Former Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV visited Tarlac State University for a consultative meeting with some administrative council members, faculty members, and students this morning (February 12) at the TSU Gymnasium.
Hon. Aquino, the principal sponsor and co-author of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (R.A. 10931), engaged in discussions on higher education policies, student concerns, and the impact of free tertiary education in the Philippines.
Signed into law in 2017, R.A. 10931 grants free tuition and miscellaneous fees for students of state and local universities and colleges and scholarships for those studying at private higher education institutions.
“Noong 2016, kasama po ang TSU at iba pang mga unibersidad, ay tinuloy-tuloy namin ang konsultasyon kasama ang mga estudyante at guro upang tanungin kung ano ang pwede naming magawa para sa mga estudyante,” Hon. Aquino said in his message, emphasizing the university’s role in shaping the UAQTEA.
“Ngayon po dito sa TSU, higit 50,000 na ang graduate na nakakuha ng tulong dahil sa batas natin,” he added.
Representing TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg gave credit to Hon. Aquino's contributions to higher education.
"It is with great pride that we acknowledge the significant impact of Hon. Aquino's effort. As the principal sponsor and co-author of the UAQTEA, he has made college education more accessible to our deserving students, a legacy that will continue to benefit generations to come," VP Macaraeg said.
Furthermore, VP Macaraeg also thanked Hon. Aquino for funding the initial phase of the five-story library building at the San Isidro Campus in 2017 during his term as senator.
TSU Board of Regents member Hon. Dennis Norman T. Go welcomed the "gentleman from Tarlac," who seeks to push more laws benefitting students and Tarlac.
“Malugod po namin kayong tinatanggap dito sa TSU. Welcome home, Sen. Bam. You are with your TSU family, and we are proud of you,” Hon. Go said.
The event was also attended by Second District Board Member Christopher "Topey" Delos Reyes. (jlmm-OPA)
