The CHED Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) is a notable initiative designed to provide essential financial support to Filipino students pursuing higher education. Launched under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the program specifically targets students facing economic challenges, offering them an amount worth PHP 7,500 per semester to alleviate the costs associated with their studies.
By extending over 1,000 general slots and additional slots to each barangay, the TDP ensures broad accessibility across the country. Backed by significant funding, the program promotes educational attainment and contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development.

Program Overview
The CHED Tulong Dunong Scholarship is a financial support program by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines. Aimed at deserving Filipino students, this program helps alleviate the cost of pursuing a college degree. Whether you’re a freshman or a continuing student, this scholarship can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with higher education.
The Impact of the CHED Tulong Dunong Program (TDP)
The CHED Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) is an essential financial support assistance program with a significant role in increasing access to higher education for Filipino students who face financial challenges. Here’s a closer look at its impact and key details:
Financial Assistance
Each qualified student receives PHP 7,500 per semester, which helps cover tuition fees, school expenses, and living costs. This financial support makes higher education more attainable for many students, reducing the economic burden on their families.
Broad Reach and Accessibility
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the program offers over 1,000 general slots, with an additional 4 slots available in each barangay. This extensive reach allows students from various regions to benefit from the program, so that the opportunity is available across the country.
Significant Funding and Support
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allocated PHP 3.744 billion to fund the Tulong Dunong Program for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years. This substantial investment is set to benefit 247,135 students enrolled in CHED-recognized public and private higher education institutions, showcasing the government’s commitment to supporting education.
Focus on Underserved Populations
The program specifically targets students whose household income does not exceed PHP 400,000 per year. By focusing on these financially disadvantaged students, the program directs its assistance to those who need it most, helping to bridge the gap in access to higher education.
Support Across Various Institutions
The Tulong Dunong Scholarship is available to students enrolled in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), CHED-Recognized Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and CHED-Registered Private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This broad coverage makes sure that students in different types of educational institutions have the opportunity to benefit from the program.
Contribution to a Larger Goal
As part of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education – Tertiary Education Subsidy, the Tulong Dunong Program is integral to the government’s broader mission to enhance access to higher education. By reducing financial barriers, this program helps increase educational attainment, which contributes to the Philippines’ economic and social development by fostering a more educated workforce.

Legal Framework
The CHED Tulong Dunong Program operates within a solid legal framework that upholds the provision of financial assistance to deserving Filipino students. This framework is built on several key laws and guidelines:
- Republic Act No. 7722 (Higher Education Act of 1994):
- This law established the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and outlines its mandate to oversee higher education in the Philippines, including the implementation of scholarship programs like Tulong Dunong.
- Republic Act No. 10924 (General Appropriations Act of FY 2017):
- This act includes provisions related to CHED’s budget, specifically allocating funds for the Tulong Dunong Program, maintaining its continued operation.
- President’s Budget Action Message for Fiscal Year 2017:
- Issued on December 22, 2016, this message provided conditional implementation guidelines for the Tulong Dunong Program, so that funds are used appropriately and reach the intended beneficiaries.
- Joint Implementing Guidelines by the Department of Budget and Management and CHED:
- These guidelines were issued to align the Tulong Dunong Program with the goals of the UniFAST Act, streamlining various student financial assistance programs under a unified system.
- UniFAST Act (Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act):
- This law rationalized and unified different financial aid programs, including Tulong Dunong, making the system more efficient and accessible to students.
- Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education:
- The Tulong Dunong Program is a component of this broader effort, which aims to provide comprehensive financial support to Filipino students pursuing higher education.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for the CHED Tulong Dunong Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be a resident of Benguet.
- Education: Must be enrolled as a freshman in any four-year course.
- Income: The combined household income should not exceed Php 400,000 annually.
- No Other Government Scholarships: Applicants should not be receiving any other government-funded scholarship.
- School: Must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at a State University or College (SUC), CHED-recognized Local University and College (LUC), or CHED-registered Private Higher Education Institution (HEI).
Required documents include:
- Completed Application Form: Two copies of the accomplished TDP-TES Application Form with a 2×2 ID picture attached.
- Proof of Enrollment: One original and one photocopy of your Certificate of Registration or Enrollment for the 1st Semester of AY 2024-2025.
- Certificate of Indigency: An original and a photocopy of the Certificate of Indigency signed by the Punong Barangay where you reside.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the CHED Tulong Dunong Scholarship:
- Obtain the Application Form
- Download the application form online or collect it from your local CHED Regional Office or the Congress District Office in Poblacion, La Trinidad, Benguet.
- Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the form with accurate and complete details, attaching a recent 2×2 ID picture.
- Gather Required Documents
- Prepare the necessary supporting documents: Proof of Enrollment and Certificate of Indigency.
- Submit the Application
- Submit your completed application form and supporting documents to the Congress District Office in Poblacion, La Trinidad, Benguet. It’s recommended to apply early, as applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Wait for Application Review
- After submission, CHED will review your application. Successful applicants will be notified and will receive support for their entire four-year course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How many slots are available for the Tulong Dunong Program?
