DBP, University of Cebu seal scholarship program

CEBU CITY – Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the University of Cebu (UC) formally sealed out and launched the Integrated Scholastic Program for Inclusive and Responsive Education (INSPIRE) with the awarding and briefing of the first batch for 40 deserving beneficiaries with a contract signing on February 19 at the AVR of Alicia Gotianuy Bldg.at the UC main campus in Cebu City.

These 40 scholars are now assured of completing their college education, free from the burden of tuition and sustained by a monthly allowance.  The partnership marks the first time DBP has collaborated with a private university for the INSPIRE program. The grant is retroactive to the first semester of Academic Year (AY) 2025-2026.

DBP first vice president and corporate department head, Zandro Carlos Sison said that another set of 40 scholars will be admitted next academic year, and every year thereafter, forming part of five batches until 2029. DBP allocated some P8 million for the first batch alone at UC, drawn from DBP’s nationwide INSPIRE fund of about P510 million.  UC is one of 10 partner schools across the country, he added.

The 40 scholars, selected by UC through a rigorous screening and evaluation process, come from low-income families with an annual net income of ₱150,000 or below, shared Dr. Leonilo Oliva, scholarship head.

 “For private school scholars, DBP covers both tuition and monthly allowance. What sets INSPIRE apart is that we continue to support scholars until they take their board examinations, if their course requires one. Each batch is supported for four to five years, depending on the degree program,” Sison told the press in a media interaction after the signing.

Sison emphasized that while DBP encourages scholars to finish their degrees, there is no obligation to repay the bank after graduation. “There is no payback requirement. Our goal is to expand access to quality education.  If, in the future, some of them choose to serve in DBP through internships or employment, that would be welcome, but it is not mandatory. We are investing in people, not binding them,” Sison clarified.

Scholars may also be given opportunities for on-the-job training with DBP and could be considered for employment after graduation, subject to agency needs.

According to DBP SVP Helbert Antoine Achay, DBP branch banking group head for Central and Eastern Visayas, the scholars are required only to maintain passing grades to continue enjoying the benefits.  To qualify, applicants must be first- or second-year students, Filipino citizens of good moral character, with a general weighted average of at least 85 percent (2.0) and no grade lower than 80 percent (2.5).

They must not be recipients of any other scholarship and must meet UC admission requirements, disclosed Oliva. The INSPIRE program covers full tuition for selected four-year baccalaureate courses, provides a monthly allowance, and extends support even through board examinations for programs that require licensure.

While INSPIRE covers two baccalaureate tracks -- Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Real Estate programs, the UC launched opened discussions for BS in Computer Science (CS), major in Artificial Intelligence (AI), during DBP’s courtesy call on Atty. Go, the UC chair.

“As we build engineers and real estate professionals, we must also build digital innovators,” Atty. Go noted that AI is shaping industries worldwide and hoped DBP will consider supporting CS majors who specialize in developing AI-driven applications, not merely using applied AI, but the programming and systems behind it. (Photos: UC Lakandiwa Publications)