Quezon City has launched a new scholarship initiative designed to strengthen education, cultural development, and the promotion of the Filipino language. Mayor Joy Belmonte on Sunday approved an ordinance establishing the Manuel L. Quezon (MLQ) Filipino Language and Literature Scholarship Program, which amends the city’s existing Expanded Scholarship Code to include a dedicated track for students, educators, and researchers focused on Filipino language, literature, linguistics, translation, and related fields.
RELATED: [Q.C. Bags International Climate Award For Trash-To-Cashback Initiative]
Scholarship Opportunities for Students and Researchers
The program provides financial support for both tertiary and postgraduate studies, with the goal of fostering academic excellence in Filipino studies, promoting literary and creative output, supporting research initiatives, and reinforcing national identity. It also seeks to increase opportunities for underrepresented and marginalized communities.
Under the Scholarship for Tertiary Students, qualified applicants enrolled in programs such as Filipino Language, Filipino Literature, Journalism, Philippine Studies, or Education with a Filipino major can receive up to P160,000 per academic year at private institutions or a P50,000 annual stipend at public institutions.
Meanwhile, the Scholarship for Postgraduate Students assists scholars pursuing Filipino Language, Philippine Studies, Philippine Literature, Comparative Literature, or Linguistics with a Filipino focus, offering up to P105,000 per school year subject to the submission of a research proposal that promotes Filipino language and literature.
The ordinance also introduces a Creative Writing and Literary Grant for young and established writers producing original works in Filipino, including poetry, fiction, essays, and drama. Recipients may receive P10,000 in stipend support plus up to P30,000 in publication assistance, totaling a P40,000 grant.
Investing in Culture and National Identity
“Quezon City is the home of the nation’s capital heritage and the legacy of President Manuel L. Quezon, the Father of the Filipino Language. By institutionalizing this scholarship program, we are investing not only in our students, but also in our identity as a people,” Belmonte said, emphasizing the program’s role in preserving cultural heritage. “This initiative ensures that Filipino language and literature continue to thrive in our schools, our communities, and future generations,” she added.
Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, who presided over the City Council, also stressed the initiative’s significance.
“By integrating this scholarship into our Expanded Scholarship Code, we are opening more doors for young Filipinos, educators, and writers to develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to nation-building through language and literature,” he said.
The Manuel L. Quezon Filipino Language and Literature Scholarship Program not only reinforces Quezon City’s dedication to fostering Filipino creativity and pride but also ensures that future generations of students, writers, and educators can pursue excellence in Filipino language and culture.
RELATED: [Q.C. Simplifies Business Permits With New Risk-Based Processing System]
