Manila, June 16 -- A new subsidy program for qualified children of active members pursuing college degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) will be launched this month, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) said Tuesday.

The GSIS Subsidy for STEM Program will provide PHP15,000 per academic year to each qualified grantee to help cover education-related expenses.

In a news release, GSIS said the program is open to children of active members with permanent employment status, Salary Grade 15 and below, and updated premium payments for the last three months.

Eligible nominees must be incoming first-time college freshmen with a general weighted average of at least 90 percent in senior high school and must...