The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced on Tuesday that it is set to launch this year a new scholarship program that will support 1,000 incoming college freshmen taking up science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses starting Academic Year (AY) 2026–2027.
Under the GSIS Subsidy for STEM Program (GSSP), each grantee will get an annual subsidy of PHP15,000 to help cover education-related expenses, translating to PHP15 million per batch per year.
GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said the initiative supports the national government’s thrust to strengthen economic competitiveness through education, in line with the priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“Our program is a direct response to the President’s call for a technologically proficient workforce,” Veloso said in a news release.
“By supporting the education of these young minds, we are building a pipeline of talent that will drive innovation and secure our nation’s economic future,” he added.
The program will run over four academic years, from AY 2026 to 2030, benefitting a total of 4,000 students.
GSIS said the total budget allocation for the program will reach PHP240 million by 2034.
The scholarship will be open to children of active GSIS members and permanent total disability pensioners below 60 years old.
Of the 1,000 slots to be offered each year, 200 will be reserved for children of persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and solo parents to ensure inclusivity.
Priority will be given to applicants whose parents belong to Salary Grade 15 and below or receive lower pension amounts.
Qualified nominees must be incoming first-year college students admitted to a STEM course in a Philippine college or university recognized by the Commission on Higher Education, and must have a senior high school general weighted average of at least 90 percent.
GSIS noted that since 1998, it has extended educational assistance to nearly 28,000 dependents of active members, with total scholarship and subsidy spending reaching PHP 836 million.
The application and submission period for the GSSP will begin on June 30, 2026, GSIS said. (PNA)