CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program 2026 Application Guide

The CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program (Cebu Province–Grants Intended for Tertiary Students) is the flagship educational assistance program of the Cebu Provincial Government. It provides financial assistance to qualified incoming first-year college students enrolling in eligible public higher education institutions.

This guide covers the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program qualifications, requirements, benefits, partner schools, application process, scholarship obligations, and other important details to help you prepare your application.

Qualifications:

The CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program is open to qualified incoming first-year college students from Cebu Province who have demonstrated academic achievement and financial need. Before applying, make sure you meet all of the eligibility requirements below.

To qualify for the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program, applicants must:

• Be an incoming first-year college student.
• Have a Senior High School General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 85% or its equivalent, with no failing grades.
• Have passed the entrance examination and admission requirements of an eligible public higher education institution (if applicable).
• Be a resident of Cebu Province for at least one (1) year immediately before the application period.
• Either the applicant or their parent/legal guardian must be a registered voter of Cebu Province.
• Belong to a family with a combined annual household income of not more than ₱200,000.
• Not be a beneficiary of any other government, private, or institutional scholarship or educational assistance program that provides a living allowance.

Important Notes:

• Applicants must meet all of the qualifications to be considered eligible for the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program.
• Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee selection, as all applications are subject to the screening and evaluation process of the Provincial School Board (PSB).
• All information and supporting documents submitted must be accurate, complete, and truthful. Any false or misleading information may result in the disqualification of the application.
• Applicants should regularly check official announcements from the Cebu Provincial Government, as eligibility requirements and scholarship guidelines may be updated before each application cycle.

Requirements:

Applicants for the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program must prepare and submit all required documents to verify their eligibility. Ensure that each document is complete, accurate, and issued by the appropriate office before submitting your application.

Required Documents

• Certified True Copy of the Senior High School Report Card (First and Second Semesters)
  • Must show a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 85%.
  • Where to get: Senior High School Registrar or School Records Office.
• Certificate of Good Moral Character
  • Must be signed by the School Principal and endorsed by the District Supervisor.
  • Where to get: School Guidance Office or Principal’s Office.
• Barangay Certification
  • Serves as proof of residency in Cebu Province.
  • Where to get: Barangay Hall of your place of residence.
• Voter’s ID or COMELEC-issued Voter’s Certificate
  • May be submitted by the applicant or parent/legal guardian.
  • Where to get: Personal records or the nearest COMELEC Office.
• Income Tax Return (ITR) or BIR Tax Exemption Certificate
  • Must show a combined annual household income of not more than ₱200,000.
  • Where to get: Employer, parent/guardian, or the nearest Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) office.
• Current Study Load or Certificate of Enrollment
  • Where to get: Registrar’s Office of your college or university.
• Signed CP-GIFTS Terms and Conditions Form
  • Where to get: Provided by the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program during the application process.
• Letter of Self-Attestation
  • Must state that the applicant is not receiving another scholarship or educational assistance program that provides a living allowance.
  • Where to get: Prepared and signed by the applicant.
• Duly Accomplished CP-GIFTS Student Information Form
  • Must be completely filled out and attached with one (1) recent 2×2 ID picture.
  • Where to get: Available from the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program application portal or designated application office.

Important Notes:

• Submit complete, accurate, and legible copies of all required documents. Incomplete applications may not be processed.
• Attach a recent 2×2 ID picture to the CP-GIFTS Student Information Form before submission.
• Any falsification, alteration, or misrepresentation of information or supporting documents may result in the disqualification of your application.
• Some documents may require certification, signatures, or endorsements, so request them well in advance to avoid delays.
• The Cebu Provincial Government may update the documentary requirements or request additional supporting documents during the application period. Always refer to the latest official guidelines before applying.

Benefits:

The CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to qualified scholars to help cover their educational expenses while pursuing an undergraduate degree. To continue receiving the scholarship, scholars must comply with the program’s academic and scholarship requirements throughout the duration of their studies.

Benefit	Benefit
Monthly Financial Assistance	₱2,000 per month
Per Semester Assistance	Equivalent to ₱10,000 per semester
Annual Financial Assistance	Up to ₱20,000 per academic year
Mode of Release	Financial assistance may be released through cash or check after the submission of the required grades and Letter of Attestation.
Duration of Scholarship	The scholarship is renewable and continues until the completion of the scholar’s undergraduate degree, provided all scholarship guidelines and academic requirements are met.

Important Notes:

• Scholars must maintain the scholarship requirements and submit all required documents on time to continue receiving financial assistance.
• The release of the stipend is subject to the submission and verification of the required grades and Letter of Attestation.
• The Cebu Provincial Government may revise the scholarship benefits, release schedule, or guidelines through the Provincial School Board (PSB) when necessary.

Priority Courses:

The CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program gives priority to students enrolled in programs that support the workforce and development needs of Cebu Province. 

While applicants from other eligible programs may still be considered, those taking the priority courses below may receive preference during the evaluation process, subject to the Provincial School Board’s guidelines.

