Legarda pushes P1K monthly aid for studes

Four-term Senator Loren Legarda has filed the National Student Allowance Program (NSAP) bill which seeks to provide a P1,000 monthly allowance to every Filipino student from Kindergarten to college.

The Senate measure complements a counterpart bill filed in the House by her son, Representative Leandro Legarda Leviste, underscoring their shared commitment to accessible and inclusive education.

The allowance would be given to all enrolled students who meet minimum attendance requirements. It aims to ease the cost of education by helping cover basic needs such as food, transportation, and school supplies.

Disbursement will be made through student ID cards or digital vouchers, usable only at accredited vendors such as school canteens, transport providers and school supply stores — ensuring that the funds are spent solely on educational needs.

“This is not ayuda or short-term relief. This program is grounded in the belief that investing in every Filipino student is investing in the nation’s present and future,” Legarda said.

“This will be structured as an allowance that can only be used for school-related expenses. Student cards or digital vouchers will help eliminate corruption and ensure this assistance can equitably reach every student in the country,” she added.

Beyond financial support, the NSAP Act would also promote digital financial inclusion by allowing the student cards to function as basic savings accounts or e-wallets, enabling students to develop budgeting habits and engage in secure transactions.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and partner institutions will ensure access to these systems, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the bill mandates the Department of Finance to create a sustainability framework and conduct an actuarial review every five years to monitor cost trends and demographic shifts.

When enacted, the program will benefit over 30 million students nationwide, advancing the government’s constitutional duty to make quality education accessible to all.