HB2640 - AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PRIVATE BASIC EDUCATION VOUCHER PROGRAM, PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF THE BUREAU OF PRIVATE EDUCATION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 2, 3, 4(2), 4(3), 5, 6, 7, 12, 14, AND 15 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8545, ОTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "EXPANDED GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN PRIVATE EDUCATION ACT", WHICH AMENDED REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6728...

Access to quality basic education remains a persistent challenge. Nearly one in three public schools continues to operate beyond ideal capacity, according to Department of Education (DepEd) 2024 data, hampering learning and widening achievement gaps. At the same time, many small and community-based private schools struggle with dwindling enrolment and limited resources, despite their crucial role in areas underserved by the public system. Republic Acts Nos. 6728 and 8545 laid the groundwork for Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE). However, narrow coverage, outdated subsidy levels, and inadequate institutional support have constrained their impact. Recognizing these gaps, Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV filed а Senate bill proposing the Private Education Voucher Expansion (PEVE) Act. Guided by the spirit and substantive reforms of his measure, this counterpart House Bill seeks to modernize government support for private basic education, empower parental choice, and reinforce the complementary roles of public and private institutions. The bill expands voucher coverage from kindergarten through senior high school; creates the Bureau of Private Education (BPE) under DepEd to administer the program and oversee quality standards; establishes a Teachers' Salary Subsidy Fund and an In-Service Training Fund; and streamlines program administration through the Basic Education Assistance Council (BEAC) and a dedicated Government Assistance and Subsidies Service. It provides an equitable, transparent framework to channel public funds where they generate the greatest learning gains while alleviating congestion in the public system. Prompt enactment of this measure will widen access, elevate teaching quality, and strengthen thousands of private schools that complement the State's duty to provide basic education for all. For further reading: https://docs.congress.hrep.online/legisdocs/basic_20/HB02640.pdf https://www.congress.gov.ph/house-members/view/?member=L031&name=DIMAGUILA%2C+WALFREDO+%22ARMAN%22+R.%2C+JR.&page=0

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