The site is very helpful particularly on the tips, strategies for taking college entrance exams. Thank you very much. Keep up the good work. Good job to the developers of this site.

Philippine College Scholarships: Shouichi Yoshida Memorial Scholarship

It’s interesting to see that other people recognize the value of our country’s natural resources, even if we ourselves don’t.  In fact, there is at least one scholarship grant out there that caters to potential graduates of agriculture courses in the Philippines.  It also has a distinctively Japanese flair to it.  I’m referring to the Shouichi Yoshida Memorial Scholarship (SYMS).

General Description

The SYMS is actually open to deserving yet economically handicapped Filipino (and otherwise) students.  As was mentioned earlier, it only provides financial support for agriculture majors who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree courtesy of a Philippine university.

Scholarship Benefits

Here’s the interesting bit:  students from UP Los Baños will enjoy a monthly stipend of 2,000 for 10 months every school year.  This grant is good for five years or until the applicants’ graduate—whichever period of time is shorter.  The package also includes tuition/matriculation and miscellaneous school fees.

On the other hand, students from other universities with agriculture programs will receive the same package deal in a slightly modified form—they’ll get P1,800 per month for 10 months every school year.

Qualifications

The SYMS is specifically on the lookout for students who are:

  • UPCAT and NSAT passers
  • scholastically promising – must belong to the honor roll or the upper 5% of their graduating class
  • Future agriculture majors
  • In need of financial assistance
  • proficient in written and spoken English
  • People of good moral character

In terms of selection, kindly note that a greater emphasis is placed on the applicants’ financial status and high school grades, followed by English proficiency and UPCAT/NSAT scores.  Students whose families earn no more than 900 pesos a day will receive the greatest priority and consideration.

Foreign Applicants

Besides these, the SYMS also has special requirements for foreign applicants.  A government institute or agency from their home country will need to certify their financial status standard of living, area of origin, educational standard and the salaries and occupations of their relatives.  This same institution will also help administer the UPCAT to their respective applicants.

Furthermore, the following documents are also needed:

  • A signed and completed application form
  • Photocopies of the applicants’ high school grades or their transcript of records
  • Written certification from the high school principal of the applicants’ honor roll status or their inclusion in the upper 5% of their graduating class
  • Written certification of the applicants’ financial status (accomplished by the state) or a photocopy of their family’s previous year’s income returns.
  • UPCAT, NSAT and English proficiency test results
  • A single page typewritten essay that answers these questions:
    • Why do you wish to study agriculture?
    • What benefits will it provide for you and your country?

Scholarship Obligations

Applicants have their work cut out for them:  the minimum weighted average per semester is 2.5 for a minimum of 15 academic units.  No individual grade for any subject must drop below 2.75.  Failure to meet these minimum grade requirements will automatically cancel the scholarship.  The only exception to the 15 academic unit rule involves the applicants’ last college semester—then and only then may they take on less than the required academic load.

Grantees are responsible for submitting their grades to the scholarship committee for evaluation within one week after the final testing period at the end of every semester.  They must first check with the committee and secure its approval before transferring schools, changing courses or dropping a subject.  The very latter case will require consultation with a designated adviser.  Nevertheless, the final decision of approving or disapproving the request lies with the committee.

Finally, the SYMS committee expects graduated grantees to coordinate with it at least once every two to three years regarding the progress of their intellectual pursuits.

Contact Details

For more inquiries, kindly contact Mr. Romeo Visperas at .

Source:

http://www.filipinoscholar.com/201101-shouichi-yoshida-scholarship.html/

Philippine College Scholarships: OWWA EDSP Scholarship

Children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) face the challenge of growing up in a home where at least one parent is not physically present.  Perhaps that is why certain organizations have chosen to act compassionately toward them and to assist them in any way they can.  One such organization is the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

 

One way that the OWWA helps children of OFWs is by providing scholarship grants for qualifying candidates.  The Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) is one of their trademark grants.  If you have a parent or sibling working overseas and you’re looking for financial assistance for your schooling, check the following terms out.

 

EDSP Terms and Eligibility Requirements

 

Basically, the EDSP provides for 30,000 pesos a semester or a maximum of 60,000 pesos a school year for qualified beneficiaries.  This applies to a four or five-year baccalaureate course in any of the program’s participating universities.  The OWWA pays the scholars’ tuition fees directly to their school.  It releases the balance to the scholars once they submit their grades for the agreed-upon term duration.

To qualify, prospective candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • They must have an OWWA member for a parent or a sibling (the member must be unmarried in the latter case).
  • They must be a Filipino citizen younger than 21 years of age.
  • They need to be of good physical shape and sport good moral character.
  • They must be part of the top 20% of their senior year in high school.
  • They should not have earned any college or post-secondary school units yet at the time of their application.
  • They must not be enjoying any other scholarship grant at the time of their application.

The scholars’ have responsibilities to fulfill during the duration of their program.  Besides the obvious requirement of maintaining the minimum grade for their continued scholarship, they and their parents (or legal guardian) must enter into a scholarship agreement with the OWWA.  The latter party will provide other terms and conditions for them to comply with.

Please note that scholarship grants are for successful applicants only—they are non-transferable.  Furthermore, the OWWA makes it a point to recognize and honor outstanding scholars in their respective fields.

