THE Department of Education (DepEd) is exploring the possibility of replicating Taguig City's scholarship program to ease public school congestion nationwide.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara praised Taguig City's innovative education programs during his visit to Tenement Elementary School in Barangay Western Bicutan.
He cited the Taguig Learners’ Certificate (TLC) Scholarship as a model for other local governments.
“Maganda sa Taguig kasi may TLC Scholarship sila. Kapag masikip na ‘yung public school, binibigyan ng voucher ang bata para makapili ng private school na malapit,” he said.
(What's good about Taguig is their TLC Scholarship. When public schools become crowded, children receive vouchers to choose a nearby private school.)
“Pinag-aaralan na rin namin ito ngayon para sa ibang lugar tulad ng Cavite at Laguna kung saan masisikip na ang mga pampublikong paaralan,” he added.
(We are studying this for other areas like Cavite and Laguna, where public schools are already overcrowded.)
The TLC Scholarship is a brainchild initiative of Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano
It allows graduating public elementary school students in Taguig to pursue high school in partnership with private schools within the city.
The program aims to decongest public schools and provide a better learning environment.
Under the program, the City Government shoulders both tuition and miscellaneous fees for scholars. Each scholar also receives a P10,000 allowance for other school-related needs.
Taguig City currently partners with 61 private high schools.
Angara also commended Taguig's collaborative approach to education, recognizing the support of local officials and private sector partners.
“Here in Taguig, very helpful ang local government, ang legislators, even private partners. Sana ganoon sa lahat ng dako ng bansa,” he said.
(Here in Taguig, the local government, legislators, and even private partners are very helpful. We hope it's like that nationwide.)
Angara expressed willingness to support Taguig's efforts to expand its educational infrastructure.
“Ang hiling ni Mayor Lani ay mapahiram o mapabigay ng National Housing Authority ‘yung lupa sa likod ng Tenement. Tutulungan namin kung paano masosolusyunan itong problema sa espasyo,” he added.
(Mayor Lani requested that the National Housing Authority lend or give the land behind Tenement. We will help solve this space problem.)
Tenement Elementary School is one of the public schools across the country implementing shifting or hybrid learning to accommodate students.
It serves over 7,200 students for School Year 2025-2026. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)