DAHIL apat lang sa bawat sampung estudyante ang naka-enroll sa state universities and colleges (SUCs), pinarerepaso ni Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez ang Free Higher Education Law.

Ayon sa mambabatas, layon ng pagrepaso ay alamin ang problema dahil sa kabila na libre na ang matrikula sa SUCs ay mataas pa rin ang dropout rate.

“Free tuition was a landmark achievement, but the work is far from over. Nearly four out of 10 students in state universities and colleges are still dropping out. In some regions, the situation is even more alarming,” ayon sa mambabatas.

Base aniya sa datos ng Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), umabot sa 39 porsyento ang dropout rate sa buong bansa sa school year 2023-2024.

Pinakamataas ang dropout rate sa Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) na umabot sa 93.4% at sinundan ito ng Central Visayas na may 60.7%, Zamboanga Peninsula 59.5%, Cordillera 54.9%, Metro Manila 52.4%, Soccsksargen 51.2%, at Western Visayas 50.2%.

“These are not just statistics. They are shattered dreams and interrupted futures, often because students cannot afford transportation, food, rent, books or internet. We need to protect and build on the gains of the Free Higher Education Law by ensuring students have the means to actually finish school,” ani Romualdez.

Dahil dito, kailangang repasuhin at amyendahan ang nasabing batas upang mahanapan ng paraan.

“The Free Higher Education Law has changed millions of lives. But transformation is not complete when so many students are forced to drop out. Our mission is not just to provide access, but to ensure completion” ayon pa sa mambabatas. (BERNARD TAGUINOD)