Scholarships closing this month:
Cebu City Offers ₱20,000 Bagong Pilipinas Scholarships to 400 Students
Four hundred graduating college students from Cebu City will receive ₱20,000 each in financial assistance under the national government’s Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship Program for school year 2026-2027.
The assistance is intended to help students in their final year of college stay in school and complete their degrees despite financial difficulties.
The program is implemented through the Office of the President and is being rolled out as part of a broader barangay-level initiative in Cebu City, Cebu Province, and neighboring cities.
If you are an incoming fourth-year college student in Cebu City or a nearby barangay covered by the program, here is what you need to know about the Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship Program, including who qualifies, how much assistance is given, and how selection works.
What is the Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship Program?
The Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship Program is a national government initiative that provides financial assistance to graduating college students who are at risk of not finishing their degrees due to financial constraints. For Cebu City, the program will benefit 400 graduating college students, with five incoming fourth-year students selected from each of the city’s 80 barangays.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, during his visit to Cebu on August 13, 2026, explained that the scholarship is designed to select five scholars who are already in the final stretch of their studies, those about to graduate but who may not be able to finish due to financial difficulties.
Who can qualify for the Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship?
Based on the program’s criteria, the scholarship prioritizes:
- Incoming fourth-year college students who are close to graduation
- Students from vulnerable households at risk of dropping out
- Students whose families have no member who has completed tertiary education
Among those considered for selection were students from farming families, single-parent households, and the LGBTQIA+ community, according to Kalunasan barangay captain and Association of Barangay Councils-Cebu City vice president Carlitos Ceniza.
Unlike scholarships with an open online application process, beneficiaries under this program are identified and selected directly by barangay officials rather than through a public application portal.
Apply Also: DOST Scholarship 2027 Online Application.
Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship Benefits
Qualified graduating students will each receive ₱20,000 in financial assistance to help cover school expenses in their final year.
For students like Civil Engineering major Earl Lawrence Regidor, the assistance is expected to help ease the cost of completing engineering coursework and allow him to stay on track for graduation.
Psychology student Angela Olorbida also noted that the grant will help cover miscellaneous expenses, which tend to add up significantly during the fourth year of college.
How are Scholars Selected?
Unlike scholarship programs with a centralized online application, the Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship in Cebu City is selected at the barangay level:
- Each of Cebu City’s 80 barangays identifies 5 incoming fourth-year students who meet the program’s targeting criteria.
- Barangay officials, such as the barangay captain and members of the Association of Barangay Councils, take part in the selection process.
- Priority is given to students from vulnerable sectors, including those from farming families, single-parent households, and the LGBTQIA+ community, among others facing financial hardship.
Students interested in this scholarship should coordinate directly with their barangay office, as selection is handled locally rather than through a nationwide application form.
Important: Because selection is barangay-driven, availability and criteria may vary depending on your specific barangay and its allocated slots. Students should check directly with their barangay captain or council for the latest information.
READ: Applying for the CHED Scholarship? Here’s how to apply online nationwide
Part of a Larger Barangay Fund
The scholarship is one part of the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program, which provides funding for projects and assistance at the barangay level. Each barangay receives ₱200,000 from the Socio-Civic Projects Fund of the Office of the President, with ₱100,000 specifically allocated for education assistance.
The remaining ₱100,000 can support priority projects and other immediate needs identified by barangay officials, subject to program guidelines.
Funding breakdown by area:
| Area | Total Allocation | Number of Barangays |
|---|---|---|
| Cebu City | ₱16 million | 80 |
| Mandaue City | ₱5.4 million | 27 |
| Lapu-Lapu City | ₱6 million | 30 |
| Cebu Province | ₱213.2 million | 1,066 |
Swipe left or right to view the complete table on mobile devices.
Officials, including Ceniza, have expressed hope that the national government will eventually increase the number of beneficiaries, particularly in barangays with high poverty rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship in Cebu City?
Each qualified graduating student receives ₱20,000 in financial assistance for school year 2026-2027.
Who is eligible for the Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship?
The program targets incoming fourth-year college students from vulnerable households, particularly those at risk of dropping out and whose families have no member who has completed tertiary education. Priority sectors include farming families, single-parent households, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
How many students will benefit from the program in Cebu City?
A total of 400 graduating college students will benefit, with 5 students selected from each of Cebu City’s 80 barangays.
Is there an application process for this scholarship?
Unlike other scholarship programs, beneficiaries are selected directly by barangay officials rather than through an open online application. Interested students should coordinate with their barangay office for more information.
Where does the funding for this scholarship come from?
The scholarship is funded through the Socio-Civic Projects Fund of the Office of the President, as part of the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program, which allocates ₱200,000 per barangay, with ₱100,000 specifically earmarked for education assistance.
Is this scholarship available outside Cebu City?
Yes. The Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program also covers Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Cebu Province, though fund allocations and beneficiary numbers vary per area.