Priority Courses

• Agriculture
• Fisheries
• Accountancy
• Real Estate Management
• Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Robotics
• Information Technology (IT)
• Computer-related Courses
• Pre-Medical Courses
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Criminology

Important Notes:

• Enrolling in a priority course does not automatically guarantee approval of your CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program application.
• Applicants must still meet all eligibility requirements and successfully pass the scholarship screening and evaluation process.
• The list of priority courses may be updated by the Cebu Provincial Government or the Provincial School Board (PSB) in future application cycles.

Partner School:

The CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program is available only to students enrolled in eligible public higher education institutions within Cebu Province. Applicants must ensure that both their school and degree program meet the scholarship’s eligibility requirements before submitting their application.

Eligible Partner Schools

The scholarship covers students enrolled in the following types of public higher education institutions:

• State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
• Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs)

Note: Eligible schools must be located within the territorial jurisdiction of Cebu Province, including its independent component cities and highly urbanized cities.

Schools and Programs Not Covered

The CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program does not cover:

• Private colleges and universities
• Law programs
• Medicine programs
• Graduate degree programs (e.g., Master’s and Doctoral degrees)

Important Notes:

• Applicants must be officially admitted and enrolled in an eligible public higher education institution to qualify for the scholarship.
• Even if a school is eligible, not all degree programs may be covered under the scholarship.
• Applicants are encouraged to verify the eligibility of both their institution and chosen degree program with the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program or the Cebu Provincial Government before applying.
• The list of eligible institutions and covered programs may be updated by the Provincial School Board (PSB) in future application cycles.

Application Deadline:

For School Year 2026–2027 (Batch 7), the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program accepts applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Since scholarship slots are limited, eligible applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their requirements as early as possible.

Application Schedule	Details
Scholarship Batch	Batch 7 (School Year 2026–2027)
Application Start Date	July 1, 2026
Application Deadline	No fixed closing date; applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all available scholarship slots are filled.
Recommendation	Submit a complete application as early as possible to increase your chances of securing a scholarship slot.

Important Notes:

• The CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program has limited scholarship slots for each application cycle.
• Applications with incomplete or missing requirements may not be processed.
• Once all available slots have been filled, the application period may close even without a published deadline.
• Applicants should regularly monitor official announcements from the Cebu Provincial Government for any updates or changes to the application schedule.

How to Apply:

Applying for the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program is simple if you prepare all the required documents in advance. Follow the steps below to complete your application successfully.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, make sure you meet all of the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program qualifications.

• Review the scholarship eligibility requirements.
• Ensure you meet the academic, residency, and income qualifications.
• Confirm that you will enroll in an eligible public higher education institution.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

Gather all the required documents before submitting your application.

• Secure all required documentary requirements.
• Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and properly signed.
• Have certified or authenticated documents ready, if required.

Step 3: Download and Complete the Application Forms

Obtain and accomplish the official scholarship forms.

Download and complete the following forms:

• Student Information Form
• Terms and Conditions Form
• Letter of Self-Attestation

Where to get the forms:

• Official CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program Facebook Page
• Designated District Offices

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Submit your completed application through any of the following channels.

Option A: In-Person Submission

Submit your application to:

• Capitol Executive Building – Receiving Office
• Office of the Governor
• Cebu Provincial Capitol

You may also coordinate with:

• Provincial School Board (PSB)

Option B: District Office or LGU Submission

Applicants may also submit through:

• Provincial Board Member’s District Office
• Local Government Unit (LGU)
• Youth Development Office

Option C: Online Submission

Applicants from island municipalities may apply through the designated online system.

This option is available for applicants from:

• Bantayan Islands
• Camotes Islands

Coordinate with:

• Your respective Provincial Board Member

Step 5: Wait for the Evaluation Results

After submitting your application, wait for the official evaluation and announcement of results.

• Applications are evaluated by the Provincial School Board (PSB).
• Processing follows a first-come, first-served basis.
• Only complete applications will proceed to evaluation.
• Qualified applicants will be notified based on the official announcement.

Important Notes:

• Submit your application as early as possible, as scholarship slots are limited.
• Double-check that all required documents are complete before submission.
• Keep a copy of your application and supporting documents for future reference.
• Regularly monitor the official CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program Facebook Page and the Cebu Provincial Government’s announcements for updates on the application process and results.

Scholarship Renewal Requirements:

To continue enjoying the benefits of the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program, scholars must comply with the scholarship’s academic, enrollment, and documentary requirements every semester. Failure to meet these obligations may result in the suspension or termination of scholarship benefits.

Renewal Requirements

To remain eligible for the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program, scholars must:

• Maintain a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 85%.
• Have no failing grades in any subject.
• Remain a regular or full-load student throughout the scholarship period.
• Attend orientation programs, meetings, and other activities conducted by the Provincial School Board (PSB).
• Submit the following documents every semester:
  • Official grades
  • Letter of Self-Attestation
  • Other documentary requirements required by the PSB
• Continue studying in the approved school and degree program.
• Not receive another government, private, or institutional scholarship that provides a living allowance.

