The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines continues to invest in the education of its members through two flagship programs under its Welfare and Self-Reliance Services (WSRS): the Benson Agriculture and Food Scholarship (BAFS) and the Perpetual Education Fund (PEF). Both are administered by the Area's Education Support Services (ESS) team.
Benson Agriculture and Food Scholarship: Growing Leaders Through Education
The Benson Food and Agriculture Scholarship Program was established in 1975 as part of the Ezra Taft Benson Agriculture and Food Institute. It provides partial to full financial support for members pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture-related courses at accredited Philippine universities and colleges.
Eligible courses include Agribusiness Management, Agriculture and Biosystem Engineering, Agronomy, Agri-Forestry, Fisheries, Horticulture, Animal Science, Crop Science, Food Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Veterinary Medicine, among others.
The scholarship can cover tuition and fees, books and supplies, thesis or practicum costs, housing or transportation, and review and licensure exam fees, in that order of priority.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, enrolled or planning to enroll in an agriculture or food technology course, and must have completed an Education for Better Work (EBW) course or any WSR self-reliance class. They also need a priesthood leader endorsement certifying that they are worthy, in need, and determined to complete their studies. The endorsement must be renewed every year.
How to apply for BASF:
Interested members can request an application form from Education Support Services, fill out all required fields, and submit it along with their Statement of Account or Certificate of Registration and Applied Self-Reliance Certificate to EducationSupportPHL@churchofjesuschrist.org.
Applications are reviewed by the Area WSR Committee. Approved applicants receive a notification via email with details on the number of semesters covered and the amount approved. Funds are disbursed each semester through ML Lhuillier once the required documents are submitted. Note: No grades, no disbursement.
Perpetual Education Fund: A Loan with Unbeatable Terms
For members pursuing a wider range of courses, the Perpetual Education Fund (PEF) offers a low-interest loan program designed to lift individuals and families out of poverty through education and skills training.
The PEF covers an extensive list of programs including Information Technology, Business Administration, Accountancy, Nursing, Education courses, Healthcare-related programs, Aviation and Aeronautics, and Construction and Engineering courses. Skills training, vocational programs, and even short-term online freelancing or VA training programs are also eligible.
What makes PEF stand out:
Under the new PEF policies, applicants receive a 25% partial scholarship upfront, meaning only 75% of the funding is treated as a loan. Upon graduation, an additional 30% of the remaining loan amount is forgiven as a completion reward. The balance can then be repaid over 10 years or 120 months with no added interest. Monthly repayment drops to as low as 44 pesos per month compared to 208 pesos under the old policy, a 79% reduction.
Coverage now includes tuition, books and supplies, equipment, transportation, housing, and a computer (guidelines pending).
How to apply for PEF:
Applicants must create a profile at portal.pef.churchofjesuschrist.org, complete an Applied Self-Reliance Certificate, finish a PEF online course, secure a Priesthood endorsement, and submit proof of enrollment. Once the loan account is set up and all documents are uploaded, the application goes to the Area Office and Church Headquarters for review.
Who Is Education Support Services?
The Education Support Services team is part of the Welfare and Self-Reliance Services of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines Area. It is headed by Education Support Manager Ronald Aban under Area WSRS Manager Abenir V. Pajaro and supported by a team of Education Support Specialists.
Their mission is straightforward: to help individuals and families attain better education through Church and community resources.
As President Gordon B. Hinckley once said, "Education is the key to opportunities." That principle is at the heart of everything ESS does.
Contact Information
Members of the Church who wish to inquire or apply can reach the Education Support Services team through the following:
- Facebook Page: Education Support PHL (educationsupportPHL)
- Email: EducationSupportPHL@churchofjesuschrist.org
- Toll-Free Hotline: #1830, Press 7
Please include your name, stake or district, and mobile number in your inquiry.