MANILA — The House of Representatives of the Philippines approved on second reading a bill that seeks to institutionalize a national scholarship program for top senior high school graduates to help them pursue college education despite financial constraints.

House Bill No. 8477 proposes to formalize the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, which will provide financial assistance to outstanding senior high school graduates who belong to the top one percent of their graduating class and enroll in priority degree programs identified by the Commission on Higher Education.

The measure was principally authored by House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos along with several lawmakers. It is also included in the priority legislative agenda of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.

“By institutionalizing the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, we are creating a permanent system that supports outstanding senior high school graduates who belong to the top one percent of their class and want to pursue priority degree programs identified by CHED,” Marcos said on the measure approved on second reading upon the guidance of Speaker Faustino Dy III.

Jude Acidre, chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and sponsor of the bill, said the proposal aims to give academically gifted students the chance to finish their college education and contribute to national development.

“At its heart is a clear conviction: that the country must not only recognize excellence among our young people, but also ensure that excellence is given the opportunity to grow and serve the nation,” Acidre said in his sponsorship speech.

Acidre noted that the program seeks to address the financial challenges many families face in sending their children to college.

“Behind every classroom seat is a young Filipino with dreams—dreams not only for themselves, but also for their families and communities. Many of these students study late into the night and work hard to achieve the highest marks possible. Yet for many families, the cost of pursuing higher education remains a serious concern,” he said.

“The [PMSP] recognizes academically gifted students coming from poor to middle-income households—young Filipinos whose talent is clear, whose potential is undeniable, but whose financial circumstances may otherwise limit their opportunities,” Acidre added.

The proposed scholarship program stems from the President’s 2025 State of the Nation Address, where Marcos announced the creation of a merit-based scholarship program for senior high school graduates with the highest honors.

For Academic Year 2026–2027, CHED has allocated more than ₱600 million to support around 20,000 graduates across the country under the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program, which serves as the basis of the proposed legislation.

Under the measure, scholars may receive stipends and other education-related allowances in accordance with CHED guidelines.

Students studying in state universities and colleges will continue to benefit from free tuition under Republic Act No. 10931.

Scholars will also be awarded a Certificate of Presidential Recognition signed by the President of the Philippines to acknowledge their academic achievements.

Acidre said the initiative is also intended to strengthen the country’s workforce in key industries.

“These include advanced manufacturing, digital technology, healthcare, tourism, and other sectors identified by the [CHED],” he said.

“These are the industries that will create jobs, drive innovation, and expand our economic capacity in the years ahead.”

Once enacted into law, the program will be administered by CHED, which will oversee the selection of scholars, distribution of benefits, and monitoring of the program nationwide.

The House is expected to approve the measure on third and final reading before lawmakers adjourn for the Lenten break next week.