The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has dedicated ₱56.66 million from the Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF) to ensure uninterrupted scholarship funding for students pursuing degrees in medical technology and pharmacy.
The earmarked amount of ₱56,663,250 will cover the educational expenses of ongoing recipients under the Scholarship Program for Future Medical Technologists and Pharmacists through Academic Year 2026-2027.
CHED specified that the allocation will support 238 continuing grantees during the second semester of AY 2025-2026, as well as 300 scholars during the first semester of AY 2026-2027.
Prioritizing equity, the commission previously maximized existing program funds to assist 71 continuing scholars belonging to underprivileged households and special equity groups. The additional HEDF backing was secured in alignment with directives under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which mandates CHED to fully program the fund toward maintaining continuous assistance for current scholars.
CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis underscored the agency’s commitment to guiding these students through graduation while expanding the nation’s healthcare workforce to meet pressing demands.
Thirteen scholars under the MTP-SP are slated to graduate within AY 2025-2026, comprising four medical technology/medical laboratory science students and nine pharmacy students.
Upon successfully passing their board examinations, graduates are obligated to fulfill a mandatory return-service agreement.
In accordance with Department of Health (DOH) regulations, recipients must render one year of public service for every year they received scholarship assistance—a provision designed to bolster the roster of licensed health professionals working within the country’s public health system.
The MTP-SP provides comprehensive financial support to eligible Filipino students enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science and Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy programs across participating higher education institutions nationwide.