SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS OF PANPACIFIC UNIVERSITYNORTH PHILIPPINES

Gina Lee M. Santos

Director, Student Affairs and Services
Panpacific University North Philippines,
San Vicente, Urdaneta City
studentaffairs@panpacificu.edu.ph
Abstract
Descriptive survey using questionnaire was employed to determine the quantitative relationship on the
extent of implementation of the scholarship program and the profile of the respondents as well as to the degree of
seriousness of the problems encountered in the implementation of the scholarship programs of Panpacific University
North Philippines (PUNP). Generally, students articulated that the extent of implementation of scholarship program
have never implemented while employee has seldom implemented perception. Also, in the degree of seriousness of
the problems encountered in the implementation of scholarship programs, the student perception is mostly serious
while the employee perception is generally too serious. Chi-square shows that there is no significant relationship
between the extent of implementation of the scholarship program and the profile of the respondents. There is also no
significant relationship between the extent of implementation of scholarship program and the degree of seriousness
on the problems encountered in the implementation of the scholarship programs. Improvement of the delivery of
Scholarship Programs will be effective upon adopting the researchers proposed Scholarship Manual for the
University.
Keywords scholarships, financial aids, grants
INTRODUCTION
The overpowering costs on education today can turn many possible students and their families away from
further education due to the fear of not having satisfactory funds to pay for school themselves, or the complexities of
getting such financial aid or scholarships through personal establishments or outside means. According to the survey
of Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) (2013) covered around 36 million population
aged 6 to 24 years, one in every ten or about 4 million Filipino children and youth was out-of-school in 2013 wherein
19.2 percent cited insufficient family income to send child to school as the reason for not attending school (this refers
to all educational expenses other than tuition fee).
Tuttle (2005) stated that students face a complex set of dilemmas about whether to attend school, where to
attend, how to pay, how much to work, how many jobs to take, how to juggle family and children, and how to balance
these competing priorities while in school.
On this note, various scholarship programs are designed to help students pursue education. These
programs supports students in their academic activities. Scholarships are grants or subsidies used to pay for
education that do not have to be repaid to the provider or sponsor. They may be awarded based on any number of

criteria including academics, achievements, hobbies, talents, affiliations with various groups, or career aspirations.
They are available from the government, large corporations, local businesses, professional organizations, universities
and individuals.
Organizations have the flexibility to design their own approaches to the implementation and delivery of their
scholarship program. Most of the system they are using varies according to the type of the institution and according
to the needs of those applying for scholarship programs.
According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (2013), following
are three criteria for scholarship. First a scholarship shall be awarded on basis of merit: the selection of candidates
must be transparent and rigorous. Recipients shall demonstrate intellectual capability to conduct their studies and
vision for their countries. Second, the information about scholarships must be opened to all in order to allow
widespread applications. The criteria for selection must be clearly explained to avoid disappointment for the nonselected candidates. Third, follow up of scholars and grantees after their studies should be done. Scholarship
organizations must find out how the people they sponsored evolve. The better understanding of their success and
challenges in their countries may enable scholarship organizations to redefine their selection criteria.
Moreover, in the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines under Article XIV. Education, Section 1,
stipulated that The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall
take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all. Thus, under Section 2.3. It specified that the state
shall establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan programs, subsidies, and other incentives
which shall be available to deserving students in both public and private schools, especially to the underprivileged.
The Panpacific University North Philippines (PUNP), Urdaneta City, for more than 20 years now, guided by
its vision and mission which are geared toward delivery of quality education, pursuit of institutional accreditation,
international linkages and partnership, globalization, as well as good governance through transparency and efficiency
in operations and servicesmanifested on the different accreditation efforts; membership and certification it received
and will continually receive in more years to come had continuously awards academic scholarships as well as
financial assistance to its students from basic education to graduate school. The program aims to broaden the
educational opportunities for all sectors of society with emphasis to those who are financially incapable to pursue
their education.
Under Article II Section II of PUNP Student Manual, (7 th Edition), PUNP Scholarships includes Academic
Scholarships. Academic Scholarships and Grant Programs are designed to recognize academic achievements and
special talents of students. Scholarship candidates are selected from the admitted applicants.
However, among the different PUNP Student scholarship programs, there has no policies and procedures
and systematic evaluation of the various scholarships, financial aid and student loan program. Criteria for selection
and retention are unclear, thus, the researcher conducted the studyto provide insights where approaches and
schemes are not apparentand present procedures and control mechanism of policies are not clear and to redefine
and improve the implementation of the scholarship programs in the University.
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