On Documents and Selection

Please note that applicants need to turn several documents in as well. These include:

  • 2 copies of the accomplished application form
  • A couple of 2×2 size ID photos
  • Proof of OWWA membership – the OWWA provides an official receipt of contribution/certification via its Membership Registry Division.
  • Evidence of the applicants’ relationship to an OWWA member – an NSO-certified or local civil registrar-certified birth certificate.  This applies to both the single OFW and the applicant-dependent OFW.
  • High school report card (Form 137)
  • NSO Certificate of No Marriage (for unmarried OFWs only)
  • A written certificate confirming the applicants’ physical fitness (Form B)
  • A Certificate of Good Moral Character accomplished by the applicants’ guidance counselor or high school principal (Form C)
  • A certificate from the high school principal vouching for the applicants’ status as members of the top 20% of their graduation batch (Form D)
  • Applicants’ written statement that they have not earned any college units or post-secondary units yet (Form E)
  • Applicants’ sworn statement—signed by parents or legal guardians—attesting to their non-dual citizenship and to the lack of a pending application for resident immigrant status from any country. pending application (Form F)

The OWWA Scholarship Committee selects, ranks and recommends applicants based on how well the latter do on a qualifying test.  Should you have any questions about the EDSP, feel free to contact the OWWA at (632) 891-7601 locals 5214 or 5206, (632) 804-0640 or (632) 834-0717.  E-mail goes to [email protected].  Alternatively, you may also reach any of the regional offices listed here.

Sources:

http://www.owwa.gov.ph/wcmqs/programs_services/education_and_training/edsp.html

DOST SEI Scholarship 2012 Application and Exam Schedule [for SY:2012-2013]

DOST SEI Scholarship

The DOST-SEI office has recently released the application and exam schedules for the DOST-SEI 2012 Scholarship Exam (note that this is the DOST Scholarship Exam that will be held this year for the incoming college freshmen of the 2012-2013 School Year).  To quote the DOST-SEI’s reply to our email inquiry:

Please be informed that application form for the 2012 Undergraduate Scholarship Programs is now available at the Science Education Institute, 2/F Science Heritage Building, DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig City.

You may also download the form and the brochure from our website, www.sei.dost.gov.ph, once these are uploaded. The deadline of application will be on 21 October 2011 (Friday) and the conduct of the Scholarship Examination will be on 20 November 2011 (Sunday).

[Note: Emphasis is ours.]

So these are the important DOST Scholarship dates to remember:

Deadline of Application:  October 21, 2011

DOST SEI Exam Schedule: November 20, 2011

At the time of writing, though, the downloadable application forms have not yet been uploaded to the DOST-SEI website, so be sure to check their website from time to time. As the email says, however, you can already get the application form from the DOST-SEI office in Bicutan. You should also check regularly with your local DOST Regional Offices; Provincial Science and Technology Centers (PSTC) or Offices of the Congressmen to see if the DOST scholarship application forms are already available in their office. In fact, in some regions – say, the Ilocos Region – application forms are already available in the DOST Regional Office.

To know more about the requirements and the exam coverage of this scholarship, you can read this post:  Philippine College Scholarships: DOST Scholarship.

To read about the tips and strategies for the DOST scholarship exam, check out this post:  DOST Scholarship Exam Tips and Strategies.

To learn about the scholarship benefits, paperwork needed and obligations, you can check out this post:  Philippine College Scholarships: DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship

To check out other Philippine College Scholarships, click here.

Good Luck and God Bless to all would-be DOST 2012 Scholarship Exam takers!: )

Acknowledgement:

We would like to thank the Science and Technology Scholarship Division of the DOST-SEI, particularly the S&T Scholarship Division Chief, Ma’am ALICIA L. ASUNCION, MPM. Thank you, Ma’am Asuncion, for taking the time to respond to our inquiry; I’m sure our readers are also very grateful to you and your office for this much awaited update.

CHED STATE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (SSP) Basics


Besides learning institutions, the government is usually one of the best sources of financial assistance for poor yet deserving students.  In fact, certain departments have their names affixed to scholarship grants, making for easy sponsor identification.

Speaking of which, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has its own State Scholarship Program (henceforth referred to as the SSP) for worthy applicants.  Read on for more details.

Scholarship Details

1. Background:

Republic Act 4090 (aptly named the State Scholarship Law) CHED Order Number 23  are both responsible for bringing the SSP into being.  Basically, the program was designed to assist financially challenged, yet diligent students attend and complete certain priority courses at select higher education institutions (HEIs).

2. Qualifications:

Applicants may qualify for the SSP provided they meet the following criteria:

  • They are Filipino citizens.
  • They are about to attend their freshman year at college.
  • They belong to the top 10 of their senior year high school’s graduating class.
  • They intend to enroll in any of the priority courses at selected HEIs.
  • They are no older than 25 years old at the time of their application.
  • The combined gross annual income of their parents or legal guardians is no greater than 120,000 pesos.

For a list of participating HEIs, kindly refer to CHED’s listing on this webpage.

