Officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Educational Benefit System Office (AFP-EBSO) visited Samar Colleges, Inc. on March 14, 2025, to discuss updates to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and strengthen their partnership in providing educational support to military dependents.

During the meeting at 157th Street Hotel and Restaurant, AFP-EBSO representatives and Samar College officials discussed proposed amendments to the MOU, including updates on designated signatories. The status of student grantees endorsed under Presidential Decree 577—which grants tuition and matriculation fee exemptions in all educational institutions to dependents of military personnel who died or became incapacitated in the line of duty—was also reviewed. Implementation challenges were addressed, and resolutions were outlined to streamline future processes.

Present from AFP-EBSO were LCDR Chris Brian B. Ascano PN, TSg Jayson C. Lozano PA, Ms. Jennie Rose P. Balayanto Civ HR, and Ms. Mary Joy T. Ambrocio Civ HR. Representing Samar College were Dr. Pedrito G. Padilla, SVP for Academic Programs; Mr. Roque D. Villarin, Director for Campus Communication and External Services; Mr. Jerick C. Cuevas, OIC Dean for Student Affairs and Services; and Ms. Cherry Angelie G. Florentino, Scholarship Programs Coordinator.

The AFP Educational Benefit System is a program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines dedicated to providing quality education to the orphans of soldiers through scholarship grants.

AFP-EBSO officials expressed gratitude to Samar Colleges, Inc. for its invaluable contributions over the years. A partner school since 2010, Samar College has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting the education and future of soldiers’ dependents.