Important Notes:

• Renewal of the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program is subject to the scholar’s continued compliance with all scholarship requirements.
• Late or incomplete submission of renewal documents may delay the release of financial assistance.
• Scholars are encouraged to monitor official announcements for updated renewal guidelines each semester.

Return Service Agreement:

As part of the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program, scholars are required to complete a community return service requirement during the scholarship period. This initiative encourages scholars to give back to their communities while developing a sense of civic responsibility and public service.

I. Community Return Service Requirement

Requirement	Details
Required Community Service	160 hours throughout the duration of the scholarship
Purpose	To promote community involvement and encourage scholars to contribute to public service and local development

II. Approved Community Service Activities

Scholars may complete their required 160 hours through approved activities such as:

• Tree planting activities
• Medical missions
• Community clean-up drives
• School-sponsored outreach and volunteer activities
• Government-sponsored programs
• Other community service activities approved by the Provincial School Board (PSB)

III. Proof of Completion

After completing the required community service hours, scholars must obtain a Certification of Completion from any of the following authorized officials:

• Scholarship Coordinator
• Barangay Captain
• Municipal or City Mayor
• Governor

Important Notes:

• Scholars must complete the required 160 hours of community service as part of the scholarship requirements.
• Only community service activities recognized or approved by the Provincial School Board (PSB) will be credited.
• Keep copies of all certifications and supporting documents for future verification and scholarship records.
• Failure to comply with the return service requirement may affect a scholar’s standing in the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program.

Grounds for Disqualification:

Scholars are expected to comply with all rules and conditions of the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program. Failure to do so may result in the suspension or cancellation of scholarship benefits.

A scholar may be disqualified from the program if they:

• Shift to another degree program.
• Change their major or field of specialization.
• Transfer to another school without approval.
• Stop studying or discontinue their education.
• Fail to maintain the required academic standing.
• Become a beneficiary of another scholarship or educational assistance program that provides a living allowance.
• Submit false, misleading, altered, or falsified documents or information during the application or renewal process.

Important Notes:

• Any violation of the scholarship’s terms and conditions may lead to the termination of scholarship benefits.
• Scholars are responsible for immediately informing the Provincial School Board (PSB) of any changes affecting their scholarship eligibility.
• The Provincial School Board reserves the right to investigate applications and scholarship records and to revoke benefits if any violation of the program guidelines is discovered.

About CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program:

The CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program (Cebu Province–Grants Intended for Tertiary Students) is the flagship tertiary educational assistance program of the Cebu Provincial Government. 

Administered through the Provincial School Board (PSB), it provides financial assistance to qualified incoming first-year college students from low-income families who wish to pursue higher education in eligible public colleges and universities.

For School Year 2026–2027, the Cebu Provincial Government allocated ₱150 million for the program, providing approximately 5,900 scholarship slots. 

These slots are distributed among the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Vice Governor, and the members of the Provincial Board to help expand access to higher education across the province.

Aside from providing financial assistance, the CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program encourages scholars to excel academically and actively serve their communities. 

Scholars are expected to maintain the required academic performance, comply with scholarship guidelines, attend official activities, and complete the required 160 hours of community return service throughout the duration of the scholarship.

Final Thought:

The CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program continues to provide deserving students in Cebu Province with an opportunity to pursue higher education without the added burden of financial constraints. 

If you meet the eligibility requirements, prepare your documents early and submit a complete application as soon as the application period opens, as scholarship slots are limited and processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Before applying, always verify the latest announcements and guidelines issued by the Cebu Provincial Government to stay updated on any changes to the application process or scholarship requirements. 

You may also browse our other government scholarships and local scholarships to discover additional financial assistance opportunities that match your qualifications.

Reference:

1. Cebu Daily News. (2026, July 1). Capitol scholarship: How incoming college freshmen can apply for CP-GIFTS. https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/736865/capitol-scholarship-how-incoming-college-freshmen-can-apply-for-cp-gifts
2. Cebu Province EduSkills Program. (n.d.). Cebu Province EduSkills Program. Facebook. Retrieved July 25, 2026, from https://www.facebook.com/CebuProvinceEduSkillsProgram
3. Cebu Provincial Government. (2026). CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program guidelines and application requirements [PDF]. Google Drive. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PXLMiSx4PFjPsE3BSag9fpDOMQQX4Obs/view
4. MyTV.ph. (2026). Capitol offers close to 6,000 scholarship slots. https://mytv.ph/article/capitol-offers-close-to-6%2C000-scholarship-slots-
5. PhilScholar. (2026). CP-GIFTS Scholarship Program: Qualifications, requirements, benefits, and application guide. https://philscholar.com/cp-gifts-scholarship-program/#requirements
6. SunStar Cebu. (2026, July 2). 5,300 scholarship slots open for Cebu students. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/5300-scholarship-slots-open-for-cebu-students