The House Committee on Higher and Technical Education chaired by Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre approved the consolidation of House Bills (HBs) 548, 2583, 2698, 5229, 5676, 5686, 5763, seeking to institutionalize the Presidential Merit Scholarship program (PMSP).
The PMSP is envisioned to provide financial support for top performing students from low to middle income households for the pursuit of priority academic programs in high-ranking higher education institutions (HEIs).
“The PMSP aims to support outstanding high school graduates who will pursue their college education in public or private higher education institutions.”
“As emphasized by the President in this year’s State of the Nation Address, (the PMSP) aims to support outstanding high school graduates who will pursue their college education in public or private higher education institutions,” Acidre said.
The veteran legislator asked the Committee to act on the proposal with urgency and care, stating that the establishment of the PMSP is included in the priority list of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
HB 2583 author Batangas 6th District Representative Ryan Christian Recto highlighted the pressing need for the PMSP based on the finding of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) citing that in school-year 2023-2024, almost four out of 10 college students, regardless of their academic excellence, abandon their studies due primarily to financial constraints.
“That means we lose out on potential doctors, engineers, scientists, educators and even public servants.”
“That means we lose out on potential doctors, engineers, scientists, educators and even public servants,” Recto said.
HBs 2698, 5229, 5676 and 5686, establishing the PMSP and appropriating funds therefor, is authored by Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, Bulacan Representative Agatha ‘Agay’ Cruz, Sorsogon Marie Bernadette Escudero, and Paranaque City Eric Olivarez, respectively.
HB 548, establishing the Presidential Scholarship Merit Program to recognize and reward outstanding academic achievement among high school graduates, providing financial assistance for higher education, and appropriating funds therefor, is authored by Bulacan Representative Salvador Pleyto; while HB 5763, institutionalizing the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program for deserving students and appropriating funds therefor, is by Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez.
