Councilor Edison Bilog has proposed an ordinance establishing the Baguio Teachers’ Graduate Studies Scholarship Program which grants a 50% subsidy on tuition and miscellaneous fees for public and private school teachers pursuing Master’s or Doctorate degrees to enhance teaching quality and strengthen the city’s education sector.
“This program fosters shared responsibility, accountability, and sustainability, ensuring that more teachers will benefit in the long run,” Bilog stated.
Under the proposed measure, qualified public and private school teachers in Baguio City will be entitled to a 50% subsidy on tuition and miscellaneous fees when pursuing Master’s or Doctorate degrees. The other half of the fees will be shouldered by the teacher-beneficiaries, a scheme designed to promote shared responsibility and ensure the program’s sustainability.
To qualify, applicants must be bona fide teachers with at least three consecutive years of service, present proof of enrollment in an accredited graduate program, demonstrate good moral character and satisfactory performance ratings, and sign a contract committing to serve in Baguio’s public schools for at least two years after completing their degree.
The program will cover teachers enrolled in state universities and colleges or other higher education institutions recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Implementation will be overseen by the City Human Resource Management Office (CHRMO) in coordination with the Department of Education–Baguio Division. They will be tasked with screening applicants, monitoring grantees, and reporting annually to the city council.
An initial allocation of P1 million per year will be charged to the city’s Scholarship and Education Assistance Fund, subject to availability of funds and standard auditing rules.
The proposed ordinance has been approved on first reading by the Baguio City Council and referred to the Committee on Education, Creativity, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Non-Indigenous Peoples, Culture, and Historical Research for review. **Jordan G. Habbiling
