PHINMA University of Iloilo (PHINMA UI) has formally sealed a partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-6) to expand its education support for students.
PHINMA UI and DSWD-6 signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Tuesday, April 21, for the implementation of the Hawak Kamay (HK) Scholarship Program.
The program offers up to 80% tuition discounts for incoming first-year college students from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary families.
Most notably, the program removes traditional barriers that often discourage underprivileged youth: it requires no entrance examination and imposes no maintaining grades to keep the financial aid.
“The Hawak Kamay Scholarship Program is our way of ensuring that deserving students can continue their studies without being hindered by financial difficulties,” said Martin Benedict Perez, PHINMA UI chief operating officer.
“Through this program, we hope to empower students to focus on learning,” he continued.
DSWD-6 Assistant Regional Director for Operations Katherine Lamprea represented DSWD-6 Regional Director Joselito Estember during the ceremonial MOA signing.
“This initiative affirms that when institutions come together, we create real pathways for hope, resilience, and opportunity,” she said.
“It opens doors for our Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries not just to access higher education, but to transform their futures with dignity and purpose,” Lamprea further said.
For Michael Tito Ubanan, PHINMA UI Area Marketing Manager for VisMin, the partnership allows the university to tap into DSWD’s network, ensuring that students in far-flung communities are made aware of these life-changing grants.IMT
