Manila: The House Committee on Appropriations, led by Rep. Mikaela Suansing, approved a substitute bill to institutionalize the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program (PMSP), a key item on the priority agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as outlined by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
According to Philippines News Agency, the origins of the measure can be traced back to the President's 2025 State of the Nation Address, where he introduced a merit-based scholarship program for senior high school graduates who achieved the highest honors. For the academic year 2026-2027, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has allocated over PHP600 million to assist approximately 20,000 graduates across the country under the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship.
By passing this legislation, Congress seeks to establish a stable legal framework to ensure the program's continuity, thereby supporting merit-based education in both public and private higher education institutions. The bill was presented to the appropriations panel by Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, who also serves as the chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education.
"This measure addresses a challenge many families face. A student excels academically, ranks near the top, passes entrance exams, but college remains uncertain due to financial constraints. The barrier is not capability but affordability," Acidre stated in his sponsorship speech.
The proposed law aims to formally embed the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program within CHED, offering a comprehensive financial assistance package to deserving senior high school graduates enrolled in priority degree programs that align with national workforce needs. Scholars will benefit from free tuition, allowances for books, supplies, internet connectivity, clothing, dormitory or transportation support, and other education-related living allowances.
Eligibility criteria for applicants include being a Filipino citizen, ranking among the top five in their senior high school graduating class, having a minimum general weighted average of 93 percent or its equivalent, meeting the admission requirements of a state or local university, or a private higher education institution, and belonging to families with a combined gross annual income not exceeding PHP500,000.
Acidre emphasized that the program complements existing government scholarship mechanisms by catering to academically exceptional students who face financial difficulties but may not qualify for other forms of assistance. The bill also aligns with the Philippines' commitment to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 4, which focuses on providing inclusive, equitable, and quality education and expanding access to affordable tertiary education.
