The Bicameral Conference Committee (Bicam) on Thursday approved the proposed Private Basic Education Voucher Assistance Act, a measure aimed at expanding access to quality education in private schools for financially disadvantaged students.

The measure reconciles the differing versions passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate. It will now be transmitted to both chambers for ratification before being sent to the President for approval.

House leaders hailed the bill's approval, saying it addresses the country's ongoing education crisis by giving more students access to quality learning opportunities.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez said strengthening the voucher program is an investment in the country's future.

“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,” Romualdez said.

He added that the measure seeks to ensure that no Filipino child is deprived of quality education because of financial hardship.

“The purpose of this law is to give parents more choices and opportunities for their children to provide quality education. No Filipino child should be exempted from the right to education because of a lack of financial capacity,” he said.

House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) Co-Chairperson Rep. Jude Acidre said the measure is designed to benefit the country's most vulnerable learners.

He stressed, however, that the bill is not a substitute for broader education reforms, including the construction of more classrooms and continued support for teachers.

“This bill is not a shortcut, and it is not a substitute for the work that remains. We still need to build more classrooms, support our teachers, improve facilities, and confront the learning crisis with sustained commitment,” Acidre said.

He added that the measure also strengthens accountability in the government's voucher program.

“At the same time, this measure makes the voucher system more targeted, transparent, and accountable…we are making sure that public funds are used properly and that assistance leads to better learning opportunities for our children,” he said.

Under the bill, vouchers will be granted to qualified learners from Kindergarten to Grade 12, particularly in areas where public schools are overcrowded. The program aims to maximize available classroom capacity in private schools while the government continues expanding public education infrastructure.

“We look forward to its final passage and enactment, as we continue the work of building an education system that gives every Filipino child not only a seat in a classroom, but a fairer chance at a better future,” Acidre said.

Also present during the bicameral conference were Senate Committee on Basic Education Chairperson Sen. Bam Aquino, Sen. Camille Villar, and Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno.