The City Government of Dumaguete has opened applications for its Educational Assistance Program, targeting incoming and continuing college students who meet specific residency and income requirements. The application period runs from May 4-29, 2026, at the City Social Welfare and Development Office located on Rizal Boulevard Avenue, Poblacion 1.
According to the official announcement from the City Social Welfare and Development Office, the program operates under City Ordinance No. 35, series of 2017, and City Ordinance No. 02, series of 2018, establishing the legal framework for educational support to qualified city residents.
Income Threshold and Residency Requirements
The program specifically targets families within the poverty threshold established by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Applicants must demonstrate that their parent’s or guardian’s total monthly income falls within ₱13,873 for a family of five, based on 2023 poverty threshold data.
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Prospective beneficiaries must prove they have been bonafide residents of Dumaguete City for at least five years. This residency requirement ensures the program serves long-term community members who have established roots in the city.
The city government has implemented a family limit policy, allowing a maximum of two grantees per family to ensure broader distribution of educational assistance across different households in the community.
Academic Performance Standards
All applicants must be Senior High School graduates who completed Grade 12 with specific academic achievements. The program requires incoming first-year college students to present a Grade 12 Report Card showing at least 80% general average with no failing grades.
Continuing college students face ongoing academic requirements to maintain their assistance. They must carry the required regular academic load each semester, maintain passing grades, and achieve a Quality Point Average (QPA) that allows advancement to the next semester or year level.
The program emphasizes academic excellence as a cornerstone of eligibility, ensuring that recipients demonstrate commitment to their educational pursuits through consistent performance standards.
Institution Eligibility and Geographic Scope
Students may enroll in any accredited colleges or universities within Dumaguete City to qualify for the assistance program. However, the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) board has provisions for students pursuing courses not available within the city limits.
According to the program guidelines, applicants enrolled in institutions outside Dumaguete City may receive consideration, provided the college or university is located within Negros Oriental province and all other requirements are met.
This geographic flexibility acknowledges that some specialized academic programs may not be available within Dumaguete City while maintaining focus on institutions within the broader provincial area.
Priority System and Scholarship Exclusions
The program prioritizes applicants who are not receiving other scholarships or educational grants from the city government or any public or private entity. This priority system aims to support students who lack alternative financial assistance for their education.
All applicants must maintain good moral standing in the community, a requirement that reflects the city government’s emphasis on character development alongside academic achievement.
The qualification framework ensures that assistance reaches students who most need financial support while maintaining standards for academic performance and community involvement.
Required Documentation Process
The application process requires eight specific document categories, creating a comprehensive verification system for eligibility. Applicants must submit original copies of their Barangay Clearance and Barangay Indigency certificates for both parents or guardians, with the indigency documents specifically indicating years of residency.
Photocopy requirements include the applicant’s Voter’s Certificate, both parents’ or guardians’ Voter’s Certificates, and the applicant’s Certificate of Good Moral Character. Each application must include one 2×2 ID picture with a white background.
Academic documentation differs between incoming and continuing students. First-year applicants must provide photocopies of their Grade 12 Report Cards, while continuing students must submit copies of their current semester load slip and previous semester grades.
Application Timeline and Contact Information
The 25-day application window from May 4-29, 2026, provides eligible students with sufficient time to gather required documentation and submit complete applications. The City Social Welfare and Development Office processes all applications at their Rizal Boulevard Avenue location in Poblacion 1.
Interested applicants can contact the office through multiple channels, including email addresses cswdodgte2020@gmail.com and cswdodgte@yahoo.com, or by calling (035) 422-8117 for additional information about the program requirements.
The office emphasizes the importance of submitting complete documentation within the specified timeframe, warning that incomplete applications may not receive consideration for the current academic year.
Program Impact and Community Development
The Educational Assistance Program represents Dumaguete City’s commitment to supporting higher education access for economically disadvantaged residents. By establishing clear eligibility criteria and maintaining academic standards, the program aims to develop local human resources while ensuring responsible use of public funds.
The initiative operates under the hashtag #BawatBuhayMahalagaSaCSWDO, reflecting the City Social Welfare and Development Office’s philosophy that every life matters in their service delivery approach.
Students and families meeting the qualification criteria are encouraged to begin preparing their documentation immediately to ensure timely submission during the application period beginning May 4, 2026.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of City Social Welfare and Development Office Dumaguete
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