Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 11) — Only new applications for merit scholarships in the tertiary level were affected from lack of funds, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said on Friday .
“Ang hindi nalagyan o nagkulang ‘yung pondo ay ang tinatawag naming merit scholarships. Ito ang financial assistance based on grades,” said CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera in an interview with CNN Philippines.
[Translation: The funds fell short for what we call merit scholarships. These refer to financial assistance based on grades.]
De Vera said funding for these scholarships can only cater to current grantees. About 5,000 to 10,000 slots nationwide are assigned for merit scholarships per year depending on the annual budget, he added.
CHED will continue to accept applications for other financial assistance programs like the tertiary education subsidy and Tulong Dunong, said De Vera.
The tertiary education subsidy program has over 500,000 slots per year, while Tulong Dunong has more than 200,000, he added.
Under the 2022 spending program, CHED was given ₱1.82 billion for the provision of aid and incentives, scholarships, and grants through its student financial assistance programs.
