P27M earmarked for Frasco’s scholarship program

CEBU, Philippines — Thousands of students across Cebu’s 5th District received educational support this school year through Congressman Duke Frasco’s scholarship program, with more than ?27 million allocated to beneficiaries across mainland northern Cebu and Camotes Island.

Now on its seventh year, the program continues to widen its reach, providing direct financial assistance to students from municipalities and city in the district.

Danao City received one of the largest allocations, with 1,431 scholars granted a combined total of ?5.7 million for senior high school and college students from various barangays.

In San Francisco, Camotes Island, the program released ?5,032,000 to 1,258 students—one of the biggest scholarship turnouts in the municipality. Congressman Frasco was represented during the distribution by Board Member Mike Villamor, Mayor Al Arquillano, Vice Mayor Aly Arquillano, municipal councilors, and barangay officials.

Compostela received ?4.68 million in grants for 1,170 students, continuing its long-standing participation in the program and producing graduates who are now working as professionals locally and abroad.

The town of Carmen received ?4.3 million in educational assistance for 1,077 scholars, supporting students from low-income families.

In Catmon, 679 students were awarded a total of ?2.7 million, while Sogod received ?2.5 million for 642 students, extending the program’s reach into both upland and coastal communities.

In Borbon, ?2.128 million was distributed to 532 scholars through local officials led by Mayor Nico Dotillos, former mayor and current Sangguniang Bayan member Neal Vergara, and barangay leaders.

In total, the program released more than ?27 million in scholarship assistance across Danao City, San Francisco (Camotes), Compostela, Carmen, Catmon, Sogod, and Borbon—making it one of the largest district-wide scholarship initiatives in Cebu.

The TeamFrasco Scholarship Program is also on its 19th year in Liloan, where it began. Since its launch, tens of thousands of students have benefited, many of whom have completed their degrees and are now employed in various industries in the Philippines and abroad.

One beneficiary, Gimo Cresencio of Compostela—now a graduating Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English student at CTU–Consolacion—said the scholarship played a vital role in helping him complete his studies.

“Without Cong. Duke Frasco’s scholarship, I wouldn’t be here today,” Cresencio said.

Congressman Frasco has consistently emphasized that education is a long-term investment that strengthens families and communities, noting that scholarship assistance is not merely financial aid but an opportunity for young people to change their future.

In a social media post, Frasco said that with its expanding coverage and growing number of scholars, the TeamFrasco Scholarship Program remains a strong pillar of educational support in Cebu’s 5th District, helping shape the next generation of professionals and community leaders. — (FREEMAN)