The University of Cebu (UC) has opened 2,645 fully funded scholarship slots for students in Cebu who want to pursue hospitality and tourism diplomas under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) Level Diploma Program.
In partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), UC said the initiative aims to bring free tertiary-level technical education closer to financially challenged Cebuanos.
UC Chairman Atty. Augusto W. Go, in a post shared from Cebu Province, said the scholarship slots—approved by TESDA Director General Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez—allow thousands of youth to earn three-year diplomas in Hospitality Management or Tourism Management with zero tuition fees.
“The program aims to uplift youth who have been forced to put their education on hold due to financial constraints,” the post reads.
To ensure wider reach, UC sought support from the Cebu Provincial Government, requesting that Capitol officials help disseminate information to municipalities, barangays, and local youth networks.
A delegation led by Dr. Dennis A. Samar, UC Director for Technical Education, and Capt. Gerry D. Enjambre, UC METC Campus Director, met with provincial officials to discuss outreach for the scholarship program.
Cerwin T. Eviota, Marketing Director of the AWG Group, also joined in presenting the benefits and urgency of filling the 2,645 slots.
Officials from the Capitol, including Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces, Provincial Youth Focal Person Mikee Pepito-Empaces, and Capitol Consultant Christopher Baricuatro, welcomed the request and explored ways local government units could help reach students, particularly in remote areas.
Originally, the scholarship enrollment was set to close on December 13.
However, due to the large number of unfilled slots, UC extended the deadline to December 29, 2025, even as classes begin on December 15.
UC officials said the extension ensures all 2,645 scholarships are utilized, addressing the high demand for free tertiary education.
Each scholar will receive free tuition for three years, textbooks and learning materials, TESDA National Certificate assessments from NC II to NC IV, and a P14,000 allowance per semester.
Samar noted that UC is allocating P45,000 per scholar per semester, exclusive of allowances, to cover full operational costs for the diploma programs.
Who Can Apply
Applicants may visit the UC–Maritime Education and Training Center (UC-METC) Study Hall in Barangay Mambaling and submit basic enrollment documents, including a PSA birth certificate, 1×1 photos, Form 137 or high school card, and a good moral certificate.
The scholarship is open to senior high school graduates, students from the old high school curriculum, ALS graduates (Batch 2017 and earlier), ALS SHS passers, as well as college undergraduates or transferees who wish to shift or restart their studies. (SBA)
