The grant is under the Integrated Scholastic Program for Inclusive and Responsive Education (INSPIRE) of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), which the bank rolled out in partnership with UC.
Executives of DBP and UC signed a contract on Feb. 19, 2026, at the UC main campus in Cebu City, marking the first time DBP has collaborated with a private institution for its INSPIRE program.
The grant is retroactive to the first semester of academic year (AY) 2025–2026.
Although INSPIRE currently covers only Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Real Estate programs, UC has opened discussions on the possibility of including the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (CS), major in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Expanding access to education
Another set of 40 scholars will be admitted next academic year and every year thereafter, forming five batches until 2029, according to DBP first vice president Zandro Carlos P. Sison.
DBP allocated at least P8 million for the first batch at UC, drawn from its nationwide INSPIRE fund of about P510 million. UC is one of 10 partner schools across the country, Sison said.
According to Dr. Leonilo Oliva, head of UC’s scholarship program, the 40 scholars were selected through a screening and evaluation process.
They come from low-income families with an annual income of not more than P150,000.
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).
Scholarship coverage
Applicants must not be recipients of any other scholarship and must meet UC admission requirements, Oliva added.
Once admitted, scholars only need to maintain passing grades to continue enjoying the benefits, said DBP senior vice president Helbert Antoine A. Achay, branch banking group head for Central and Eastern Visayas.
The INSPIRE program covers full tuition for selected four-year baccalaureate courses, provides a monthly allowance, and extends support through board examinations for programs that require licensure.
“For private school scholars, DBP covers both tuition and monthly allowance,” Sison, who is also DBP’s corporate affairs department head, said in a press briefing after the launch.
No payback required
Sison said INSPIRE supports scholars until they take their board examinations, if required by their course.
“Each batch is supported for four to five years, depending on the degree program,” he said.
He emphasized that while DBP encourages scholars to complete their degrees, there is no obligation to repay the bank after graduation.
“There is no payback requirement,” he clarified.
Scholars may also be given opportunities for on-the-job training with DBP and may be considered for employment after graduation, subject to agency needs.
“Our goal is to expand access to quality education,” Sison said. “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.” —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
Contributor
