A new bill filed in Congress aims to provide full college scholarships to deserving Filipino students in exchange for future service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
FPJ Bayanihan party-list Representative Brian Poe introduced the Military Service Scholarship Program (MSSP), a measure that blends education with mandatory military service. The goal, he said, is to empower young Filipinos through education while instilling a strong sense of national duty.
“This program not only opens doors for education but also fosters a sense of duty and responsibility among our youth. It’s an investment in their future and the future of our nation,” Poe said.
Under the proposed law, qualified scholars will receive full tuition coverage, academic fees, and living allowances. Aside from completing their degrees, scholars will undergo leadership and military training as preparation for their four-year service in the AFP upon graduation. Depending on qualifications, they may serve as either enlisted personnel or commissioned officers.
The bill also recognizes that not all youth can serve in combat roles. For those with medical or other justified exemptions, an Alternative National Service pathway will allow them to contribute through civilian roles such as disaster response, education, healthcare, or technical support in government agencies.
To support scholars after their mandatory service, the bill outlines a Transition Support Program in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment. This includes job placement, skills certification, career guidance, and opportunities for reskilling or entrepreneurship.
Through the MSSP, Poe envisions a new generation of educated and service-oriented leaders ready to contribute not only to national defense but to broader nation-building efforts.
