The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has rolled out the Mindanao leg of its new program offering educational assistance and scholarship grants to underprivileged students who wants to pursue college education.

Thousands of participants attended the launch of the Mindanao cluster caravan of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Gabay ng Bayan programs held at the Lagao Gymnasium in Barangay Lagao, General Santos City early this week.

The program provides scholarships and financial aid to students who are members of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps), indigenous peoples (IP), and out-of-school youth preparing to enter college in the coming school year.

In SOCCSKSARGEN Region alone, up to 110,402 grantees have been identified, with a total allocation of P2.43 billion.

“In the history of the Philippines, it is the first time that we have the highest allocation which is P1.345 trillion and part of it yun sa CHED na P47 Billion. Sa P47 Billion, yung P40 billion nasa scholarship, nasa free tuition fees, and all  other support to our students,” CHED Commissioner, Dr. Myrna Mallari, said.

CHED said the program highlights the government’s commitment to support the education sector.

“Lahat ng ginastos ng ating bansa para sa education ay hindi gastos. Ito ay investment para sa magandang kinabukasan ng ating mga estudyante,” Mallari added.