Mapúa University said on Wednesday it will expand its support programs to help ease the financial challenges students face as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“We are dedicated to providing a world-class education while ensuring that it is always accessible to our students,” said University of Mapúa President and CEO Dodjie S. Maestrecampo in a news release.
“Our priority is to provide stability and ongoing support to our students in an environment of unpredictable growth,” he added.
A survey by research firm OCTA Research found that 9.2 million Filipino households, or 25% of all households, consider themselves poor, up from 9.8 million, or 37%, in December.
However, the company said the study shows a “pre-shock baseline”, emphasizing the period before rising transport and food prices add “broad pressure on household welfare and food availability.”
To help students and families experiencing financial difficulties, the university is offering a 20% discount to all incoming freshmen who register by May 31, 2026, for the first term of the School Year (SY) 2026-2027.
Incoming Grade 11 students and first-year college students can also register for the first term with an initial payment of P8,000, with the remaining balance paid in installments. Under this plan, the remaining tuition fee will be divided into seven installments based on the payment date during the term.
“These payment structures are designed to help families manage education costs through structured and predictable installment plans following the initial payment,” the university said.
In addition to the extended financial programs, scheduled tuition and other financial adjustments for the coming school year have been suspended to provide relief to students affected by the ongoing war.
The Department of Immigration Manpower (DMW) on Saturday registered 7,674 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents who have returned to the country since the Middle East conflict began in February.
The agency noted that 7,015 Filipinos, including 5,669 OFWs and 1,382 dependents, were repatriated with government assistance. – Almira Louise S. Martinez
