AFP, Mercury Drug renew scholarship deal

Garcia, AFP public affairs office chief, said benefits include full tuition and miscellanous fees (PNA photo)

MANILA — Dependents of military personnel completing degrees in pharmacy can now avail of a full scholarship after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Mercury Drug Foundation, Inc. (MDFI) renewed its scholarship deal early this year.

Lt. Col. Emmanuel Garcia, AFP public affairs office chief, said benefits include full tuition and miscellaneous fees in accredited colleges.

Scholars would also be provided monthly allowances to cover for food and transportation expenses while jobs at Mercury Drug Corporation upon graduation will also be offered to them, he added.

Garcia said the scholarship program is a nationwide effort between the AFP and MDFI that was initiated in February 2017 and has been renewed this year.

It is part of the effort of civilian stakeholders to recognize the sacrifices and services of soldiers, especially those in the frontlines.

Qualified applicants are dependents of soldiers who are in the active service, killed-in-action, incapacitated (combat or non-combat), or died in the line of duty.

They must be in the last two years of their studies in Pharmacy or willing to transfer to schools that are members of the Philippine Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.

“The AFP extends its gratitude to the MDFI, and all stakeholders for being partners in uplifting the morale and welfare of soldiers. The AFP hopes that more organizations will extend assistance to the AFP in helping soldiers and their families secure a better future,” Garcia said.

For further information on accredited schools and other requirements on the AFP-MDFI scholarship program, applicants may contact the following numbers:

*Landline: 912-9606 or 911-6001 loc 6009/6010;

*Mobile: 0917-507-6617, 0999-993-3376, 0932-843-5446.

Deadline for application is on Feb. 28.