MANILA — House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Friday welcomed the approval of the reconciled version of the proposed Basic Education Voucher Assistance Act, saying the measure would expand access to quality education and provide more educational options for Filipino families.

The bicameral conference committee on Thursday approved the consolidated version of House Bill No. 4744 and Senate Bill No. 1981, harmonizing the provisions of both measures after the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress adjourned sine die.

Under the proposed legislation, government voucher assistance will be expanded to cover learners from Kindergarten to Grade 12, allowing more students to enroll in qualified private schools, particularly in areas where public schools are overcrowded or where educational options are limited.

“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.

He added that the proposed measure reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring access to quality education regardless of a family’s economic status.

“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,” he said.

The House panel in the bicameral conference committee was led by Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, Valenzuela Rep. Kenneth Gatchalian, Sorsogon Rep. Bernadette Escudero, and Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno.

The Senate panel was composed of Senators Bam Aquino and Camille Villar, along with officials from the Department of Education.

In a separate statement, Acidre said the proposed law would provide timely assistance to learners and families affected by classroom shortages and overcrowded schools.

“For many Filipino children, the lack of classroom space is not just a policy issue. It is felt in crowded rooms, shortened learning time, shifting schedules, overburdened teachers, and parents who worry whether their children are truly getting the education they deserve,” he said.

Acidre said the measure recognizes the complementary roles of public and private schools in ensuring that students continue learning, particularly in communities where private schools can help ease congestion in public institutions.

He also said the bill promotes fairness by extending support to learners affected by poverty, distance, school congestion, and limited access to educational alternatives.

“A child’s opportunity to learn should not depend on whether the nearest public school still has space, or whether a family can afford another option. Government assistance must reach those who need it most: learners in congested areas, disadvantaged and underserved communities, and families who need support to keep their children in school,” he said.

Acidre added that the reconciled measure introduces reforms to make the voucher program more targeted, transparent, and accountable through school congestion mapping, a public registry of participating schools, quality assurance measures, regular assessments, and safeguards against fraud.

The bicameral conference committee report will be submitted to both the House of Representatives and the Senate for ratification before being transmitted to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing into law.