Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has launched a P135-million Study Now-Pay Later Scholarship program for an initial 300 enrollees in maritime education in one of the pioneer schools in the Visayas, a press release from his office said.

“Filipinos are very much in demand. Globalization has heightened increased trade and maritime transport needs to the extent that the industry needs at least 50,000 new maritime officers in the next seven years,” Zubiri said in the press release.

“The scholars will enjoy guaranteed employment upon graduation,” Zubiri said in the press release.

He also enjoined students to consider a maritime career through the Southwestern University scholarship program.

The Zubiri SNPL has three components. These are adopt-a-scholar, wherein beneficiaries after paying off their loans will sponsor at least one scholar in return; feeder schools wherein the SWU, the Development Bank of the Philippines, shipping and manning companies create a special curriculum and set up high schools preparatory to maritime college education; and the seed money wherein principal and interest collection shall be funneled back to the program, the press release said.

School support includes school and program fees, uniform, books, lodging, food, laundry and healthcare. The application period has been extended until May 15, the press release also said.

Qualifications required for applicants are: They must not be more than 21 years of age; weighted average grade of 85 percent in fourth year for high school graduates, or 2.5 or better in the last semester for college transferees; and not more than P150,000 gross annual income of parents or guardians.

Documentary requirements are National Statistics Office-issued birth certificate, latest Income Tax Return, and high school diploma or certificate of grades for the last semester, the press release said. 

Screening and test schedules are: In Visayas: Bacolod City, May 10 and 11; Bohol, May 16 and 17; Tacloban, May 13 and 14; and Cebu, everyday. In Mindanao: Zamboanga, May 16 and 17; Davao, May 13 and 14; and Cagayan de Oro, May 10 and 11.

Those who wish for more information may contact his office.*

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