CHED’s Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program opens more opportunities for ZamPen students

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) — Outstanding senior high school graduates in Zamboanga Peninsula may gain greater access to higher education through the newly introduced Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

During the recent Kapihan na Zamboanga, CHED-9 Project Technical Staff and BPMSP focal person Rhona Vie Loar described the program as a merit-based initiative that recognizes academic excellence while helping deserving students pursue higher education. 

The main objective of the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program is to provide financial assistance to deserving Filipino senior high school graduates,” Loar said.

Applicants must be Filipino senior high school graduates who obtained at least a 95 percent general weighted average or those who belong to the top five of their graduating class. The combined gross annual income of parents must also not exceed P2 million.

The scholarship provides financial support depending on where a student enrolls. Scholars in private higher education institutions may receive up to P45,000 annually for tuition and other school fees, along with P45,000 yearly for stipend and allowances. Students enrolled in state and local universities and colleges may receive the P45,000 annual stipend and allowance. 

An additional academic excellence incentive of P18,000 per term is also available for top-performing scholars in the region. 

The program also gives additional consideration to members of special equity groups, including persons with disabilities, solo parents or their dependents, Indigenous Peoples, and first-generation college students.

CHED 9 received around 800 applications for the BPMSP for Academic Year 2026–2027, which are currently undergoing evaluation and validation.  

Loar said the scholarship covers priority fields identified based on labor market demands, including agriculture and fisheries, creative industries, digital technology, engineering and technology, healthcare and allied programs, teacher education, and financial services.

Embrace the opportunity and please do not be afraid to ask questions,” Loar said, urging students to monitor the official CHED-9 social media platforms for future scholarship announcements. (JPA/MLE/SGR-GIP/PIA9-Zamboanga City)