As graduation season approaches, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) encouraged Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, especially those eligible for college, to take advantage of government scholarship programs to further their tertiary education.
In a statement, DSWD’s 4Ps Social Marketing Division Chief Marie Grace Ponce explained that the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) offer scholarships that prioritize students from 4Ps households.
She said that while 4Ps does not offer scholarships for college students, DSWD has partnered with organizations like CHED and TESDA to provide these opportunities.
Ponce encouraged students to apply for CHED’s scholarship program through the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST).
The program has already supported 275,881 children, covering the full or partial cost of tertiary education for students from low-income families attending state universities and colleges, CHED-recognized local universities and colleges, and private higher education institutions.
In addition to CHED, the 4Ps also connects beneficiaries with TESDA’s vocational training opportunities.
Ponce explained that TESDA offers both short-term and long-term skills development and enhancement courses that can help 4Ps students build valuable skills in various sectors.
“Completing a four-year course or vocational training is crucial for 4Ps beneficiaries, as it opens doors to better job opportunities and higher income,” Ponce said.