Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and their Families (Philippines)

The Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and their Families (CoScho) Academic Year 2026–2027 provides educational support to qualified Filipino students who are coconut farmers, dependents of registered coconut farmers, or belong to identified equity groups. The programme is implemented under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office V in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region V – Bicol.

About the CoScho Scholarship Program 2026–2027

The Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and their Families (CoScho) aims to provide financial assistance and educational opportunities to students from coconut-farming communities in the Philippines.

The programme supports students pursuing higher education, particularly those enrolled in priority academic programmes aligned with national development needs.

The scholarship is part of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), which seeks to improve the livelihood, education, and future opportunities of coconut farmers and their families.

Programme Objectives

The CoScho Scholarship Program aims to:

• Provide higher education opportunities for coconut farmers and their dependents.
• Support students from financially disadvantaged households.
• Increase access to priority degree programmes.
• Promote educational equity for under-represented groups.
• Develop skilled graduates who can contribute to national development.
• Support Indigenous communities, first-generation students, persons with disabilities, and solo-parent families.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is open to:

• Graduating Senior High School students.
• Senior High School graduates.
• Alternative Learning System (ALS) graduates.
• College students enrolled in eligible priority programmes.
• Registered coconut farmers or their qualified dependents.

Applicants must belong to a coconut-farming household registered under the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS) or be a dependent of a registered coconut farmer.

Only one qualified family member may receive the scholarship award at a time.

Priority Beneficiaries

Priority consideration is given to applicants from the following groups:

• Indigenous Groups.
• First-generation college students.
• Persons with disabilities (PWDs).
• Solo parents.
• Children of solo parents.
• Students from disadvantaged communities.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Citizenship Requirement

Applicants must:

• Be Filipino citizens.

Academic Requirement

Applicants must have:

• A General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 80% or equivalent.

Income Requirement

The combined annual gross income of parents must not exceed:

• PHP 300,000 per year

Income assessment applies to parents, guardians, or spouse where applicable.

Coconut Farmer Requirement

Applicants must:

• Be registered coconut farmers under the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS), or
• Be dependents of registered coconut farmers.

Eligible Educational Levels

The scholarship accepts applicants from different educational stages:

Graduating Senior High School Students

Applicants must submit:

• Grade 11 grades.
• Grade 12 grades.

Senior High School Graduates

Applicants must provide:

• Form 138 or SF 9.

Alternative Learning System (ALS) Graduates

Applicants must submit:

• Grade 12 academic records.

College Students

Applicants must provide:

• Academic records for Academic Year 2025–2026.
• Proof of earned units.
• Confirmation of enrolment in a priority programme.

Priority College Programmes

College applicants must be enrolled in programmes identified by CoScho as priority courses.

Students already enrolled in the second, third, or fourth year of college must provide certification from their Higher Education Institution (HEI) confirming that:

• They are enrolled in a CoScho-recognized programme.
• They are not receiving another national government-funded scholarship.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit original or certified true copies of required documents.

Basic Documents

Required documents include:

• PSA Birth Certificate.
• Academic records appropriate to educational level.
• Proof of coconut farmer registration or dependency.
• PCA Certification.

Proof of Income Documents

Applicants must submit one of the following:

• Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
• Certificate of Tax Exemption from BIR with affidavit.
• Certificate of No Income from BIR with affidavit.
• Certificate of Low Income from BIR showing actual income.
• Certificate or Case Study from the City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO) showing actual income.

Additional Documents for Special Equity Groups

Applicants belonging to priority groups must submit additional proof.

Indigenous Group Applicants

Required document:

• National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Certificate.

First-Generation Students

Required document:

• Certificate from the City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO).

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

Required document:

• Certificate issued by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) or C/MSWDO.

Solo Parents or Children of Solo Parents

Required document:

• Certificate from the C/MSWDO.

Additional Requirements for College Applicants

Incoming First-Year College Students

Applicants must submit:

• Certificate of Good Moral Character.
• Notice of Admission from their Higher Education Institution (HEI).

Current College Students

Applicants in their second, third, or fourth year must submit:

• HEI certification confirming enrolment in a CoScho priority programme.
• Certification that they are not receiving another national government-funded scholarship.

Why This Scholarship Matters

The CoScho Scholarship Program supports educational access for families involved in the coconut industry.

The programme helps by:

• Reducing financial barriers to higher education.
• Supporting students from rural farming communities.
• Creating opportunities for young people from coconut-producing areas.
• Promoting inclusive education.
• Strengthening human resource development in the coconut sector.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Check eligibility requirements.
2. Confirm coconut farmer registration through NCFRS or verify dependency status.
3. Prepare academic, income, and personal documents.
4. Obtain PCA Certification.
5. Prepare additional documents for special equity categories if applicable.
6. Complete the scholarship application process through the designated CHED Regional Office V procedure.
7. Submit original or certified true copies of required documents before the deadline.

Tips for Applicants

To improve the chances of successful application:

• Prepare documents early.
• Ensure all certificates are valid and updated.
• Verify income documents before submission.
• Confirm NCFRS registration details.
• Maintain required academic performance.
• Ensure academic records match the required educational level.
• Submit complete documentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete documents.
• Providing outdated certificates.
• Missing proof of coconut farmer registration.
• Submitting incorrect income documents.
• Applying without meeting the GWA requirement.
• Failing to provide special category certifications.
• Applying while already receiving another government-funded scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the CoScho Scholarship Program?

The CoScho Scholarship Program provides educational assistance to qualified students from coconut-farming families under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan.

Who can apply for the scholarship?

Eligible applicants include graduating Senior High School students, Senior High School graduates, ALS graduates, and college students enrolled in priority programmes who are coconut farmers or dependents of registered coconut farmers.

What is the income limit for applicants?

The combined annual gross income of parents must not exceed PHP 300,000.

What academic requirement must applicants meet?

Applicants must have a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 80% or equivalent.

Can more than one family member receive the scholarship?

No. Only one qualified family member may receive the scholarship award at a time.

What proof is required for coconut farmer status?

Applicants must provide PCA Certification and proof of registration in the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS) or proof that they are dependents of registered coconut farmers.

Are special groups given priority?

Yes. Priority is given to Indigenous Groups, first-generation students, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and children of solo parents.

Conclusion

The Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and Their Families (CoScho) 2026–2027 provides an important opportunity for students from coconut-farming communities in the Philippines to access higher education. By supporting financially disadvantaged students, registered coconut farmers, and priority equity groups, the programme strengthens educational inclusion and contributes to the long-term development of coconut-growing communities.