Philippines House ratifies Presidential Merit Scholarship Programs Act

The Philippine House of Representatives has ratified the bicameral conference committee report for the proposed Presidential Merit Scholarship Programs Act. The measure aims to bolster support for high-achieving Filipino students enrolled in priority college and technical-vocational programs to address national workforce and development requirements.

The legislation establishes two distinct pathways: the Presidential Merit College Scholarship Program, managed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Presidential Merit Technical Scholarship Program, overseen by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The existing Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program will be integrated into these new frameworks.

Priority disciplines under the act include science and technology, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health and allied health sciences, and specialized teacher education. TINGOG Party-list Representative Jude Acidre, who chaired the bicameral conference committee panel, noted that the law seeks to ensure academic excellence is matched by the necessary support to complete education and serve the country.