Manila, May 14 -- Senior High School (SHS) graduates with the highest honors are encouraged to apply for the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program (BPMSP) under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

The merit-based scholarship seeks to support high-performing SHS graduates in priority disciplines in higher education, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In a press conference, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said slots are now open for applicants for the incoming academic year.

"There are 20,000 slots given to us for implementation this first semester 2026 - 2027," she said.

"This is the banner scholarship program of the President that covers the top five percent graduating from senior high school...