As the Philippines continues to grapple with economic challenges fueled largely by the global energy crisis, vulnerable sectors such as working students are increasingly feeling the strain. With the country importing around 98 percent of its oil from the Middle East, supply disruptions are expected to drive up transportation costs, electricity rates, food prices, and other daily expenses — further affecting the purchasing power of ordinary Filipinos.

For working students who also serve as breadwinners or financial contributors to their families, the rising cost of living threatens their ability to continue pursuing higher education.

Recognizing these growing challenges, Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) continues to strengthen its commitment to making quality education more accessible for Filipino working students through expanded financial assistance initiatives under its Pangarap Support program.

MMDC, known for its digital-first learning model, shares that students typically spend only around P12,000 to P14,000 per term for a light academic load covering three subjects — a setup designed to help students balance education alongside work and personal responsibilities.

Expanded Financial Aid Through Pangarap Support

Through the Pangarap Support initiative, MMDC streamlines access to various scholarship and tuition assistance programs tailored to different student needs and financial situations.

Students enrolling in BS Information Technology and Business programs may receive up to 36 percent tuition discount through the combined benefits of the Asenso Scholarship and the Needs-based Scholarship. The Asenso Scholarship provides an upfront 20 percent discount, while qualified students may receive an additional 16 percent reduction through the Needs-based Scholarship.

MMDC also offers the NextGen Discount Program, which grants a 30 percent tuition discount for one term to solo parents, children of solo parents, and working youth aged 18 to 25.

Meanwhile, families enrolling together during the same academic term may benefit from the Family Scholarship Program, which provides tiered tuition discounts of up to 60 percent for as many as four immediate family members.

To further support students facing financial difficulties, MMDC has expanded Pangarap Support to include programs that ease cash flow concerns without requiring students to pause their studies.

Eligible students may apply for the Gadget Scholarship, which provides essential digital learning tools such as laptops or portable Wi-Fi devices to support their online education.

Flexible Tuition Payment Options

Working students managing tight budgets may also take advantage of the GGives Study Now, Pay Later Loan Program, made possible through a partnership with GCash.

Through GGives, students can pay tuition and school-related fees via installment plans payable over six to 18 months, providing greater financial flexibility while continuing their studies.

Affordable Certification Programs for Career Growth

In response to the growing number of Filipinos unable to resume full college education due to economic uncertainty, MMDC is also offering access to its flexible Certification Programs for as low as Php 990 per month.

Designed for non-graduate professionals and career shifters, the short-term programs focus on upskilling and reskilling in high-demand fields such as virtual assistance, digital marketing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and English language training.

Delivered through Coursera, the self-paced certification programs can typically be completed within two to three months and are conducted entirely online.

According to MMDC Vice President Jenny Chua, accessibility remains a core pillar of the institution’s mission.

“With our digital-first model, accessibility is always an essential pillar for us at MMDC. We’re emphasizing this commitment by ensuring high-quality Mapúan Academic Excellence remains attainable to as many students as possible, no matter their financial situation.”

Chua also cited findings from MMDC’s first-ever State of the Working Student report published earlier this year, which revealed that many working students are already considering dropping out due to the pressures of balancing work, studies, and personal responsibilities.

“With these financial solutions in place, MMDC aims to lighten the load of working students and empower them to pursue their academic journey, which can eventually uplift them and their families,” she added.

Flexible Learning for Modern Filipino Students

MMDC’s fully online setup allows students enrolled in its BS Information Technology and Business programs to choose flexible class schedules — whether morning, afternoon, or evening sessions — without requiring face-to-face attendance.

By eliminating daily commuting, students can reduce transportation costs while gaining more time for work, side hustles, family responsibilities, and personal wellbeing.

Anchored on Mapúan Academic Excellence, MMDC’s curriculum emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning designed to help students immediately apply their skills in real-world industries.

“Our goal is to help Filipino working students earn a college degree that offers an edge both locally and globally or obtain an in-demand certification. This diploma or certification, after all, could serve as a stepping stone for them to earn a higher income and finally achieve their career and financial goals,” Chua said.

For more information about MMDC’s programs and financial aid initiatives, visit Mapúa Malayan Digital College or follow @mapuamalayandigital on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.