NOW: The first presentation is on “Process Evaluation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931): Status and Prospects for Improved Implementation” by PIDS Senior Research Fellow Dr. Aniceto Orbeta. 
Orbeta of PIDS: The study assessed the program theory, service delivery and utilization, and program organization of RA 10931.
Orbeta of PIDS presented a timeline of initiatives on StuFAPS.
Orbeta of PIDS of PIDS presented the objectives and the components of the RA 10931.
Orbeta of PIDS: There is a declining enrollment trend from 79% to 53% between AY1994-85 to AY 2018-19.
Orbeta of PIDS: Level of first-year college enrollment also declined because of SHS implementation starting to recover by 2017.
Orbeta of PIDS: Prior to the enactment of the free tuition law, only a very low proportion of higher education students benefit from StuFAPs (3% on the average).
Orbeta of PIDS: The jump in 2014-15 was during the time when pork barrel was declared unconstitutional, and all StuFAPs funded by it were transferred to CHED.
Orbeta of PIDS: The study found that there is a clear understanding of the overall objective of the RA 109 31 which is to provide greater access to quality tertiary education.
Orbeta of PIDS: Respondents generally believe that the objective of the law to increase access is achievable and realistic.
Orbeta of PIDS: Others noted that students from lower-income classes may be at a disadvantage since they need to pass competitive examinations to benefit from the tuition subsidy in public HEIs.
Orbeta of PIDS: On the share of public enrollment by income quintile, 2nd income quintile income households are represented well. However, bottom quintile is not.
Orbeta of PIDS: Some respondents were concerned whether the law would be able to achieve its objective of maintaining and improving the quality of education.
Orbeta of PIDS: The amount of budget to operationalize the four components of the law is perceived as a critical input in achieving the law’s intended outcomes.
Orbeta of PIDS: Some respondents suggested that there may be better ways to achieve the law’s objectives.
Orbeta of PIDS: The release of the guidelines were delayed, and some were not very clear or incomplete making the implementation process confusing for some stakeholders.
Orbeta of PIDS: Majority of the respondents, both from public and private HEIs, noted that most of the guidelines were released on a tight schedule where deadlines for the documentary compliances need to be met right away.
Orbeta of PIDS: Ability to comply with the requirements depend on the HEIs initial systems and resources (e.g. existing database or information systems).
Orbeta of PIDS: There is also problems in the reimbursement of miscellaneous fees due to issues of interpretation.
Orbea of PIDS: All respondents also acknowledged that issues and challenges in implementation are all part of the birthing pains of the policy.
Orbeta of PIDS: UniFAST noted that although they were able to convene resources and solicit assistance by forming technical groups, there was a lack of technical capacity and manpower when the program began.
Orbeta of PIDS: The Free Higher Education component aims to provide all Filipino students the opportunity to have access to quality tertiary education regardless of socio-economic class.
Orbeta of PIDS: As such, this component received a major budgetary share worth PHP16 billion with a PHP8-billion cap for each semester of AY 2018-2019.
Orbeta of PIDS: From the total budget of PHP16 billion of the Free Higher Education component, PHP 14.9 billion has been disbursed as of December 3, 2019.
Orbeta of PIDS: The excess budget of PHP1.2 billion will be allotted to mid-year or “Summer” semester billings of the public HEIs.
Orbeta of PIDS: Both the UniFAST, and HEIs experienced challenges during the call for applications for TES.
Orbeta of PIDS: There were also issues regarding Listahanan mentioned by the implementing agency, as well as by some HEIs.
Orbeta of PIDS: Issues on where the funds should be lodged.
Orbeta of PIDS: HEI’s satisfaction with the implementation is mixed.
Orbeta of PIDS: Many HEIs did not require major additional organizational support yet in relation to the implementation of the Free Tuition Law.
Orbeta of PIDS: Both public and private HEIs mentioned that they will be maintaining the quality of the education they provide.
Orbeta of PIDS: HEI associations such as the PACU and COCOPEA were heavily consulted during the crafting of the law.
Orbeta of PIDS: No dedicated monitoring system has been established for the outcomes of the law.
Orbeta of PIDS: Some of the public HEIs reported a higher number of applicants and enrollees.
Orbeta of PIDS: Private HEIs noted negative impact on their enrollment and are concerned regarding potential negative impact on their operations in the future.
Orbeta of PIDS: Other respondents were skeptical of the possible shift in enrollment.
Orbeta of PIDS: Total HEI enrollment declined because of SHS implementation and recovered by AY 2018-19
Orbeta of PIDS: Public HEIs recovered better than private: AY 2018-19 enrollment is 83% and 74% of AY2015-16 enrollment, respectively.
Orbeta of PIDS: Total HEI enrollment declined in the years coinciding with the SHS implementation and recovered by AY 2018-19.
Orbeta of PIDS: Respondents generally displayed a good understanding of the objectives of the law.
Orbeta of PIDS: Although the program objectives are well-understood, there is a mixed opinion of whether these objectives are realistic and achievable.
Orbeta of PIDS: The main issue that emerged regarding service delivery and utilization was the lack of timely and clear guidelines.
Orbeta of PIDS: However, respondents generally described these challenges as “birthing pains” of the program.
Orbeta of PIDS: As the main implementer of the program, UniFAST cited lack of personnel, both in number and technical capacity, as their biggest challenge in the first year of implementation.
Orbeta of PIDS: As the front-line implementers, most HEIs reported that they did not require major adjustments to process the documentary requirements required by the UniFAST.
Orbeta of PIDS: Total HEI enrollment declined in the years coinciding with the SHS implementation and began recovery in AY 2018-19.
Orbeta of PIDS: There are indications of a widening gap in the share of public and private HEI enrollment; in favor, of public HEIs.
Orbeta of PIDS: CHED should strengthen the monitoring of HEIs, as well as the quality standards it advocates.
Orbeta of PIDS: Leverage the subsidy to promote quality of HEIs.
Orbeta of PIDS: Look for ways to promote compliance with quality standards.
Orbeta of PIDS: SUCs and LUCs should be monitored to ensure that they do not exceed their respective carrying capacities.
Orbeta of PIDS: The CHED-UniFAST needs to expand organizational support.
Orbeta of PIDS: Consultations and orientation meetings should maximize use of high technology,
Orbeta of PIDS: Program design should be reassessed to provide greater equity in access to tertiary education.
Orbeta of PIDS: Strengthen the targeting mechanisms of the TES.
Orbeta of PIDS: Aim for clear and prompt implementing guidelines to avoid unnecessary delays in payments.
Orbeta of PIDS: Clarify the coverage of miscellaneous fees and misconceptions surrounding Listahanan.
Orbeta of PIDS: Calibrate the timing of calls for applications and deadlines for submission of requirements.
