An evaluation of the tertiary education subsidy program: Context, input, process, and product

This study evaluates the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), a key component of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act No. 10931), which aims to provide financial support to underprivileged Filipino students in higher education. Employing a mixedmethods approach, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative data through key informant interviews, an online survey of TES grantees, and secondary data from government agencies. The Context, Input, Process, Product evaluation framework guides the research, assessing the TES program across four dimensions: context, appropriateness of instruments, alignment of processes, and program outcomes. The study explores critical issues in the program's implementation, such as access, equity, quality, and labor market outcomes. It assesses the alignment of TES regulations and processes with the law's objectives, identifying challenges in grantee selection, fund disbursement, and monitoring. It also provides recommendations to improve the program's design, operation, student support services, and monitoring.