The City Government of Davao, through its Educational Benefit System Unit (EBSU), continues to demonstrate its commitment to education by producing 16 new doctors and three new lawyers. These scholars successfully passed the October and December 2024 Physician Licensure Examinations and the December 2024 Bar Exams, respectively.
EBSU Technical Assistant Emilio Domingo Jr. highlighted the exceptional achievements of the city’s scholars. Last year, two EBSU scholars ranked among the top in their respective board exams. John Joseph Z. Kagatan, a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management graduate, secured the top spot in the Real Estate Broker Licensure Exam in April 2024. Meanwhile, Alexis John Inocentes Olanolan, an Accountancy graduate, ranked 8th in the CPA Licensure Exam held in May 2024.
The EBSU also recorded 37 scholars who graduated with Latin honors, comprising four Summa Cum Laude, 17 Magna Cum Laude, and 16 Cum Laude graduates.
With a total of 2,512 scholars across various programs, EBSU is expanding its reach this year. Domingo announced that due to a change in the academic calendar, the scholarship program will start accepting new applications in April. The city government has allocated an increased budget, allowing the opening of 500 new slots.
“Our mayor added 300 slots, and 200 more will be available as current scholars graduate,” Domingo said.
EBSU is also implementing a new category system for its Scholarship for Tertiary Education Program (STEP). Under this system:
- Category A scholars will receive Php 25,000 per semester,
- Category B scholars will receive Php 20,000,
- Category C scholars will receive Php 7,500 in financial assistance.
Previously, only Category A was available, but the expansion aims to accommodate more students. The eligibility requirements include a General Average of at least 93 for Category A, 90-92 for Category B, and 80-89 for Category C.
Prospective applicants must apply online and submit the following documents:
- Proof of grades
- Certificate of Indigency
- Certificate of Eligibility
- Bureau of Internal Revenue Income Tax Return (for employed parents) or Certificate of Tax Exemption (for unemployed parents)
- Certificate of Residency from the barangay
Domingo encouraged K-12 graduates to take advantage of the opportunity, given the increased number of slots. The application period will begin in April, with updates to be posted on the City Government of Davao’s Official Facebook Page.
With this continuous support, Davao City remains steadfast in empowering its youth through quality education and scholarship opportunities, fostering future professionals and leaders.