BY RHUELLA SALDUA/UM Intern
THE CITY Government of Davao’s scholarship program for local student-athletes is set to roll out in the second semester of this year, following the signing of an executive order by Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte last week.
Under the executive order, the Davao City Athletes Scholarship Program will provide financial assistance to qualified athletes.
“It has been proposed and developed for a very long time, and we are very happy that it has finally been signed by Mayor Baste Duterte,” said Justine Marie Adovo, ATO NA scholarship in-charge.
Adovo also explained that the scholarship program will not be rushed in time for school opening in June to ensure the proper rollout and organization.
To qualify for the scholarship, the applicants must be bona fide residents and must be enrolled in any recognized school within the city. They should have represented Davao in regional, national, or international competitions and must continue to do so.
Other qualifications are maintaining good academic and athletic standing, being physically fit, and having a good moral character.
Interested applicants are required to submit the following requirements:
Completed scholarship application form (available in-office and online), Certificate of Residency, Medical Certificate (fit to play), Certificate of Good Moral Character, PSA birth certificate, Certificate of Enrollment, Parents’ Income Tax Return (if applicable), Latest report card or transcript of records, Certificate of Indigency from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and proof of participation in competitions (medals, recognitions, and certificates).
The program offers full and partial scholarships.
For college students, the full scholarship includes:
₱20,000 tuition per semester, and ₱5,000 athletic subsidy for sports equipment, and this will bring the total to ₱25,000 per semester.
The partial scholarship provides:
₱5,000 for sports equipment (college level), while junior high school and senior high school student-athletes will receive ₱5,000 per year. The applicants may choose their preferred schools, but scholarship amounts are fixed.
Adovo clarified that there is no limit on the number of applicants per barangay, and all interested athletes may apply as long as they submit complete requirements.
“In coordination with the City Sports Office and the Sangguniang Panlungsod through the Education Committee, we will evaluate all applicants fairly, and we will make sure that all deserving applicants will have the slots, and no political quotas or allocations will influence the selection process,” said Adovo.
The City has received numerous inquiries from student-athletes since the announcement, and many have visited the office to ask about the requirements and qualifications to fully prepare before the formal submission period.
The selected beneficiaries should not receive other scholarship grants. However, if they wish to give it a try, they may still submit their applications if they want to be considered.
Under the leadership of Mayor Sebastian Duterte and the Davao City Sports Office, efforts will continue to improve services for student-athletes in Davao City in balancing academics and competitive sports.