3. Required Documents:

The necessary paperwork is standard issue stuff.  It includes:

  • Written certification of the applicant’s senior year high school class ranking prepared by the principal of the applicant’s high school
  • Written certification of the applicant’s good moral character, again prepared by the same principal
  • The most recent BIR statement (income tax return) of the applicant’s parents or legal guardian (s)
  • Written certification of the applicant’s good health prepared by a licensed government physician
  • Recent 2 x 2 ID photos for the scholarship application form

4. Procedure:

Applying for the SSP is a pretty straightforward process.  Your first order of business is to obtain your application form from the CHED regional office (CHEDRO) nearest you.  Alternatively, you may also approach your high school principal and request for the application form from him or her.

Fill up the form completely and submit it to the CHEDRO in question.  Once that’s done, just wait for notification of the results. It’s that simple.

Benefits, Privileges and CHED Contact Details

The good news is that the SSP will cover the tuition of every successful applicant.  The bad news is that it doesn’t cover other school fees and miscellaneous fees.  Don’t fret, though:  scholars will also receive a book allowance amounting to 250 pesos and a stipend of 2,500 pesos on top of their tuition coverage.

Please note that the SSP details may change by the time you read this article, so it’s a good idea to check with the commission every so often for updates.  Should you have any questions about this scholarship program, feel free to contact the CHED people by e-mailing them at .

If you’d rather contact them via phone, here is a listing of all the phone numbers I was able to obtain:

  • (02) 441-0750
  • (02) 441-0879
  • (02) 441-0985
  • (02) 441-1030
  • (02) 441-1192
  • (02) 441-1224
  • (02) 441-1231
  • (02) 441-1254
  • (02) 441-1256-57
  • (02) 441-1369
  • (02) 441-1405
  • (02) 426 9865
  • (02) 441-0927
  • (02) 743-3220

The Peace Corps Alumni Foundation Scholarships


Scholarship sponsors usually have a predetermined list factors with which to judge applicants.  Academic excellence is definitely an important consideration, yet it’s not all that sponsors are looking for.  Other intangibles, such as being active in extra-curricular activities and showing strong leadership qualities, also matter.

In fact, these two traits seem to be among the top considerations of the Peace Corps Alumni Foundation (henceforth referred to as the PCAFPD or simply “the foundation.”).  This is most clearly seen in the scholarship named after it.  Let’s take a closer look at the details of the program.

Scholarship Details

1.  General Scholarship Information:

The PCAFPD prioritizes applicants who have three basic characteristics:  genuine financial need, academic excellence and a commitment to leading and serving their community (and ultimately their country as well).  Thus, its scholarship is geared toward helping scholars exhibit and further develop the latter two traits.

The program is open to incoming freshmen majoring in any course (except for nursing) at any Philippine learning institution.  Both Peace Corps Volunteers and Filipino citizens provide the funding for this scholarship.

2.  Necessary Documents:

The foundation will expect the following paperwork from applicants:

  • The application form (completely filled up)
  • Personal statements (please see the application form)
  • A copy of applicants’ most recent grade report
  • written certification from the applicants’ high school principal testifying to their rank, a description of their extra-curricular activities, leadership qualities and their overall suitability for the scholarship
  • a letter from influential people not related to the applicants by blood.  These include: civic leaders, Peace Corps volunteers, teachers, religious leaders and barangay captains.  The letter needs to describe the applicants’ community service potential, experience and commitment.
  • the most recent Income Tax Return (or Certification for Exemption/non-filing of Income Tax) of the applicants’ parents or legal guardians.

Please send everything to the foundation’s contact person (Kindly see the Contact Details section below.) by September 30.

3.  Application Schedule:

June 1 start of application period
September 30 deadliest deadline for submission of required application documents
October applications reviewed by Philippine Board members and volunteers
November all complete applications go to the United States
January US Board of Directors conducts a final review of applications
March 1 posting of scholarship recipients on the foundation website, complete with personal notices and instructions given to the chosen applicants a
April 1 deadliest deadline for applicants’ acceptance of scholarship
April – May scholar orientation

4. Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify, applicants:

  • Must be Filipino students who have graduated from high school (or are set to graduate by the end of the current school year) and are ready to enter college.
  • Must be in the top 10 % of their class
  • Need to have performed some form of volunteer work or community service
  • Must have no intention to work abroad after they graduate
  • Need to be committed to serving others in their community and country

5. Miscellaneous Considerations:

Service is a top priority for the PCAFPD.  Therefore, priority may be given to students who intend to study at public (state funded) institutions and whose choice of majors are skewed more toward the development of the country.  These majors include:

  • Special education
  • Primary and secondary education
  • Community development
  • Social work
  • Engineering
  • IT
  • Environmental sciences
  • Fisheries
  • Agriculture and related courses

While the foundation looks most closely at applicants’ academic proficiency, financial needs, leadership qualities and commitment to service, it also pays attention to well-thought-out personal statements written on the application form.   Think through the questions carefully and write your best answers!

Finally, please note that, due to way the has been scheduled, applicants need not necessarily be in college at the time of their application.  Nevertheless, the foundation will still hold them responsible for taking their entrance exams as soon as possible.

Students who are already in college may still apply, yet more priority may be given to the ones who have not attended any higher education classes yet.

