A partylist group is advocating for expanded scholarship programs to address the financial challenges faced by Filipino students.

Atty. JP Padiernos, first nominee of 132 GP (Galing sa Puso) Partylist, said in a recent radio interview that many deserving students require financial assistance to continue their education.

He added that expanding scholarship programs would be a priority when Congress reconvenes.

While basic education is free in public schools, Padiernos stressed that students struggle with daily expenses such as food, transportation and school supplies.

"The problem our countrymen encounter, as we go around, is that the youth stop schooling because of their fares, the purchase of books, school supplies," Padiernos said.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, an estimated 11 million Filipinos aged 5 to 24 will be out of formal school in 2024.

Padiernos believes that expanded scholarship programs would encourage students to return to school by addressing their basic learning needs.

"A long-term scholarship program that we will take into account is better. We will do everything we can. Of course, if the student is well-deserving, especially if the student has good potential, why not?" said Padiernos.

Data from the Department of Education shows the Philippines has 7,011,942 junior high school students and 3,317,973 senior high school students.

The 132 GP Partylist also called on the government to allocate more resources for students in flexible learning programs, noting that this method would improve access to quality education for students in remote areas.