READ: DepEd advances voucher reforms, strengthens classroom

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Dy said the measure underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Filipino child has access to quality education regardless of economic circumstance.

“This proposal aims to give parents more choices and their children more opportunities to get quality education. No Filipino child should be denied the chance to learn just because of the lack of financial means,” Dy said in Filipino.

The House contingent to the bicameral conference committee was led by Committee on Basic Education and Culture Chairperson and Pasig City Lone District Rep. Roman Romulo.

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The others representing the House were:

Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, who chairs the committee on higher and technical education

Valenzuela City 1st District Rep. Kenneth Gatchalian

Sorsogon 1st District Rep. Bernadette Escudero

Akbayan Party-list Rep. Jose Manuel Tadeo “Chel” Diokno

Representing the Senate were Senators Bam Aquino and Camille Villar, together with officials of the Department of Education.

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The House approved House Bill No. 4744 on third and final reading on Oct. 13, 2025.

It’s one of the 26 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority measures approved by the House before the first regular session adjourned.

“Every reform we pursue is ultimately about creating better opportunities for every Filipino. Our goal is to ensure that government works better for our people today while building stronger institutions for generations to come,” Dy said.

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The bicameral conference committee report will be submitted to both the House and the Senate for ratification before it is transmitted to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his signature. /atm