Senator Loren Legarda on Monday filed a bill seeking to institutionalize a nationwide PHP1,000 monthly allowance for all Filipino students from kindergarten to college, marking what she described as a “long-term investment in the country’s future.”

Under the proposed National Student Allowance Program (NSAP) Act, all enrolled students who meet minimum attendance requirements will be entitled to a monthly subsidy aimed at covering basic school-related needs such as food, transportation and supplies.

“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.

The measure complements a counterpart bill filed in the House by her son, Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste, reinforcing what Legarda called their shared commitment to accessible and inclusive education.

The allowance would be distributed through student ID cards or digital vouchers that can only be used with accredited school canteens, transport providers, and school supply vendors.

The bill also promotes digital financial inclusion by allowing the student card to double as a basic savings or e-wallet account.

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

To ensure sustainability, the Department of Finance will be mandated to develop a funding framework and conduct an actuarial study every five years.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and other implementing partners will be tasked to ensure accessibility of services, especially in remote and underserved areas.

If enacted, the program is expected to benefit more than 30 million students across the country. (PNA)