THE CITY Government of Davao has formally established a scholarship program for underprivileged student-athletes, who will receive financial and academic support when they compete at the regional and national levels.
Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte signed Executive Order No. 15 on May 5, 2026, creating the “Atong Taga-an og Oportunidad ang Nangandoy nga Atleta” (ATO NA) program targeting qualified, underprivileged athletes from junior high school through tertiary levels.
The city acknowledged the need to invest in human resources and cultivate skilled Davaoeños through scholarship programs for underprivileged students.
“Davao City has a considerable number of student-athletes who participate in regional, national, and international sports competitions, such as the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) and the national Palarong Pambansa, who are seen to benefit from a scholarship program to support their studies and hone their skills,” the EO stated.
Each qualified scholar may receive a maximum of ₱25,000 per semester or academic year, depending on their level and type of scholarship.
The order establishes two tiers: a full athletic scholarship at the tertiary (university or collegiate level) and a partial scholarship for tertiary, junior, and senior high school.
Full athletic scholarship in tertiary (university or collegiate level) can avail P20,000 per semester covering tuition and miscellaneous fees; and P5,000 per semester to cover sport supplies and equipment subsidies.
Meanwhile, the partial athletic scholarship for tertiary can avail P5,000 per semester to cover sport supplies and equipment subsidies, and the same amount for junior and senior high school, but for the academic year.
The scholarship grant is strictly for the matriculation, tuition, other school fees, sports supplies, and equipment subsidies of the student-athlete.
Coverage for the tuition and miscellaneous fees shall be paid directly to the academic institution upon receipt of the full statement of account for every semester or at the beginning of an academic year.
The student-athlete will directly receive the coverage for sports supplies and equipment subsidies upon presentation of official receipts
To be eligible, applicants must be bona fide Davao City residents for at least three years and enrolled in a school within the city recognized by DepEd, CHED, the Alternative Learning System, or TESDA.
Applicants must have represented Davao City in regional or national sports competitions in the last two years and carry an endorsement from a recognized sports club, athletic coach, or the National Sports Association of their sport.
Academic requirements are strict: tertiary-level applicants must carry no incomplete or failing grades from the prior school year, while junior and senior high school applicants must have no grade below 80% in any subject.
Applicants currently receiving any other scholarship, financial aid, or grant from any institution are ineligible.
A residency exemption applies to athletes who have lived in Davao City for only two years, provided they have represented the city in competitions for two consecutive years, and their school is located within Davao City.
Applicants will be evaluated through financial need/ indigent status (30%); athletic potential and commitment (30%); endorsement from coach/ school/ barangay (10%); academic standing (15%); and interview/home visit assessment (15%).
The scholarship is valid for the entire duration of the academic program, provided that the student/athlete maintains strict compliance with all academic, athletic, and conduct-related requirements.
It covers only the prescribed number of years required by the chosen degree or program: five-year degree programs are valid for five years; four-year degree programs are valid for four years; and two-year programs are valid for two years.
The senior high school program is valid for two years, and the junior high school program is valid for four years.
The Department of Education-Schools Division of Davao City welcomed the initiative as a strong manifestation of the city’s commitment to empowering young Dabawenyo athletes.
“This scholarship program significantly supports the holistic development of learners by reinforcing the importance of balancing academics, discipline, leadership, and athletic excellence,” Reynante Solitario, DepEd Davao City Schools Division superintendent, told TIMES.
Solitario said many of the student-athletes face financial and personal challenges while striving to excel both in the classroom and in competitions.
“The ATO NA Scholarship serves as an inspiration and motivation for learners to persevere, dream bigger, and continue developing their full potential. It also strengthens our shared vision of nurturing resilient, healthy, and future-ready learners,” he added.
Photo from Davao City Sports Development Office
