With the new school year approaching, the Cebu Provincial Government has reopened applications for its CP-GIFTS scholarship program, expanding financial support for thousands of college students across the province.
The program was relaunched at the Capitol Social Hall, where officials said it forms part of the province’s continuing effort to widen access to higher education for qualified Cebuano students.
Under the initiative, the provincial government has allocated at least P59 million per semester to sustain the program, providing P10,000 in assistance per qualified college student.
A total of 5,900 scholarship slots have been opened under the offices of the governor, vice governor, and members of the Provincial Board, making it one of the province’s largest education subsidy programs.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the launch and said the initiative reflects a long-term investment in Cebu’s youth.
“I am proud to continue supporting this program because it represents something that transcends politics and administration. It represents investment in the future of Cebu,” Baricuatro said.
The program also recognized academic achievers, honoring 49 magna cum laude graduates and two summa cum laude graduates from Cebu Normal University and Madridejos Community College.
The summa cum laude awardees received P10,000 each, while magna cum laude honorees received P5,000 each along with plaques of recognition.
Baricuatro said the scholars’ achievements reflect the potential of Cebuano youth when given access to opportunities.
“Your success is a testament not only to your intelligence but also to your perseverance, discipline, and determination. You have proven that when given an opportunity, the Cebuano youth can,” she said.
Of the total slots, 2,500 are allocated under the Office of the Governor, while 1,500 are under the Office of the Vice Governor, open to students across the province.
The remaining 1,900 slots are distributed among the 19 members of the Provincial Board, with each board member assigned 100 slots for their respective districts.
Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco said the program is anchored on inclusive access to education.
“Kami diha sa Provincial Board and the Office of the Governor, maningkamot gud mi nga this will really go to those who are really deserving,” Soco said.
To remain qualified, scholars must maintain at least an 85 percent general average and be enrolled in a four-year course in a state university or college, local university or college, or other public higher education institution.
Baricuatro stressed that the scholarship program is a long-term investment in the province’s future workforce and leadership.
“As governor, I fully support programs that invest in our youth because I believe that the future of Cebu will be shaped not only by the leaders we have today but by the young people we are preparing for tomorrow,” she said.
Among the honorees was Erika Faith Labares, a summa cum laude graduate of Cebu Normal University with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Communication major in Integrated Marketing Communication and Press Relations.
Labares said the scholarship helped sustain her studies, noting that her mother works as office staff while her father has no stable income.
She said she has been a scholar since 2022 and was motivated to perform well knowing her education was supported by public funds.
Labares also thanked the provincial government for continuing the program despite changes in administration.
“Thank you for still continuing this opportunity and I hope bisag ma-different ang administration, ma-continue ra gihapon ni siya kay it really helps a lot of students nga dili financially able nga maka-study,” she said.
Provincial School Board focal person Christopher Baricuatro said around 1,000 slots remain open for incoming first-year college students.
Board Member Raymond Joseph Calderon said the program reflects the province’s commitment to accessible education.
“This initiative reflects the Provincial Government of Cebu’s commitment in providing deserving Cebuano students with greater access to quality education and better opportunities for themselves and their families,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Cebu Province
Comments