The Educational Benefit System Unit (EBSU) of the City Government of Davao is calling on applicants to prepare their requirements as it will start accepting applications in April.
The EBSU will be adding 300 slots for its scholarship programs, opening 500 slots for the school year 2025-2026.
A total of 100 slots were allotted for the Financial Assistance Program for Indigenous Peoples (IPs), 100 slots for the Technical and Vocational Skills Training Program, and 100 slots for Persons with Disabilities.
EBSU Head Emilio Domingo Jr. said Mayor Sebastian Baste Duterte added 300 slots in addition to the approved budget for their scholarship program.
“Kay kadtong una man gud nagasalig lang pod mi sa number of graduates [para sa vacancies], pero karon kay gipadugangan ni Mayor (Before we’re just relying on the number of graduates for vacancies, but Mayor added slots),” he said in an interview with the city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio.
EBSU offers the Scholarship on Tertiary Education Program — Financial Assistance (STEP-FA), Special Educational Assistance Program (SEAP), Financial Assistance Program for Lumad students, Technical and Vocational Skills Training Program, Educational Assistance for persons with disability or person with special needs; and Law and Medical Education Program.
Domingo said there are three categories under the STEP program: A, B, and C. Under Category A, eligible scholars will get P25,000 every semester (P50,000 annually); under Category B, they will receive P20,000 per semester (P40,000 annually); and under Category C, they will receive P7,500 per semester (P15,000 annually). A minimum overall average of 93 is required for applicants in Category A; 90–92 is required for applicants in Category B; and 80–89 is required for applicants in Category C.
Additionally, the Technical and Vocational Skills Training Program students will be given P15,000 financial assistance per year while children with special needs will be given P10,000 educational assistance per year.
Requirements when applying for STEP include a certificate of residency, a certificate of indigency or illegibility issued by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), an income tax return or certificate of tax exemption of both parents, and a certificate of good moral character. For incoming freshmen, they must also bring their grades in senior high school. For college students, they must bring their last two semester’s grades.
Students must have an average grade of 85 to be considered for the Law and Medication Education program. Candidates who are starting their first year of study must have an average grade of 85 or above, with no grade falling below 75 in any of the subjects that make up their degree program.
For financial assistance for Lumad students, applicants must bring a National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) certificate in addition to the certificate of indigency, income tax return, and certificate of good moral character.
Interested applicants for the EBSU are also advised to visit the website of the City Government of Davao and the EBSU-STEP Facebook Page which can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067947439186 for updates. CIO