Benefits and Obligations

The PCAFPD will cover scholars’ tuition and other necessary school fees.  It will also provide a book and school supply fund per semester, plus a 5,000-peso Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) stipend that helps cover such costs as boarding and transportation.  The Foundation will continue to provide for the scholars assuming they perform according to its standards and comply with its rules.

On the other hand, scholars must maintain an average grade of C or better and send in their grade reports (and an essay) on time at the end of every semester.  They must immediately inform the foundation if any of the following should occur:

  • They incur a failing grade.
  • Their enrollment status (change of major or schools) or financial status changes. Approval must first be sought for the former case.
  • Another organization offers them a scholarship.  Dual scholarships may be considered, though with reduced benefits for the PCAFPD scholarship.

As you can see, the foundation values good communication, so scholars will also need to keep in touch with its Vice President for Philippine Operations via snail mail or e-mail.  They will also be asked to join the PCAFPD Scholars and Alumni Association (PSAA) and remain in good standing with it.

Lastly, the foundation will ask them for written materials and pictures from time to time for official business purposes.

Contact Details

The official foundation contact person is Mr. Roland de Jesus, Vice President for Philippine Operations.  Incidentally, he is also the person who will receive all of the foundation’s Philippine applications.  He seems to have no contact number at the moment, so drop him a line at .

Alternatively, you may send him snail mail at Benguet Corporation, Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas,1226 Makati.  Note that you can also receive an application form via this method.  Just send your complete mailing address to Mr. de Jesus at the aforementioned physical and e-mail addresses.  Remember to mention “PCAFPD” in the subject line.

KPI Academic Scholarships for Financially Challenged Filipino Youths

With the qualifications I mentioned in the previous articles, you may be tempted to think that Kabataang Pilipino, Inc. (KPI) is always on the lookout for applicants with “special” needs or abilities.

That’s not necessarily the case, however.  As the last scholarship variant will bear out, the institution also accepts applicants with classic academic smarts, artistic ability and physical handicaps aside.  Read on for more details.

Scholarship Details

1. Background:

As with all KPI scholarships, this grant goes to Filipino applicants from the elementary, high school, college and vocational levels, specifically those who have proven their academic expertise.  This is probably the most standard of all the three scholarship variants that KPI has to offer.

2. Qualifications:

Applicants will qualify for any of KPI’s scholarships provided they meet the following standards:

  • Applicants must not have an immediate relative who has been a former KPI scholar.
  • Their family’s gross annual income must not exceed 100,000 pesos.
  • They must believe in the part of education in developing the country.
  • They must be willing and able to carry their education through to completion.

The more specific qualifications are as follows:

Elementary, high school and college applicants must:

  • have a minimum general weighted average of 85% (or its equivalent) in the year immediately prior to the date of application
  • be either incoming fourth graders or incoming high school freshmen at application time
  • be endorsed by the adviser and/or principal of the school where they are studying or the school they hope to attend

College applicants, on the other hand, should:

  • have a general weighted average of at least 85% (or its equivalent).  Alternatively, they should have no failing grades on all subjects.  These conditions apply to the school year immediately prior to their application.
  • be at least an incoming freshman at the time of the scholarship grant

Finally, vocational applicants who intend to pursue IT-related courses (web designing, programming and the like) will receive first priority, though the KPI Board of Trustees may consider other courses on a case-to-case basis.

3. Necessary Paperwork:

KPI will also need the following documents:

  • the completed application form
  • a certificate of residency from the applicant’s barangay of residence and any two of the applicant’s past instructors (or any alternative and verifiable character references)
  • a certificate of good moral character obtained from the sources mentioned above
  • a BIR-validated Income Tax Return form, or any other proof of income, issued or certified by the applicant’s barangay of residence
  • a handwritten Letter of Request for Scholarship addressed to the Kabataang Pilipino Board of Trustees.  Letters in English are preferred, though those written in Filipino or in the applicant’s dialect are also acceptable.
  • the formal Kabataang Pilipino Covenant of Partnership.  This is a contract signed by both KPI and the grantee’s parents or legal guardian(s).  It only applies if the committee has already selected the applicant.

4. General Schedule and Procedure:

The application process for all KPI scholarships follows a general schedule:  April 01 to April 30 of each calendar year is set aside for high school and college student applications on their first term.  October 1 to 31 is usually blocked off for college students on their second semester term applications.

College students who are working with trimesters instead may apply a month before the beginning of each trimester.  Finally, vocational students have no schedule restrictions, and may apply any time during the year.

Applying is simple and straightforward:  simply mail in the documents enumerated above to:  Kabataang-Filipino, Inc., Block 80, Lot 6, N. Aquino Street, Barangay Laram, San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines 4023.

Program Privileges

Scholars will get different amounts of financial assistance depending on their educational level and the amount of funds available to KPI.  They may use these benefits as allowances, tuition subsidies or payments for miscellaneous school fees.  Note that KPI credits the money through Banco de Oro cash cards, so applying for a personal card is absolutely necessary.

As of the time of this writing, elementary students receive an annual amount of 4000 pesos while their high school counterparts receive 7000 pesos every school year.  College students also get different benefits depending on their school system:  scholars who work with a semester system get 5000 pesos per semester, while those whose schools go by trimester receive 4000 pesos per trimester instead.

