The Muntinlupa City government has increased the allowances of students who are under its scholarship program. 

According to the Muntinlupa Scholarship Division (MSD), the annual budget for scholarship grants has been increased by P100 million from P400 million to P500 million. 

Mayor Ruffy Biazon with scholars (top) and the distribution of allowances to students (Photos from Muntinlupa PIO)

Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance No. 2023-143, passed by the City Council, which increased allowances of different scholars. 

There are nearly 80,000 students in Muntinlupa who are the current beneficiaries of the scholarship program of the city government. 

Under the High School Students and Elementary Pupils Assistance Program (HELP), the annual financial grants have been increased from P4,000 to P5,000 for elementary pupils, from P5,000 to P6,000 for junior high school, from P6,000 to P7,000 for senior high school, and from P2,400 to P3,000 covering six months for those under the Alternative Learning System (ALS). 

For scholars under the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Continuing Assistance for Reintegrating Students (CARES), the general weighted average (GWA) has been changed and the grants have been increased. 

Under the new policy, those under Bracket A with GWA of 1 to 1.5, the scholarship grant per semester has been increased from P10,000 to P15,000; Bracket B with GWA of 1.51 to 2, from P7,500 to P10,000; and Bracket C with GWA of 2.01 to 2.5, the grant has been maintained at P5,000. 

Those under the Education Development of Government Employees (EDGE), the grant per semester is P3,000 to P5,000 for 50 city government employees taking up undergraduate courses or bachelor’s degrees. 

A total of 100 city public school teachers and 50 city government employees who are to pursue postgraduate degrees will get P10,000 per semester. 

Students working on their theses or dissertations will get a research topic grant from P10,000 to P30,000. 

According to Ordinance 2023-143, “expanding scholarship categories and increasing the amount educational assistance will enhance educational opportunities for Muntinlupa City residents and encourage them to seek further studies to have a better future and for the benefit of their families and the city.”