In a landmark announcement for Cebuano education, University of Cebu (UC) founder Augusto W. Go revealed a transformative scholarship program that will cover the full cost of a three-year college diploma for thousands of students.
A Full Scholarship with Zero Cost to Families
The visionary founder shared the news on Friday, December 5, 2025, stating that UC had received the official Notice to Proceed from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) the previous day. This greenlights the university to open 2,645 scholarship slots for diploma programs in Hospitality Management and Tourism Management.
This initiative removes the entire financial burden from students and their parents. The estimated total cost of P270,000 for the three-year program will be fully shouldered by the scholarship. Each selected scholar will receive P45,000 per semester, which amounts to nearly P100,000 per year, covering tuition, books, and a living allowance.
Simple Qualifications and a Call to Action
In his statement, Augusto W. Go emphasized the program's goal of reaching those for whom higher education seemed impossible. "There are so many who cannot afford to go to college," Go said. "Let's help them. This is money well-spent." He specifically encouraged applicants interested in Tourism and Hospitality, sectors he noted thrive on both skill and genuine heart.
The eligibility requirements are deliberately straightforward to maximize access. Applicants need only be:
- Senior High School graduates, or
- High school graduates from the pre-K-12 system.
There is no age limit. The required documents are minimal: Form 138 (Report Card), a Good Moral Certificate, and a PSA Birth Certificate.
How and Where to Apply
Enrollment is conducted on-site and is open only until December 31, 2025, as mandated by Tesda. All applications must be submitted at the UC-Maritime Education and Training Center (UC-METC) in Cebu. This campus made history last year by becoming the region's first university to offer diploma programs.
The first classes for this groundbreaking batch of scholars are set to begin on December 15, 2025. Go concluded the announcement by invoking the words of 19th-century reformer Horace Mann, reminding everyone present that "Education is life's greatest equalizer."
For more details, prospective applicants can contact UC-METC via email at registrar.metc@uc.edu.ph, by mobile at 0926-081-9752, or by landline at (032) 410-8811 local 5143.
