CP-GIFTS Explained: The Cebu Capitol's ₱10,000-Per-Semester College Scholarship

Qualified scholars receive about ₱10,000 per semester (roughly ₱20,000 a year) while they study in a public college or university. Some reports describe the aid as around ₱2,000 a month instead, which works out to about the same amount over a semester. The Capitol set aside at least ₱59 million per semester when it launched the programme's latest season on June 9, 2026.

Note: Reports describe the payout in slightly different ways, so the figures above are approximate. Please confirm the exact amount and release schedule with the Provincial School Board.

For School Year 2026–2027, the Capitol opened roughly 5,650 slots (give or take 250). Of these, about 2,500 are under the Office of the Governor and around 1,250 (give or take 250) under the Office of the Vice Governor, and students from anywhere in Cebu may qualify for those. Each of the 19 Provincial Board members also has about 100 slots for their district.

Note: News reports give slightly different slot counts, from about 5,400 to 5,900 in total, so the figures above are approximate. Please confirm the exact number of slots with the Provincial School Board.

According to reports on the programme, applicants should be:

• Incoming first-year college students enrolled in a four-year course at a state university or college, a local university or college, or another public higher education institution
• Holders of a general weighted average of at least 85 percent, with admission to their chosen school already secured
• Residents of Cebu Province for at least one year
• From families with a combined annual income of ₱200,000 or less
• Not receiving another scholarship or living-allowance subsidy

Graduate courses, including law and medicine, are not covered. Reports also mention a voter-registration requirement for the applicant or parents, so ask the Provincial School Board how that applies to you.

1. Certified true copies of your Senior High School report cards showing the 85 percent average
2. Certificate of good moral character
3. Barangay residency certification
4. Voter's ID or certification
5. Parents' or guardians' income tax return, or a tax exemption certificate
6. Study load or proof of enrollment
7. Signed terms and conditions, and a letter attesting that you have no other scholarship
8. The accomplished student information form

Forms are shared on the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program Facebook page. Applications are first-come, first-served, and false information can disqualify you.

You can apply online through the programme's page, coordinating with your district Board Member, which is especially handy on island towns such as Bantayan and Camotes. You can also submit your papers to the receiving office at the Capitol Executive Building in Cebu City. To avoid look-alike pages, confirm the official channel with the Provincial School Board before you submit anything.

Scholars must keep an average of at least 85 percent with no failing grades, and are expected to render 160 hours of community service. Shifting courses, transferring schools or stopping your studies forfeits the grant.

If CP-GIFTS doesn't fit, CHED's UniFAST offers the Tertiary Education Subsidy, which is ₱20,000 a year for students at state and local universities. Its Tulong Dunong Program gives ₱7,500 per semester to students whose household income does not exceed ₱400,000, with a barangay certificate of indigency. Because CP-GIFTS asks that you have no other scholarship, ask the Provincial School Board whether a national grant would conflict before you accept both.