Senate approves merit scholarship program for top senior high graduates

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 08, 2026

Photo courtesy: CHED Region 1

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has approved a bill that would establish a permanent government scholarship program for high-performing senior high school graduates pursuing college or technical-vocational education.

Senate Bill No. 2410, or the proposed Presidential Merit Scholarship Program (PMSP) Act, seeks to institutionalize the existing Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program and provide scholarships in priority fields linked to the country’s workforce and development needs.

Under the measure, applicants would generally need to come from families with a combined annual gross income of no more than P2 million, although the threshold may be adjusted based on inflation and education costs.

For the higher education track, applicants must have at least a 95-percent general weighted average in Grade 11 and qualify for a priority undergraduate program.

Those applying for the technical-vocational track must have at least an 85-percent general weighted average and be admitted to a TESDA-recognized diploma program in a priority sector.

Priority fields include science, technology, engineering and mathematics; agriculture and fisheries; health and allied sciences; information technology; artificial intelligence and data science; specialized teacher education; and research and innovation.

The scholarship may cover tuition and other school fees, living and relocation expenses, room and board, transportation, books, internet connectivity, laboratory costs and other education-related expenses.

If qualified applicants exceed the number of available slots, students from lower-income households would be given preference.

Scholars would also be required to render service in the Philippines for a period equivalent to the number of years they received the scholarship. This may be fulfilled through employment, professional practice, research, teaching, community engagement or public service.

The bill also directs the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to establish clear timelines for processing and releasing scholarship benefits.

Senator Joel Villanueva, principal sponsor and author of the measure, said the program is intended to ensure that academically talented students are not prevented from pursuing further education because of financial limitations.

Existing beneficiaries of the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program would continue receiving their benefits during the transition to the proposed PMSP.

The measure is part of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council’s priority agenda targeted for passage before the end of June 2027.