Finally, vocational students will receive 4000 pesos, except they receive it per course instead of per year.

Scholar Obligations

Students will need to do a number of things to maintain their scholarships.  One responsibility involves turning in true copies of their grades a week after the grading period, semester or trimester commences.  Photocopies are also acceptable in the event that true copes aren’t available, provided the former are backed up by the original copies of their report cards.

Speaking of grades, KPI frowns upon failing grades in any subject.  Elementary and high school scholars need to keep their general weighted averages at a minimum of 85%.  Their college and vocational level counterparts need to keep their averages at 2.50 or higher.

Failing to meet these requirements will result in unfortunate consequences.  For example, benefits may be withheld until such a time when the scholars have improved their performance.  Scholars may be placed on probation status, or in worst case scenarios, have their scholarships terminated.

In case you’re wondering, probation status means that KPI will keep a closer eye on the erring scholars.  Students who continuously perform well will be returned to regular status, while those who don’t are booted out of the scholarship.

Furthermore, students are may only be placed on probation once during a school year.  The maximum number of times they may receive that status during their entire scholarship period is three times.  Any more than that will automatically cancel their scholarship.

Lastly, KPI will require all students to attend and participate in different extra-curricular activities to enhance their learning experience.  These include workshops, tours, conventions and other events.

KPI Contact Details

The KPI Board of Trustees has the option of modifying any of its scholarship details, so checking with the organization every so often is a good idea.  KPI may be reached at phone number (+632) 868-8117 or via e-mail at or .  For personal visits, the office of the Executive Director is located at 85 Camia Street, Sto. Rosario Subdivision, Pateros, Metro Manila.

The KPI Art Scholarship for Financially Challenged Filipino Youths


It’s not everyday that a scholarship grant offers you certain “choices.”  I placed the word within quotation marks because I was referring to a certain scholarship for financially challenged Filipino Youths—a three-in-one grant by Kabataang-Pilipino, Inc. (KPI)

The catch is that you don’t really choose the aspect of the grant as you would normally a college course.  The part of the grant that you’ll be applying for will depend on whether you’re a gifted artist, a handicapped person, or someone who simply needs financial assistance to assist you in your academic pursuits.  Read on to understand what I mean.

Scholarship Details

1. Background:

There are three “sub-scholarships” classified under the main KPI grant, and each one caters to a different kind of applicant.  This article will tackle the one specifically designed for the more artistically inclined:  the KPI Art Scholarship.

The art scholarship is usually awarded to grade school, high school or college level students of any Filipino public or private school who possess talent in any artistic field:  performing, visual, sculpture, written and what not.  Specifically, these include skills such as (but are not limited to) the following:

  • singing and dancing
  • acting
  • making music
  • drawing and painting
  • writing poetry and prose

2. Qualifications:

The general intangible requirements for any KPI scholarship are pretty simple:

  • Applicants must be motivated enough to see their education through to the end.
  • They must believe in education as the key to the country’s development.
  • Their annual family income must be less than P100,000.
  • They must not have an immediate relative who has been a former recipient of a KPI scholarship.

Besides these, the art scholarship has its own special set of requirements.  Applicants whose forte lies in the performing arts will need to set a meeting with the KPI Screening Committee to demonstrate their talent in their particular field.  Students whose talents lean toward other areas must submit samples of their work to the same committee for assessment.  Please note that these samples, once submitted, will become KPI property.

3. Necessary Documents:

Besides the aforementioned samples, KPI will also ask applicants for the following:

  • an Income Tax Return (BIR-validated) or any other proof of income that was certified or issued by the applicant’s barangay of residence
  • a handwritten Letter of Request for Scholarship (in English or the vernacular, though the former is preferred) addressed to the Kabataang Pilipino Board of Trustees
  • certificate of residency and good moral character from the barangay of residence and any two of the applicant’s past instructors (or any alternative and verifiable character references)
  • the formal Kabataang Pilipino Covenant of Partnership, a contract signed by both KPI and the grantee’s parents or legal guardian(s).  (This will only be submitted if the committee has already selected the applicant.)
  • the completed application form

4. Schedule and Procedure:

The general annual application schedule goes something like this:

April 01 to April 30 of each calendar year is reserved for high school and college student (first term) applications.  The latter may also apply from October 1 to 31 of the calendar year for their second semester term.

In the event that the college students are working with trimesters instead of semesters, they may apply a month before the beginning of each trimester.  Vocational students have no restrictions, whatsoever—they may apply all year round.

The application process itself is extremely straightforward. All anyone needs to do is to mail in (or e-mail) the documents described above to:  Kabataang-Filipino, Inc., Block 80, Lot 6, N. Aquino Street, Barangay Laram, San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines 4023.

Benefits

Benefits differ depending on the educational level of the student and the amount of funds available to KPI.  For instance, the most recent figures place the benefits at 4000 pesos per year for elementary students.

7000 pesos goes to high school students per year, while vocational students get 4000 pesos per course.  College students whose schools work by semester get 5000 pesos per semester, while those with trimesters get 4000 per trimester.

