The Senate on Monday, Sept. 7, approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to make the government’s merit scholarship program a permanent fixture and provide financial assistance to deserving Filipino students.
Senate Bill No. 2410, or the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program Act, was approved during Monday’s plenary session.
The measure seeks to institutionalize the existing Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program and provide continued support to qualified students pursuing higher education and technical-vocational training.
Senator Joel Villanueva, sponsor of the bill, said making the program permanent would ensure that deserving students continue to receive financial support.
“Our bill ensures that essential educational expenses are adequately covered, that benefits are periodically adjusted to account for inflation, and that qualified scholars continue to receive the support promised to them,” he said.
Under the bill, scholars may receive tuition subsidies, living and transportation allowances, book and connectivity allowances, and other educational assistance.
Financial support may also cover internships, thesis and research requirements and board examinations.
Senior high school graduates from public and private schools may apply, provided they are not receiving equivalent benefits from another national government scholarship program.
For the higher education track, applicants must either belong to the top 1% of their graduating class or have a General Weighted Average of at least 95%.
Applicants for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training diploma track must have a GWA of at least 85%.
The bill gives priority to fields considered important to national development, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, environmental science, health, information technology, artificial intelligence, computing, data science, research, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors.
Scholars will also be required to render return service after graduation and are encouraged to use their skills in addressing national concerns such as rural development, literacy and public infrastructure.IMT
