QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara announced today that the pension fund is now accepting applications for the GSIS Scholarship Program (GSP) for Academic Year 2014-2015 until May 30, 2014. A total of 200 scholars will be selected this school year.
The program provides an opportunity for children of low-income GSIS members to earn a college degree. The GSIS will shoulder up to P20,000 of the actual cost of tuition and miscellaneous fees of the selected scholar per semester. The scholars will also get a monthly stipend of P2,000.00.
Under the program, all active and regular GSIS members at the time of application with premium payments for the last six months and are permanent employees in the government with at least three years of service, with salary grade of 24 or below or its equivalent job level, are eligible to nominate their incoming college freshmen-dependents who have been accepted in any four- or five-year course or in priority courses identified by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Since 1998, the GSIS has granted a total of 1,887 scholarships. Over the years, amendments to the program have been introduced to make it more equitable and responsive particularly to members in the low-income bracket. Previously, the mode of choosing scholars was done through an electronic raffle. Since 2012, nominees of members who have the lowest annual basic salary have been given priority in the scholarship grant.
“This year, we have enhanced our program by giving half of the slots to those who have been accepted under the CHED-identified priority courses which are those actually needed by the labor market,” said Mr. Vergara.
“Unemployment is a growing concern. We must establish a fit between the available jobs with that of the skills and knowledge acquired by our scholar-graduates,” he added.
Four- or five-year courses in agriculture; engineering; math and science; information technology; teacher education; health sciences; arts and humanities; social and behavioral sciences; business administration; architecture; maritime and communication were listed by CHED as in demand. The list of priority courses identified by CHED along with the list of accredited educational institutions and GSP application form are downloadable. Application forms are also available at any GSIS branch office.
Qualified members must submit a duly accomplished form, certificate of employment, and school certificate that the scholar has been accepted for AY 2014-2015.
Questions about GSP may be directed to the GSIS Human Resource Administration Department at 479-3600 local 3414 or 976-4970.