These amounts detailed above may be used as tuition subsidies, miscellaneous school fees or allowances.  KPI will also require scholars to apply for a personal Banco de Oro cash card, as the money will be credited directly to that card.

Obligations

Scholars will need to do a number of things to maintain their scholarship.  First of all, KPI will expect them to promptly turn in true copies (or photocopies backed by original copies) of their report cards.  These should be submitted within a week from the grading period (for elementary and secondary school students), semester or trimester (for vocational and college pupils).  The KPI scholarship coordinators will certify these.

Of course, the grades they submit must be worth looking at to begin with—that means no failing final grades in any subject (covered by the grant) for every grading period—semester, trimester and what not.

It doesn’t mean they can be borderline grades, either.  KPI expects all scholars to maintain a minimum general weighted average of 85% (or its equivalent) for elementary and high school pupils and a minimum of 2.50 (or its equivalent) for vocational and college students.

Be careful, as failure to meet these requirements can either land you in probation status or even terminate your scholarship in worst case scenarios.  Besides, scholars are only allowed to be in probation status once a school year, up to three times during their entire academic tenure.  Additional instances will cancel the scholarship and its benefits for good.

Finally, all scholars will be asked to attend and participate in various KPI events such as workshops, tours, conventions and other programs designed to broaden their learning experience.

Contact Details

Should you need to get in touch with KPI, you may call them at (+632) 868-8117.or drop them a line at or .  If you’d rather pay a visit to the office of the Executive Director, it’s located at 85 Camia Street, Sto. Rosario Subdivision
Pateros, Metro Manila.

KPI Scholarships for Handicapped and Financially Challenged Filipino Youths


Someone once told me that the true handicaps are all in the mind.  Perhaps Kabataaing Pilipino, Incorporated was thinking along the same lines when they set a grant aside for students with physical disabilities.  It may be connected to an implicit trust in both divine grace and the human spirit to overcome any disability.

Last time, we took a look at the KPI scholarship for artists.  This time, we’ll be taking a closer look at a scholarship for people who are challenged both financially and physically.  Read on for more details.

KPI Scholarship Details

1. Background:

KPI also believes in giving students with disabilities a chance to pursue their education and show the world what they’ve got.  Just like its other scholarship variants, this grant is awarded to grade school, high school or college level students of any Filipino public, private or vocational school that possess physical disabilities.  These include (but are not limited to):

  • amputated limbs
  • blindness, deafness or the inability to speak
  • other physical conditions such as harelips, polio-related disabilities, etc.

2. Qualifications:

The following intangible requirements apply to any KPI scholarship variant:

  • Applicants must be passionate enough to carry their education through to completion.
  • They must believe that their education is the key to the country’s development.
  • Their annual family income must be less than 100,000 pesos.
  • They must not have an immediate relative who has been a former recipient of a KPI scholarship.

3. Necessary Paperwork:

KPI will also ask applicants for the following:

  • a BIR-validated Income Tax Return  or any other evidence of income, certified or issued by the applicant’s barangay of residence
  • a handwritten Letter of Request for Scholarship (in English, Filipino or the applicant’s dialect, though English is preferred) addressed to the Kabataang Pilipino Board of Trustees
  • certificate of residency from the barangay of residence and any two of the applicant’s past instructors (or any alternative and verifiable character references)
  • certificate of good moral character obtained from the same sources
  • the formal Kabataang Pilipino Covenant of Partnership.  This is a contract signed by both KPI and the grantee’s parents or legal guardian(s).  This only applies if the committee has already selected the applicant.)
  • the completed application form
  • a medical certificate prepared by an attending physician
  • recently taken (read: no more than 3 months’ old) color ID pictures as proof of the applicant’s disability/handicap.

4. General Schedule and Procedure:

The annual application schedule for this KPI scholarship follows this general timetable:

April 01 to April 30 of each calendar year is set aside for high school and college student  applications on their first term.  The latter may also apply from October 1 to 31 for their second semester term.

College students who are working with trimesters instead of semesters may apply a month before the beginning of each trimester.  Vocational students have no schedule restrictions, whatsoever—they may apply all year round.

To apply, all anyone needs to do is to mail in (or e-mail) the aforementioned documents to:  Kabataang-Filipino, Inc., Block 80, Lot 6, N. Aquino Street, Barangay Laram, San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines 4023.

Program Benefits

KPI’s benefits vary depending on the scholar’s educational level and the amount of funds available.  The most recent figures, for instance, start with an annual 4000 pesos for elementary students and 7000 pesos for high school students.

Vocational students are a little different in the sense that they receive their benefits per course (4000 pesos) instead of per year.  College students whose schools operate on a semestral basis get 5000 pesos per semester, while their trimestral counterparts receive 4000 per trimester.

Scholars may use these benefits as allowance, tuition subsidies or miscellaneous school fees.  KPI prefers to credit the money through Banco de Oro cash cards, so applying for a personal card is a must.

Scholar’s Obligations

KPI expects scholars to turn in true copies of their report cards on time for the KPI scholarship coordinators to verify.  If true copies aren’t available, photocopies are also acceptable provided they are backed up by the original copies of their report cards.  These should be submitted within one week from the grading period (for elementary and secondary school students), semester or trimester (for vocational and college pupils).

