UC opens 2,645 scholarships with TESDA’s PQF diploma program

CEBU—The University of Cebu (UC) launched its 3-year diploma courses in Hospitality Management and Tourism Management with 2,645 scholarships open for youth who could not afford college through a fully funded scholarship program, in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that piloted its Philippine Qualification Framework (PQF) Level 5 Diploma Programs on December 2, 2025 in Cebu.

 

TESDA-UC sealed the partnership on December 5, 2025 in a press conference at UC-Main with UC Chairman, Atty. Augusto Go, known for his lifelong advocacy of accessible education, announced with a personal appeal, “There are so many who cannot afford to go to college. Let’s help them. This is money well-spent.”

TESDA prioritized these two courses as these industries demand high for educated employees, locally and abroad, Go said that his mission has always been to extend UC’s reach to the poorest sectors, to those unable to pay even the smallest tuition, much less buy books or travel daily to a university campus.

Under the scholarship package, TESDA shoulders the tuition fees, textbooks and instructional materials, National competency assessments (NC II to NC IV); school and workshop uniforms; accident insurance and ₱9,000 cash allowance per semester.

Each scholar is subsidized ₱45,000 per semester, roughly ₱100,000 per year, totaling about ₱270,000 per student, noted a TESDA circular that implements Republic Act 10931, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA).

“The government provides personal allowance, book allowance, everything is free, nearly ₱100,000 per student per year,” Go emphasized, assuring the programs is backed by state-of-the-art facilities.

Go bared that only UC is carrying the TESDA program in Cebu or in the region as yet. Enrolment is ongoing until December 29, even when classes officially begin December 15, 2025 as TESDA mandated. Applicants may continue submitting until the end of December but Go urged immediate action due to the tight timeline.

“This program is time-bound. If the slots are not filled, the funds will be returned to the National Government.  Please take advantage of it and help us spread the word,” he said.

UC revealed that on a day from launch, 296 had enrolled, still far short of the 2,645 available scholarships. While the Cebu City Government helps disseminate information to potential beneficiaries, Go clarified that slots are open to all Cebuanos and even residents outside Cebu.

Scholarships are open to all, documents needed to enroll

Go said that the scholarship is open to all, no age limit and no long checklist.  Applicants need to submit: Form 137 or 138; PSA Birth Certificate; Certificate of Good Moral Character; and Honorable Dismissal, if previously enrolled in college.

Alternative Learning System (ALS) passers and pre-K-12 high school graduates are also welcome, disclosed Dr. Dennis Samar, UC director for technical education.  While the courses will initially be offered at the UC Maritime Education and Training Center (METC), Go ordered his lead educators to expand to UC’s campuses at Jones (Osmeña Blvd., across SSS), Banilad, and Lapu-Lapu Mandaue (UCLM).  This is to lessen transportation burden for scholars coming from different areas.

“We will open all our campuses. We will take care of them. If you have the will to study, UC will help you graduate,” Go said and pointed out that each scholar will have their own Landbank ATM card, where TESDA will deposit the funds directly to prevent mishandling, as he guaranteed financial integrity.

Beyond tourism programs, UC and TESDA are exploring Artificial Intelligence courses across UC campuses and potential global training opportunities in Taiwan, a partnership that goes beyond short-term employment goals.

With most families tightening budgets and some students already giving up on school, the timing of this program feels like a gift, noted Go. “Imagine earning a diploma after three years, all for free. “This is the best Christmas gift we can give to our youth,” he added. (Photos: UC/Cerwin Eviota)