Scholarship awaits top senior high school grads

Local

TOP-PERFORMING senior high school graduates are being offered a new government scholarship program that provides up to P120,000 in annual support as applications officially open.

The government has opened applications for the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP), a new scholarship initiative for top senior high school graduates that provides up to P120,000 in annual financial assistance for college and technical-vocational studies.

The program was launched by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) together with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for Academic Year 2026–2027 under Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2026.

It forms part of the administration’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda and aims to support high-performing students while addressing skills shortages in key sectors of the labor market.

CHED-Central Visayas focal person Mellissa Castillote said the program is intended to align education outcomes with workforce needs.

“The program aims to bridge the gap between supply and demand of the workforce. It also drives national development in line with the goals of Bagong Pilipinas,” Castillote said.

Applications are open until June 30, through the official BPMSP online portal.

Applicants must be incoming first-year college students who graduated senior high school with a general weighted average (GWA) of at least 95 percent or who ranked in the top five of their graduating class.

They must also come from families with a combined annual income not exceeding P2 million and must enroll in CHED-identified priority degree programs in accredited higher education institutions.

In Central Visayas, eligible programs include courses under Cebu Normal University’s College of Nursing and College of Teacher Education.

Selection will be based on a weighted system where academic performance accounts for 70 percent and family income 30 percent, with additional points granted to members of equity groups such as persons with disabilities, solo parents, indigenous peoples, senior citizens, and first-generation students.

The BPMSP is divided into two components: the Higher Education Track (HE Track) under CHED and the TVET Diploma Track under TESDA.

Under the HE Track, students enrolled in private higher education institutions may receive up to P22,500 per semester for tuition subsidy, plus equivalent stipend and allowances, totaling up to P45,000 per semester.

Students in public higher education institutions will receive stipends and allowances only, as tuition is already covered under Republic Act 10931.

Under the TVET Diploma Track, beneficiaries may receive up to P70,000 for tuition, P40,000 in stipend, and P10,000 for book and connectivity allowance, totaling up to P120,000 annually.

Top-performing scholars under the HE Track may also qualify for an Academic Excellence Incentive of P18,000 per term, awarded to the top 15 scholars per region each semester.

CHED 7 said the scholarship is strictly merit-based, requiring scholars to pass all subjects each semester to maintain eligibility.

“If they failed one subject, then there is a possibility that they will be terminated from the scholarship program,” Castillote said.

Scholars will be monitored through designated focal persons in their respective institutions, while CHED will validate enrollment and academic performance through official documents submitted every semester.

The program also requires beneficiaries to render one year of return service in the Philippines for every year of scholarship received, with priority in government and public institutions.

CHED 7 reminded applicants to ensure complete and authentic submissions, citing common errors such as incomplete documents, mismatched grade reports, missing names on records, and invalid income certifications.

Accepted income documents include BIR Certificate of Tax Exemption, DSWD case studies, BIR Form 2316, and verified income proofs for OFW and seafarer parents.

Applicants were also urged to submit accurate academic records from senior high school.

“This scholarship program is more than just financial assistance. It is an opportunity to unlock your potential and create a brighter future — not only for yourself, but for your family and your community,” Castillote said.

Applications may be filed through bpms.ched.gov.ph or coordinated with CHED regional offices nationwide.(MyTVCebu)