The scholar’s grades must also meet or exceed KPI’s standards.  That is, no failing final grades in any subject covered by the grant are allowed for each and every grading period—semester, trimester, etc.  General weighted averages must not go lower than 85% (or its equivalent) for elementary and high school students.  College and vocational students need to maintain an average of at least 2.50 (or its equivalent).

Failing to meet these requirements can result in any one of several unpleasant consequences, such as the withholding of benefits (especially in the case of late submission of grades), the placing of the scholar on probation status or (at worst) the termination of the student’s scholarship.

Probation is a period where KPI keeps a closer eye on the scholar’s performance.  Students who perform well are returned to regular status; those who don’t get the axe.  Furthermore, scholars are may only be placed on probation once during a school year; they may only receive that status up to three times during their entire scholarship period.  Going over the prescribed limit will automatically cancel their scholarship.

Finally, all scholars will be asked to attend and participate in various KPI events.  These include workshops, tours, conventions and other programs designed to enrich their learning experience.

KPI Contact Details

The KPI Board of Trustees may change the scholarship details from time to time, so it’s a good idea to keep in touch with the organization.  Should you need to contact them, dial (+632) 868-8117.or drop them a line at or .  If you’d prefer to visit them in person, the office of the Executive Director is located at 85 Camia Street, Sto. Rosario Subdivision, Pateros, Metro Manila.

Philippine College Scholarships: The Angara Scholarship Program

Most scholarships we’re familiar with usually involve contributions made by entities such as the government, private institutions and private benefactors. Sometimes, however, a scholarship program is named after a single person—in this case, a senator by the name of Edgardo J. Angara..

As with other scholarships, the Angara Scholarship Program offers an opportunity for to pursue a proper college education. That’s not all there is to it, though. The program has a specific principle behind its main objective, as we shall soon find out.

To Educate and to Serve

1. Background: The scholarship’s main objectives involve training financially challenged—yet deserving—students to serve their respective communities (and ultimately, the country as well).

The students aren’t limited to one particular university, either. Some of the participating learning institutions include the University of the Philippines, AMA Computer College, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Far Eastern University, Centro Escolar University and many others.

2. Number of Slots: So far, the program offers slots for 150 scholars. These fortunate students will be chosen from the twenty poorest urban barangays and provinces (including the fifth and sixth class municipalities outside of these twenty provinces) and the poorest areas of capital cities (E.g. Metro Manila, Davao City, etc.)

3. Documents: To apply for this scholarship program, you will need to turn in the following:

• A photocopy of the most recent income tax return for all the working members of your family, or at least any documents that will attest to the level of their income
• Written certification of good moral character from your high school
• Written recommendations accomplished by a couple of prominent members of your hometown (not including your relatives up to the third degree).
• Your transcript and diploma, or your high school report card (certified true copy)
• Your Barangay Certificate
• The Return to Service Contract (please see below for more details) and the application form, both fully accomplished

4. Qualifications: Scholars are eligible for the Angara Scholarship if they meet the following general criteria:

• They’re Filipino citizens living in the country.
• They’re no older than 25 at the time they apply for the scholarship.
• They possess good moral character.
• Their family’s combined income mustn’t exceed 120,000 per year.
• Their senior year high school weighted average must be at least 85%, with no subject having a grade lower than 82%.
o Graduating as either salutatorian or valedictorian also works.
• They also need to enroll in any course related to the following:
o Science
o Math
o Engineering
o Education
o Agriculture
o Tourism
o Hotel and Restaurant Management

5. Application Process: This one is also fairly simple: Just submit all the documents to the school by the Scholarship Committee’s deadline. The committee will then inform you of the date and time of your interview. Pass that and you’re good to go.

Scholar Privileges and Obligations

Scholars can enjoy having their tuition fee from their first academic year’s first semester paid in full under the Angara Scholarship Program. That benefit may be renewed over and over for as long as they continue to meet all their obligations.

They’ll also get to enjoy a five thousand peso allowance (or not) per semester, depending on how well they do academically. There are no specific transportation or book allowances in this case–all other expenses are shouldered by the scholars.

On the flip side, the list of commitments the scholars need to attend to is quite long. For instance, they need to earn a general weighted average of 2.0 to 2.5 (or its numerical equivalent) for every semester after the first one for the first year. This will net them a fully paid tuition fee and the allowance. Getting an even better grade of 1.0 to 1.75 will get their tuition fee waived and net them the allowance as well.

Besides those, scholars also need to do the following:

• Maintain the regular academic workload of their chosen course.
• Pass all subjects.
• Finish the chosen course within the time allotted.
• Avoid transferring to any other course or school.
• Avoid doing anything that would tarnish the good name of Senator Angara, the READ Foundation, their families or themselves.
• Attend meetings scheduled by the Scholarship Committee.
• Keep the committee informed with respect to the following:
o Grants give by any other benefactor (The scholar needs to provide accompanying proof of these.)
o Needed summer classes or any classes outside of the regular semester (again, scholars need to provide tangible proof of these.)
o Changes in contact information (phone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc.)

