Cebu City Councilor Alvin Arcilla has proposed an ordinance providing financial assistance to graduates in Cebu City who cannot take licensure examinations due to lack of funds.
Ordinance Details
Submitted on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the proposal aims to allocate P15,000 in cash assistance for qualified residents to help cover board exam expenses, including review center fees, application costs, transportation, and other incidental expenses.
City officials said they are studying the required budget to ensure that this program does not affect the government's existing scholarship programs.
Arcilla's Statement
Arcilla explained that this proposal is part of the city's broader effort to expand educational assistance, amid concerns that many students cannot take the final step toward professional employment due to financial difficulties.
"We already have a scholarship program, but it is sad that after graduating, many students are still too poor to take the board exam," Arcilla said during a media forum.
He noted that even though many students successfully complete their courses, some are forced to abandon their plans to become licensed professionals because they cannot afford review programs and examination fees.
Goal of the Ordinance
According to Arcilla, the proposed ordinance aims to address this gap and give graduates a real opportunity to transition from schooling to employment.
He added that the city is currently studying the feasibility of providing up to P15,000 per beneficiary, depending on available funds and possible adjustments in city expenditures.
Expected Beneficiaries
If approved, the ordinance is expected to benefit approximately 17,000 graduates in Cebu City.
