Davao City continues its commitment to providing access to education for indigent students through its Educational Benefit System Unit (EBSU). The city government remains steadfast in ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder deserving Dabawenyo youth from pursuing higher education and technical training.
For School Year (SY) 2022-2023, EBSU supported 2,105 scholars, resulting in 390 graduates. The following year, SY 2023-2024, the program saw an increase with 2,368 scholars and 292 graduates. By SY 2024-2025, the number of scholars further rose to 2,512. As of March 30, 2025, 150 EBSU scholars have already graduated, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in aiding students to complete their education.
Recognizing the need to expand educational opportunities, EBSU is set to add 300 more slots for the upcoming school year. In addition to these slots, the city government has allocated 100 slots each for the Financial Assistance Program for Indigenous Peoples (IPs), the Technical and Vocational Skills Training Program, and Persons with Disabilities. Mayor Sebastian Duterte approved these additional slots to accommodate more students and provide wider access to education for marginalized communities.
The EBSU offers several financial assistance programs, including the Scholarship on Tertiary Education Program-Financial Assistance (STEP-FA), the Special Educational Assistance Program (SEAP), the Financial Assistance Program for Lumad students, the Technical and Vocational Skills Training Program, and support for children with special needs. There is also assistance available for law and medical education.
Under the STEP-FA program, financial aid is categorized into three tiers: Category A scholars receive P25,000 per semester (P50,000 annually), Category B scholars receive P20,000 per semester (P40,000 annually), and Category C scholars receive P7,500 per semester (P15,000 annually). Scholars under the Technical and Vocational Skills Training Program receive P15,000 annually, while children with special needs are granted P10,000 per year to support their education.
Students who wish to avail themselves of the EBSU scholarship must submit several requirements, including a certificate of residency, a certificate of indigency issued by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), an income tax return or certificate of tax exemption for their parents, and a certificate of good moral character. High school graduates applying for the program must present their senior high school grades, while college students must provide their grades from the last two semesters. Indigenous students must also present a certificate from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to qualify for the Lumad scholarship.
Online applications for SY 2025-2026 will be open from April 21 to April 30. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the City Government of Davao’s official website and the EBSU-STEP Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067947439186) for updates and further information.
Empowering the Youth Through Education
Programs like EBSU play a crucial role in fostering inclusive and sustainable development by ensuring that financial hardship does not prevent talented students from reaching their full potential. By expanding the number of available scholarships, the City Government of Davao is investing in the future workforce, empowering students to gain higher education and technical skills that will contribute to the city’s growth.
Education remains a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of poverty, and with continued support from local government initiatives, more Dabawenyo youth will have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and secure a brighter future.