Laoag city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has advanced higher education reforms in Laoag City, focusing on expanding access and improving quality through major initiatives.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiatives are part of the PBBM-GABAY ng Bayan Programs, formally known as the Programa para sa Buti ng Bayan at Mamamayan: Galing, Akses, Batid at Angat Tungo sa Yaman ng Bayan, and were introduced during a ceremony at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.
Marcos emphasized the initiatives as a strategic approach to enhance higher education, reinforcing institutions while ensuring that education investments are valuable for the Filipino populace. 'When we speak of inclusive education, we speak in measurable, concrete, and sustained commitments to bring opportunities and hope closer to our learners and every family,' Marcos said in a speech delivered by House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos.
A significant event during the launch was the signing of a joint memorandum circular by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on the policies and guidelines for the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP). The BPMSP, representing 'Galing' in GABAY, is a merit-based scholarship program open to top-performing senior high school graduates nationwide from both public and private schools, as well as qualified TESDA National Certificate holders.
The scholarship program enables the top five graduates from each senior high school to pursue undergraduate or technical-vocational programs in high-performing institutions, aligning with the country's priority sectors to address workforce gaps and support national development. Marcos noted that scholarships alone are insufficient to overcome barriers, highlighting the need for access beginning with basic information.
In this regard, Project Patuloy na Edukasyon, Patuloy na Pag-Ahon (Project PEPA) was launched to provide accurate information on government-funded education programs to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) families. Representing 'Akses,' Project PEPA aims to reach around 490,000 senior high school graduates from 4Ps households.
To enhance transparency and data-driven decision-making, Marcos introduced CHED-TANAW, a national higher education data visualization platform. This platform offers integrated information on institutions, enrollment, scholarships, and graduate outcomes, thereby strengthening transparency and supporting better policymaking.
Marcos praised teachers, especially those newly promoted under the Expanded Career Progression program, recognizing their vital role in shaping learners. He encouraged students to take advantage of these programs and urged educational institutions to remain united in purpose.
'Together, let us build a Bagong Pilipinas where education is a sturdy foundation for stronger families, a more capable workforce, and a more progressive nation,' Marcos concluded.
