Studying in college or learning skills in technical-vocational schools is now within the grasp of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Program (DSWD) Field Office XI as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region XI strengthens its information drive with the department on the available scholarships through the CHED UniFAST for incoming college students, says DSWD XI 4Ps Information Officer Michelle D. Franca. 

“Pinaagi sa CHED UniFAST, naa tay libre nga edukasyon. Kini nga free higher education nagahatag ni ug prebilihiyo sa atong mga estudyante nga maka-eskwela sa mga state universities and colleges (SUCs) ug mga local universities and colleges (LUCs), (Through CHED UniFAST, we have free education. This free higher education provides a privilege for our students to attend state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs),” said Franca in an interview with DXDC RMN Davao on January 18, 2024. 

Franca further stated the breakdown of the thirteen (13) miscellaneous and matriculation fees included in the said scholarship.

“Mabayran apil niani ang (included in the payment are) admission fees, medical or dental fees, computer fees, school ID, development fees, athletic fees, guidance fees, cultural fees, laboratory fees, entrance fees, handbook, registration fees, ug (and) laboratory fees,” she stated. 

To apply for the said scholarship, student applicants must provide all the requirements Franca stated during the interview.

“Ang gikinahanglan lang gyud ani ang filled-out application form, certificate of enrolment, ug ang certificate of indigency nga pagpamatood nga usa mo sa nanginahanglan niini nga subsidiya, (All you need is the filled-out application form, certificate of enrollment, and the certificate of indigency as proof that you need this subsidy),” she emphasized. 

She also reminded the aspiring students not to be anxious about the grade requirements of the said scholarships as these are open to all whether you are on top of your class or not.

“Ang tumong gyud nato ani nga programa dili gyud pa-brightay kundi makatabang sa mga estudyante nga buot mutungha nga dili kaya gastohan ilang mga kaugalingon, (This program is not just for those who could keep their grades high but for those who wish to attend college but could not afford it),” Franca elaborated. 

The effort to provide free higher education for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries by DSWD Field Office XI, in collaboration with CHED Region XI, is a big step towards inclusive education. This initiative not only supports educational access but also commits to easing financial challenges for aspiring students. (DSWD FO XI/EMCJr) 

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