THE Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has reminded aspirants who want to avail of scholarship programs for the coconut and sugarcane industry farmers that they have until July 31, 2025 to submit their applications.
Graduating high school students or those who have already finished the secondary level education with a general weighted average of 80 percent or students already enrolled in a college degree program identified by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) are eligible to apply for the Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and their Families (CoScho).
Applications are accepted at any CHED Regional Offices, to be accompanied by copies of the applicant’s birth certificate, a certified copy of Grade 11 report card or Form 138, and PCA certification that the applicant’s family is listed in the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS).
Likewise, the recipient must not be a beneficiary of any government-funded financial assistance program; pass the entrance exam of the identified state university or college, and have combined parents’ annual income not exceeding P300,000.
The financial assistance under the CoScho covers P35,000 per semester or P70,000 yearly for expenses such as food, transportation, medical insurance, internet, and communication.
On top of this, qualified beneficiaries will also receive an additional book and other learning materials allowance worth P5,000 per semester or P10,000 per year.
The scholarship program was created under Republic Act No. 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, aiming to raise the social equity of coconut farmers and help alleviate poverty through the provision of quality education to coconut farmers and/or their dependents.
On the other hand, the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (RA 10659) – Scholarship Grant Program (SIDA-SGP) is offered to the children and dependents of sugarcane industry workers and small sugarcane farmers certified by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).
It covers both undergraduate and graduate students who are qualified to enroll in agriculture, agricultural engineering and mechanics, chemical engineering, and sugar technology.
All applicants must be Filipino citizens who have qualified in the entrance examination of the identified state university or college and the chosen master’s or doctorate degree programs.
For applicants of undergraduate courses, the combined income of parents must not exceed P400,000 each year, while for those seeking coverage in graduate programs, the income limit is P500,000 per year.
Submission of applications and support documents is accepted at the nearest SRA Mill District Office.
