Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV held on July 13 two dialogues with select student organization presidents from local high schools and colleges, as well as students of the University of Rizal System – Tanay Campus.
Senator Aquino, who was Chairperson of the National Youth Commission prior to entering politics, first met with student leaders at the Mayor’s Conference Room, Tanay Municipal Hall. He discussed Senate Bill 177 titled Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Law, which is awaiting signature by President Rodrigo Duterte.
When passed into Law, Senate Bill 177, which he co-authored with Senator Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, will make college education free in State and Local Universities and Colleges (SUCs & LUCs) and TESDA-run Technical Vocational Institutions (TVIs).
Senator Aquino is optimistic that such legislation would be key to helping underprivileged Filipino students complete their college education and overcome poverty.
Dialogue with other youth leaders
He also met with representatives of Tanay Mountaineers, Inc., a Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) winner in the field of disaster risk reduction and management.
Senator Aquino then proceeded to URS Tanay to talk with its students, faculty, and student leaders.
The move was part of Senator Aquino’s ongoing efforts to better feel the pulse and understand the needs of the youth, particularly the poor who find difficulty financing their education.
The senator has been known to champion the causes of Filipino youths particularly in the fields of education, employment and entrepreneurship since his stint at the NYC began.
To date, Senator Bam Aquino has authored and passed 17 laws in his first four years at the Upper House.