• Submit the following documents on time for qualification and liquidation purposes:
o Copies of grade transcripts, class cards or any valid grade-related documents from the previous semester
o Tuition fee receipts
o Registration forms
o Assessment forms
o Payment schedules
o Graduation certificates or diplomas upon course completion

Last not least, scholars must also pay their community and country back through service. This is known as the Return to Service Obligation. The length of service time that the scholars must render will depend on the number of years they spent as scholars in the program:

Generally, the terms call for six months of service for every academic year spent as a scholar. For example, students who were scholars for one academic year must serve for six months; those who were scholars for two years must serve for twelve months and so on. The only exception lies with those who were scholars for only a single semester—they are required to serve for only three months.

Contact Details

If you have any questions about the details of the Angara Scholarship, the best thing to do is to get in touch with the people at the office of the senator. Kindly call (02) 552-6601, locals 5571-5572 and look for Mr. Wilford. Alternatively, you can also e-mail the senator’s staff members at [email protected].

Philippine College Scholarships: Philippines-Australia Resources Education Excellence Program

I never really knew my grandfather on my father’s side too well, but my father did tell me that his father was a miner.  Deep down, I wondered what it was like to descend into the bowels of the earth, searching for valuable mineral resources to bring back to the surface.

You may not be a miner by aptitude, but perhaps you are considering a course in mining, geology, metallurgy and related fields.  If so, then the Philippines-Australia Resources Education Excellence Program (henceforth referred to as the PAREEP) may be just the right scholarship for you.

Scholarship Details

1. Background:  The PAREEP is actually a study in synergy—it involves different sponsoring companies working in conjunction with the Australian Embassy in Manila.  Their goal is simple:  to provide financial assistance to deserving students of geology, mining and other related courses.

2.  Number of slots:  The number of students accepted into the program tends to vary per year, depending on a variety of factors (budget, number of qualified applicants, etc.).  There is no real hard and fast quota or limit of applicants to be accepted per year.

3. Qualifications:  To be eligible for the PAREEP students must be healthy Filipino citizens enrolled in certain courses in the following academic institutions:

  • U.P. Diliman:
    • Geology (National Institute of Geological Sciences)
    • Mining and Metallurgical Engineering (College of Engineering)
  • Mapua Institute of Technology:  Geology
  • Adamson University
    • Geology
    • Mining Engineering
  • Cebu Institute of Technology:  Mining Engineering
  • Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology:  Metallurgical Engineering
  • University of Southeastern Philippines:
    • Mining Engineering
    • Geology
    • Environmental Management
    • Community Development

In addition to that, applicants must also meet the following criteria:

  • They need to be Filipino citizens with good overall health.
  • They need to have a minimum general weighted average of 75 (or its equivalent) prior to their application.
  • They must have documented proof of their financial need.
  • They must not have received any serious disciplinary action.
  • They should have no plans and pending applications with respect to migrating to a foreign land and/or working abroad immediately after graduation.
  • They cannot already be recipients of other grants at the time of their application.
  • They should be willing to abide by a PAREEP Scholarship Agreement between themselves and the sponsoring company.
  • At the time of their PAREEP application, potential scholars must also be eligible to take the Philippine Regulatory Commission’s Professional Board/Licensure Exam upon graduating from the program.

4. Documents:  Student hopefuls will need to present the following:

  • A certified copy of the official university or high school transcript of records OR a true copy of the students’ grades from the previous semester
  • A copy of the applicants’ parents’ or legal guardians’ Certificate of Income or Income Tax Return
  • An endorsement letter from the students’ current PAREEP partner school (please see the list of participating educational institutions above)
  • A recent (taken within the last six months and eligible for follow-up) medical certificate
  • A certified copy of the applicants’ birth certificate
  • Other valid forms of identification (i.e. passport, personal info pages, etc.)

5. Application:  The application process is fairly simple and straightforward.  All the students’ need to do is to approach their participating school’s PAREEP contact person and secure both the application form and the aforementioned endorsement letter.

Once they’ve filled up that form, they may submit it and all the other required documents to the PAREEP office (please see the address below), whereupon they’ll be informed of their application’s status and scheduled for an interview.

Privileges and Obligations

Scholars will enjoy having their tuition and other school-related expenses paid for in full, plus a book allowance (5,000 per semester) and partial contribution to living expenses (8,000 per month).

In return, scholars will be asked to maintain a minimum weighted average of 85 (or its equivalent) and have no failing grades or incomplete marks for the entire duration of the program.  Their academic performance will be subject to review at the end of every semester or term, the results of which will determine the applicants’ scholarship status for the next semester or term.

In the event that the applicant transfers to another degree program, migrates to another country, refuses to abide by the contract in any way, or abandons the program, then the scholarship grant will be refunded.

Contact Details

Since the PAAREP is an initiative of the Australian Government, it has its own development facility for accepting program-related inquiries.  If there’s anything you need to clarify about the program, please send an email to Mark Flores or Dan Ruiz at [email protected] or call them at 02- 6389686.

You may also drop by their office to deliver your documents or to inquire further in person.  It’s located at the third floor of the JMT Building, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Complex, Pasig City, Metro Manila.

Sources:

Mr. Mark Flores, Senior HD Adviser of the Philippines-Australia Human Resource Development Facility

Mr. Dan Ruiz of same facility at ext. 125