UP launches Lingap Iskolar Program to assist 300 UPCAT qualifiers

The University of the Philippines (UP) announced on Tuesday that it will provide financial and educational assistance to 300 UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) qualifiers from remote areas through its Lingap Iskolar Program.

Now in its second year, the program aims to support UPCAT qualifiers from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) and low-income families by covering various expenses such as housing, meals, transportation, books, communication, and school supplies.

Since its launch on May 31, 2024, the Lingap Iskolar Program has provided P165,000 in financial aid to each of the 194 scholars for the academic year 2024-2025, with UP earmarking P50 million this year.

UP President Angelo Jimenez emphasized that many brilliant young Filipinos from public schools and low-income families often forego their dream of studying at UP due to financial constraints.

The program also includes sub-programs like 'Lingap Hapunan' and bridging academic programs to aid incoming freshmen from GIDA, with a one-time relocation allowance of P10,000 for students coming from remote provinces.