-
- The program offers more than 1,000 general slots, with additional slots allocated to each barangay. Specific institutions in Manila, such as UDM, PLM, EARIST, and PUP, each have 40 slots available.
- Which institutions offer the Tulong Dunong Scholarship?
- The scholarship is available at State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), CHED-Recognized Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and CHED-Registered Private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the Philippines.
- How does the Tulong Dunong Program compare to other scholarships?
- The Tulong Dunong Program focuses on financially challenged students, offering Php 7,500 per semester. It is more accessible compared to merit-based scholarships like the CHED Merit Scholarship or DOST Scholarship, which may provide more comprehensive financial support but have stricter eligibility criteria.
Recent Updates
Parañaque City Government Offers Educational Assistance to College Students
In Parañaque, college students are set to receive educational assistance from the local government through the CHED Tulong Dunong program, spearheaded by Rep. Edwin Olivarez. The program provides financial support of P15,000 to eligible students, with criteria including Filipino citizenship, specific documentation, and a household income not exceeding P400,000. Applicants are required to submit various documents such as voter’s certificate, barangay indigency, enrollment registration, and government-issued IDs. This aims to alleviate financial burdens on students and promote access to higher education in the city. (Manila Bulletin)
CHED Acknowledges Delay in Tertiary Education Subsidy and Tulong Dunong Program Grants
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has admitted a significant delay in the release of grants for beneficiaries of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Tulong Dunong programs. Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas raised concerns about the delay, highlighting that many students have not received their subsidies for the past year. CHED attributed the delay to the need for validation and consolidation of documentary requirements before submitting funding requests to the DBM. The agency is working to expedite the disbursement of funds and has implemented measures to streamline the liquidation process. Despite the delay, CHED reported an increase in nursing graduates and is addressing challenges in other health professions by implementing interventions and developing a master plan. (ABS-CBN News)
Camiguin Polytechnic State College Students Receive Stipend for Second Semester
Camiguin Polytechnic State College (CPSC) students who are grantees of the UniFAST Tulong Dunong Program for State Universities and Colleges (TDP-SUC) have received their stipends for the second semester of the 2023-2024 school year. The distribution covered 97 grantees in Batch 1, with each student receiving a one-time grant of Php7,500. The total amount distributed for Batch 1 was Php712,500.00. This financial assistance aims to support students in their academic pursuits and alleviate their financial burdens. The CPSC expresses gratitude to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and UniFAST for their support and contribution to the students’ education.
Navoteño students have received educational assistance from funds allocated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). A total of 52 beneficiaries of the SMART Program received a one-time payment of P25,000, while 96 students under the Tulong Dunong program received P7,500 per semester. This financial support aims to alleviate the financial burden of students and promote access to quality education in Navotas. The assistance reflects the commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of young Navoteños and empowering them to achieve their academic goals.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released Php 3.744 billion to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to support its Tulong Dunong Program, aimed at assisting Filipino students in completing their college education. The program provides financial assistance to qualified students enrolled in CHED-recognized public and private higher education institutions. A total of 247,135 students will receive financial assistance for the second semester of the Academic Year (AY) 2023-2024 and the first semester of AY 2024-2025. This funding underscores the government’s commitment to promoting access to quality education and empowering Filipino students to achieve their academic goals.
Two hundred thirty-seven Cavite State University (CvSU) students received scholarship grants from the Commission on Higher Education Tulong Dunong Program (CHEd-TDP), signifying the program’s commitment to supporting deserving students. The CvSU Bee Research, Innovation, Trade, and Extension (CvSU-BRITE) Center hosted an exhibit highlighting the importance of bees and their role in the community. The exhibit, themed “Feb-e-BEEg: Extending love for the Bees and the Community – A Brite Honey Valentine,” captivated students with discussions about bees and their contributions. The event showcased the center’s dedication to research, instruction, and extension, inspiring individuals and supporting the beekeeping industry. CvSU officials recognized the achievements of the BRITE Center and its role in promoting beekeeping and related research. (The Manila Times)
Video: Tulong Dunong Program
The Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) is a component of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program under UniFAST, designed to provide financial assistance to deserving Filipino students pursuing higher education. The TDP aims to alleviate the financial burden of students and promote access to quality education, particularly for those from low-income families. The program provides financial aid to students enrolled in various higher education institutions, including state universities and colleges (SUCs) and private institutions. To qualify for the TDP, students must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as academic performance, family income, and residency. The program sees to it that deserving students can pursue their educational aspirations without being hindered by financial constraints.
Conclusion
The CHED Tulong Dunong Scholarship offers significant financial relief to Filipino students seeking higher education. If you meet the eligibility requirements, this is a valuable opportunity to lessen the financial strain of your college education. Don’t miss out—apply now and take a significant step towards achieving your academic goals.