12 March 2026

CLARK CITY — For countless Filipino students, waiting months—or even years—to receive scholarship grants and financial assistance has been a frustrating reality.

Responding to the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ease the burden on students and speed up the delivery of educational assistance, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) signed landmark agreements during the Higher Education Summit 2026. The agreements were signed by CHED and UniFAST Board Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis and LANDBANK President and CEO Ma. Lynette V. Ortiz.

The partnership aims to accelerate the disbursement of scholarship grants and financial assistance administered by CHED and UNIFAST. Under the scholarship and grants-in-aid payout agreement, CHED, UniFAST, and LANDBANK will work together to streamline the delivery of educational assistance to student beneficiaries nationwide by removing logistical hurdles that often delay its release. The new system provides multiple avenues for stude

nts to receive their funds, including direct crediting to LANDBANK accounts and other bank accounts.

With a more streamlined system in place, thousands of students nationwide can expect quicker access to the support they need—allowing them to focus on their studies and pursue degrees that will help strengthen the country’s food security, innovation, and economic growth.

“Equally important are the initiatives that promote financial inclusion and more efficient disbursement systems, ensuring that assistance reaches students in a timely and transparent manner,” said CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis during the summit. “Sa ganitong paraan, mas napapadali nating naihahatid ang tulong sa ating mga mag-aaral.”

LANDBANK President and CEO Ma. Lynette V. Ortiz affirmed the bank’s commitment to the collaboration, noting that LANDBANK will provide the necessary technical and operational support to ensure that financial services remain accessible to students and institutions nationwide, including those in remote communities.

Under the directive of President Marcos Jr. to expand access to higher education and strengthen student support under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, the Commission continues to enhance the delivery of student educational assistance programs while supporting national development priorities.

With the rollout of the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program this year, CHED and UniFAST are set to welcome a significantly larger community of new students with government support across the country. By improving the efficiency of disbursement, CHED and LANDBANK are helping remove barriers to education and empowering Filipino students to complete their studies, develop their talents, and contribute to a stronger and more resilient future for the nation.

From delays to timely support—this is progress that Filipino youth can celebrate.