The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is set to release P764 million in student financial assistance to more than 66,000 beneficiaries across Region 12 (Soccsksargen), which was heavily affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, 2026. The aid package is part of the government’s broader effort to ensure that students in disaster-affected areas can continue their education without interruption.
The devastating earthquake, whose epicenter was located off the coast of Sarangani province, left at least 35 people dead and over 200 injured across Mindanao. Thousands of structures were damaged or destroyed, including schools, homes, and public infrastructure. Koronadal City, the capital of South Cotabato and the regional center of Soccsksargen, felt significant tremors that disrupted daily life and forced the suspension of classes and government operations.
CHED’s student aid program will cover various forms of financial assistance, including scholarships, stipends, and emergency grants for enrolled college and senior high school students whose families were impacted by the disaster. The agency emphasized that the funds are intended to help students cover tuition fees, school supplies, transportation, and other essential expenses as communities work to rebuild.
“Education must not stop because of a disaster. Our students in Region 12 have already endured so much, and we want to make sure that financial hardship does not prevent them from continuing their studies,” a CHED spokesperson said in a statement.
The P764-million allocation will be distributed through CHED’s regional office in Region 12, in coordination with local government units and partner higher education institutions. Beneficiaries are expected to include students from Koronadal City, General Santos City, and the surrounding provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and North Cotabato.
The earthquake also damaged several school buildings across the region, prompting the Department of Education (DepEd) to suspend classes in the most affected areas. While many schools have since been cleared to resume operations, some areas — particularly in Sarangani province — remain under class suspension until the end of June 2026 as authorities continue to assess structural safety.
Local officials in Koronadal City have welcomed the CHED assistance, noting that many families in the region are still recovering from the earthquake’s aftermath. Community leaders have called for continued government support, including infrastructure rebuilding, livelihood programs, and mental health services for affected residents.
Students and families who wish to apply for CHED financial assistance are encouraged to contact the CHED Regional Office for Region 12 or visit their nearest higher education institution for guidance on eligibility requirements and application procedures.