Monthly P1,000 Allowance for Filipino Students Begins in Batangas
NASUGBU, Batangas — A pilot program providing a P1,000 allowance for Filipino students has started in several schools across Batangas’ first district, according to Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste. This initiative aims to help ease some of the financial burdens faced by students, particularly with daily transportation costs.
Leviste announced during the rollout that over 150,000 students from kindergarten to senior high school will benefit from this monthly financial aid. The allowance comes from his personal funds and is distributed through the Lingkod Legarda Leviste Foundation.
While the P1,000 may not cover all school-related expenses, it offers relief for transportation and basic needs. In Batangas, many students endure long commutes, sometimes lasting one to two hours, just to get to school.
“If students need to travel for an hour just to attend classes, each may spend over P100 one-way to Balayan National High School. That’s P200 daily, amounting to P4,000 monthly just for transportation,” Leviste explained in Filipino during an event at the school.
He added, “Our bill proposes an allowance for all Filipino students to assist with costs like transportation, school supplies, and other essentials. It won’t cover everything, but it will help.”
Legislative Proposal and Funding Challenges
Leviste is the author of House Bill No. 27, which seeks to grant a monthly P1,000 cash allowance to Filipino students from kindergarten through college, regardless of their socioeconomic background. The grant aims to cover food, transportation, and school expenses. Attendance will be a key factor in receiving the allowance to encourage regular class participation.
However, the lawmaker raised concerns about the government’s capacity to fund this program nationwide. “Many affluent local governments already provide student allowances. But in towns like Balayan, where the need is greatest, local funds are insufficient,” he said.
Leviste stressed that national government prioritization is essential. “With the Department of Education’s substantial budget, we believe the government can allocate funds for this program to benefit students across the country.”
He also clarified that the initial funds he used came from his divestment of shares in Solar Philippines New Energy Corporation, which he sold to a major electric company.
International Examples and Local Impact
“Other countries already provide free transportation and meals to students, demonstrating the value of educational support,” Leviste noted. “In areas lacking these services, the need is even greater.”
He emphasized education spending as an investment in the nation’s future. “Providing allowances tied to attendance ensures funds directly benefit students who attend school regularly. This pilot in Batangas hopes to set an example for nationwide adoption.”
For more news and updates on education allowance, visit Filipinokami.com.