AFP accepting more scholars

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is accepting more dependents of soldiers as scholars after its beneficiaries rose to 4,129 as of February 2018.

The number is expected to increase in the following months as the military continues its scholarship generation activities nationwide spearheaded by the AFP Educational Benefit System Office (AFPEBSO).

The AFPEBSO reported that 769 beneficiaries are in the National Capital Region; 1,408 in Luzon; 499 in Visayas; and 1,453 in Mindanao. 

All are benefitting from scholarships consisting of law mandated programs and those by virtue of partnerships with educational, government, socio-civic and financial institutions.

Among the benefits being received by current grantees are free tuition and miscellaneous fees, monthly stipend up to P20,000 per year, food and transportation allowance.

The AFP said it now has over 290 scholarship partners as of February 2018 that include around 280 academic institutions and foundations that have entered into a memorandum of agreement with the AFP.

The AFPEBSO has been managing educational programs to qualified dependents since its activation in 2000.

It caters mostly to the disadvantaged orphans whose parents have died or were incapacitated in combat. 

Other beneficiaries are dependents of non-battle casualties, active and retired soldiers, and Civilian Employees of the AFP.