Quezon City scholars to get higher stipends

MANILA, Philippines — Scholars of the Quezon City government will receive higher financial grants starting this year following the expansion of the city’s scholarship program.

Mayor Joy Belmonte recently approved an ordinance increasing the stipend received by the city’s scholars.

From an annual stipend of P4,000 in previous years, senior high school scholars will now receive P20,000 every year.

The stipend for college students will be increased from P4,000 to P25,000 for academic, athletics and arts and youth leaders scholars, while the stipend for continuing education and vocational course scholars was increased from P6,000 to P10,000.

The new ordinance also introduced subcategories for the senior high school scholarship program, with scholars selected from academics, specialized tracks, athletics and the arts, and youth leadership.

A new program for tertiary students, called the QC Excel Scholarship, will also be established “to cultivate a pool of young leaders and a workforce that will support local government initiatives.”

Those who would be selected are students “who excel not only academically, but also demonstrate leadership and active involvement in volunteer work and impactful activities that have social relevance,” the city government said.

“We aim to strengthen the city’s programs that have a long-term impact on the lives of our youth. The expansion of the current scholarship program offers various opportunities for thousands of QCitizens who wish to study or return to school,” Belmonte said in Filipino.

“Providing more funds to our scholarship program is a necessary and sound investment for the city’s future,” she added.

Since assuming office in 2019, Belmonte said the current city administration has supported 31,120 scholars.

The mayor urged aspiring scholars to secure their QCitizen ID, as it is the primary requirement to avail of social services, including the city’s scholarship program.

The online application for new scholars will start on Aug. 5.