Free Education in the Philippines: The Continuing Saga

One of the most notable milestones in the Philippine education is when the government actively seeks to expand access and participation in higher education through the ratification of RA 10931 or the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act”. Thus, this study aims to examine and assess the effects of the law in our educational system. Providing sufficient funds is not enough; the government must give meaning to the title of the new law, which is the provision of “quality” tertiary education. This program is an investment in the nation's most precious resource. Quality education empowers people and levels the playing field; it is one of the best tools for poverty alleviation, social equity and inclusive growth. There should be no compromise on the quality of the services provided under RA 10931. Free must not mean substandard. In this study, the researcher used qualitative research method. Qualitative research method was developed in the social sciences to enable researchers to study social and cultural phenomena: observe feelings, thoughts, behaviors and the belief of the mass society.